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Crop And Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conduct field sampling and site investigations involving soil, water, wastewater, crops, ponds ... Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related ...

D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop and Soil Sciences, Environmental Soil Science, Plant and Soil ... Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. • Strong ...

Post-doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

A research background in soil science, hydrology, and/or agronomy. Experience with soil process simulation models (e.g., finite element, finite difference, or other process-based crop/soil models)

Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Crop and Soil Sciences About the Department The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses varied disciplines in research extension and teaching. The ...

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Crop And Soil Scientist information

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How much do crop and soil scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for crop and soil scientist in the United States is $58,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a crop and soil scientist?

Crop and soil scientists are professionals who study the composition, structure, and properties of soils and crops to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. They analyze soil samples, research plant growth, and develop methods to enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Their work supports farmers, agribusinesses, and environmental agencies by providing science-based recommendations for soil management, fertilization, and crop selection. Crop and soil scientists often work in laboratories, in the field, or as advisors to agricultural organizations.

What does a crop and soil scientist do?

The responsibilities of a crop and soil scientist, an expert in plant and soil sciences, include studying the physical and chemical properties of soil mapping types, and researching how they change. Other duties include learning the effects of alternative sustainable farming practices. A crop and soil scientist may investigate previous research and conduct experiments to determine the best soil types to ensure plants grow productively or to check the effects of mining. They often offer land use advice and analyze the impact of agricultural practices including irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. This position is often concerned with environmental conservation or pest management. Qualifications often include a master’s degree or Ph.D.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crop and soil scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crop and Soil Scientist, you need a solid background in agronomy, soil chemistry, and plant biology, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in agricultural science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data modeling software is essential for research and fieldwork. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in interpreting data and conveying findings to stakeholders. These skills are crucial for improving crop yield, ensuring soil health, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

What are some common challenges crop and soil scientists face when conducting field research, and how can they prepare for them?

Crop and Soil Scientists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, pest outbreaks, and variability in soil quality when conducting field research. These factors can impact the consistency and reliability of experimental results. To prepare, scientists typically develop contingency plans, use controlled experiments alongside field trials, and collaborate closely with agricultural technicians and local farmers. Strong data analysis skills and adaptability are also crucial for addressing unexpected changes during research projects.

What cities are hiring for Crop And Soil Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Crop And Soil Scientist job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Crop And Soil Scientist jobs?

The top employers for Crop And Soil Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Crop And Soil Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Crop And Soil Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Crop And Soil Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,126 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary

Provost & Pritchard is seeking a Soil Scientist to join our agricultural and environmental consulting team in Visalia, California.


This position offers the opportunity to work on meaningful projects at the intersection of agriculture, water quality, irrigation, nutrient management, salinity, wastewater management, and environmental consulting throughout Central California. Clients include growers, dairies, wineries, food processors, agricultural organizations, nonprofits, and public agencies.


We are looking for someone that wants to support California agriculture and water resources management through practical, effective, and data-driven solutions.


Responsibilities

  • Support agricultural water quality and environmental compliance programs such as the California Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP).
  • Support groundwater and surface water quality monitoring programs.
  • Analyze and interpret agricultural, soil, irrigation, nutrient, and environmental data.
  • Prepare technical reports, regulatory deliverables, data summaries, visualizations, and trend analyses.
  • Evaluate and support improved agricultural management practices to protect water quality.
  • Support grower education and outreach efforts.
  • Assist with irrigation, nutrient, salinity, and wastewater management planning.
  • Support wastewater, land application, and beneficial reuse projects.
  • Conduct field sampling and site investigations involving soil, water, wastewater, crops, ponds, wells, and vadose zones.
  • Evaluate soil-water, nutrient, and salt balances using Microsoft Excel and programming tools.
  • Prepareregulatorymonitoring reports andpermittingdocuments, including Reports of Waste Discharge.
  • Assist with field investigations involving soil infiltration and permeability testing.
  • Assist with agronomic field trials, fate and transport projects, and other specialized soil, land use, and agricultural consulting projects.
  • Assist with projects related to agricultural grants, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS), stormwater management, sediment and erosion control, and TMDL implementation.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field required.
  • Strong interest in a career in agriculture, soil science, irrigation, and water quality.
  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Experience or interest in environmental consulting, regulatory compliance, and project management.
  • Some experience in data analysis and data QAQC.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office 365, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of California agricultural, environmental, and wastewater regulations, including the Central Valley ILRP, Central Coast Ag Order 4.0, SGMA, CV-SALTS, Winery General Order, and others.
  • Experience with tools such as GIS, R/RStudio, Python, remote sensing, data analysis and visualization, and related AI tools.
  • Familiarity with irrigation, evapotranspiration, nutrient management, salinity management, and/or soil-water balances and hydrologic modeling.
  • Experience in environmental statistics, analytical laboratory methods, and data QA/QC procedures.

Professional Development

Although not required, Provost & Pritchard supports professional development toward credentials such as Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG), and others.


Why Join Provost & Pritchard

Join a collaborative, employee-owned firm where your work supports California agriculture, water resources, and environmental sustainability. You will have the opportunity to build technical expertise, work on diverse projects, and grow your career with mentorship and support.