Overview At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors ... In this entry-level role, you will support a variety of field and office activities, including site ...
Overview At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors ... In this entry-level role, you will support a variety of field and office activities, including site ...
Environmental Technician
Birmingham, AL · On-site
Job Title Environmental Technician Job Type Full-time Career Level Entry Level Education High ... Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Collect air, water, soil, groundwater, and ...
Environmental Technician
Birmingham, AL · On-site
Job Title Environmental Technician Job Type Full-time Career Level Entry Level Education High ... Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Collect air, water, soil, groundwater, and ...
Entry Level Soil Science information
See Alabama salary details
$21.8K - $35.3K
1% of jobs
$35.3K - $48.9K
5% of jobs
$57.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$48.9K - $62.5K
29% of jobs
$62.5K - $76.1K
11% of jobs
The median wage is $79.3K / yr.
$76.1K - $89.7K
14% of jobs
$103.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$89.7K - $103.3K
15% of jobs
$103.3K - $116.9K
8% of jobs
$116.9K - $130.5K
6% of jobs
$130.5K - $144.1K
5% of jobs
$144.1K - $157.7K
3% of jobs
$157.7K - $171.3K
2% of jobs
$21.8K
$95K
$171.3K
How much do entry level soil science jobs pay per year?
What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Soil Scientist?
As an Entry Level Soil Scientist, your workday may involve a mix of fieldwork—such as collecting soil samples, conducting site surveys, and measuring environmental conditions—and office or lab tasks like preparing reports, analyzing samples, and entering data. You’ll often work as part of a team with senior soil scientists, environmental engineers, and project managers. The work can require travel to various project sites, and schedules may vary based on project deadlines or seasonal demands. Collaborating with others and communicating findings clearly are key parts of the job, offering an excellent opportunity to build both technical and teamwork skills early in your career.
What is an Entry Level Soil Science job?
An Entry Level Soil Science job involves studying soil properties, composition, and health to support agricultural, environmental, or construction projects. Responsibilities often include collecting and analyzing soil samples, conducting fieldwork, and assisting with research or land assessments. Entry-level soil scientists may work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or agricultural organizations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of soil chemistry and biology are important for success in this role.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Soil Science position, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Entry Level Soil Scientist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in soil science, environmental science, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of soil sampling and analysis techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, GPS systems, soil testing kits, and data analysis software is often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for collecting accurate soil data, interpreting findings, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Full-time
Posted 4 hours ago
Universal Engineering Sciences rating
6.0
Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
326th of 352 rated engineering
Job description
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Staff Engineer to join our geotechnical engineering team. In this entry-level role, you will support a variety of field and office activities, including site investigations, soil and rock data collection, laboratory coordination, and technical reporting. Working alongside experienced engineers and project managers, you'll contribute to evaluating subsurface conditions and assisting with the preparation of engineering documentation that supports infrastructure, environmental, and construction-related projects.
The ideal candidate will have a strong academic foundation in geotechnical or civil engineering, a collaborative attitude, and a desire to learn through hands-on fieldwork and mentorship. This is a great opportunity for an early-career professional to grow technical skills, gain field experience, and build a solid foundation in applied geotechnical engineering within a dynamic and supportive environment.
PLEASE NOTE: Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available for this position. To support an expedited start date and operational needs, candidates must currently reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Auburn, Alabama.
Responsibilities
- Assist with geotechnical site investigations, including soil and rock sampling, borehole logging, field testing, and data collection to support project design and analysis.
- Support the evaluation of subsurface conditions by analyzing field and laboratory data under the supervision of senior engineers.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and documentation by summarizing findings, preparing figures, and assisting in drafting recommendations.
- Work collaboratively with project engineers and multidisciplinary teams to support design development and engineering assessments.
- Assist with reviewing plans, specifications, and background data to help inform geotechnical evaluations.
- Participate in field and laboratory testing programs to ensure data quality and integrity.
- Support communication with internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors to facilitate coordination of field work and material procurement.
- Help ensure project work is performed in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Learn to use geotechnical engineering software and tools for analysis and reporting.
- Support cost estimating and proposal development efforts by compiling data and assisting with documentation.
- Maintain organized project records, logs, and data files in accordance with company standards.
- Participate in quality assurance/quality control processes to support consistent and accurate deliverables.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
- 0-3 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, field investigations, or construction materials testing (internship or co-op experience welcomed).
- Engineering-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
- Familiarity with geotechnical concepts, laboratory and field testing methods, and soil/rock behavior.
- Exposure to engineering software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or geotechnical tools (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, LPILE) is a plus.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
- Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.
Preferred Qualifications
Clear concise communication skills and the ability to work in a customer-facing role.
Travel Requirements
• This position requires biothg offcie anbds filed work.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
- Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
- Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
- Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
- Physical requirements include:
- Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
- Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
- Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
- Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
EEO Statement
UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here
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About Universal Engineering Sciences
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Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.
Industry
Construction
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Orlando, FL, US
Year founded
1964