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Soil scientist

Soil scientists analyse soil samples to provide information about its quality and structure for construction, agricultural, government, industrial and scientific staff.

In comparison to UK work, overseas employment generally provides higher incomes and other benefits such as free accommodation.

Soil scientist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Information about the composition of soil is required for a variety of reasons. It may be needed to assist with planning and surveying for land development purposes; to assess the effect of agrochemicals used in farming; to aid land restoration and reclamation projects; to gauge drainage and irrigation requirements; or to investigate environmental, climatic and pollution issues.

Key tasks include:

assessing and examining samples
analysing and interpreting data
giving presentations
modelling information using specialist computer applications and preparing reports, maps and publications.

A large proportion of the work of soil scientists is office based, although some fieldwork is necessary to collect and test soil samples.

Typical employers of soil scientists

environmental consultancies
research establishments
commercial and industrial enterprises
higher education institutes
voluntary or charitable environmental organizations
the Civil Service.

Salaries vary greatly according to employer: within the UK, industrial organisations normally offer the best salaries. Jobs are advertised by careers services and specialist recruitment agencies and in national newspapers and various publications including New Scientist, The Economist, Nature, Farmers' Weekly and The Grower. Speculative applications are advisable.

Qualifications and training required

A soil or earth science degree is normally the minimum academic requirement. Many employers also expect a relevant postgraduate qualification. There are many opportunities to work overseas with either UK or international employers, although foreign language skills and previous international experience is often necessary. As there is strong competition for vacancies, relevant paid or voluntary work experience can be beneficial.