1

Independent Contractor Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Environmental Scientist

Fort Mill, SC ยท On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) * Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) * ASTM Phase I ... Work independently * Team-Oriented * Customer Oriented * Able to manage multiple tasks and provide ...

Develop and write grant proposals to support laboratory operations independently and with the WLC team. Scientific Roles: * Receive and prepare soil samples for analysis for WLC's research projects ...

Showing results 41-60

Independent Contractor Soil Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do independent contractor soil scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor soil scientist in the United States is $111,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an independent contractor soil scientist get paid?

An independent contractor soil scientist typically earns between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Compensation can also be project-based or hourly, with some contractors earning higher rates for specialized skills or advanced equipment use.

What jobs can you get with a soil scientist degree?

A soil scientist degree qualifies individuals for roles such as environmental consultant, soil analyst, land use planner, and environmental technician. These jobs often involve field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation, requiring knowledge of soil properties, environmental regulations, and often the use of GIS tools.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Soil Scientist vs Soil Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Soil ScientistSoil Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Soil Science or Geology, with relevant certificationsUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with some technical training
Work EnvironmentField and office work, often freelance or project-basedPrimarily fieldwork, often employed by consulting firms or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by consulting firms, environmental companies, and independent projectsCommonly employed by environmental firms, government agencies, and research labs

The main difference is that Independent Contractor Soil Scientists typically hold advanced credentials and work independently on projects, while Soil Technicians usually have technical training and work under supervision in field settings. Both roles are essential in soil analysis but differ in responsibilities and employment structure.

Are soil scientists in demand?

Soil scientists are in steady demand due to their role in environmental assessment, land use planning, and sustainable agriculture. Employment opportunities are often available in government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions, especially for those with strong fieldwork skills and relevant certifications.
More about Independent Contractor Soil Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Soil Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Soil Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Soil Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Soil Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Soil Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Soil Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Soil Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Soil Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,343 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Senior Environmental Scientist

Pike Corporation

Fort Mill, SC โ€ข On-site

$73K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description


SUMMARY:
The Senior Environmental Scientist will support utility projects by conducting environmental assessments, including stream/wetlands delineation, plant and animal inventories, habitat assessments, environmental protection and mitigation planning, and environmental permitting. Incumbents are expected to have advanced knowledge of ecological systems, environmental regulatory conditions, have the ability to work independently, and mentor junior staff. In addition, the position will provide advanced support to the siting of electric transmission line and substation projects through the analysis of environmental, land use, cultural resource, and visual issues using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine the most viable siting opportunities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conducts field environmental assessments by traversing cleared and uncleared linear utility corridors and site-specific parcels to delineate, GPS, and map streams, wetlands, habitat, and identify plants and animal species.
  • Prepares environmental and technical reports to document the findings of the natural resource assessments and supports environmental protection, mitigation planning, and permitting
  • Provides regulatory and permitting application support; including but not limited to those associated with NEPA, SEPA, Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and other state and local environmental review authorities. Coordinates with applicable review agencies
  • Supports line and substation siting by applying environmental principles.
  • Prepares, estimates, and budgets for specific environmental activities and monitors project costs
  • Develop and guide junior staff scientists.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK: Non-routine; general polices applied to frequently changing situations.
RELATIONSHIP OUTSIDE WORK GROUP: Influences decisions of major nature. High degree of tact and diplomacy to obtain favorable decisions or maintain good will.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Mentoring of junior staff scientist is expected
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REGULAR ATTENDANCE is required
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required A Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or University in Natural Sciences (e.g. biology, environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, soil science) or equivalent experience.
Experience 7-9 Year(s) Experience in Natural Resources and Ecological Consulting.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Preferred certifications, licenses, and/or registrations may include but not necessarily limited to:
  • Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS)
  • Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB)
  • ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Training
  • Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS)

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING:
On-the-job training for administrative responsibilities and executing the transmission line and substation siting process will be provided. Incumbents will be expected to perform at a high level completing natural resources assessments, permitting, and other environmental review responsibilities with limited training and oversight.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
A.Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedure manuals, operational procedures, etc.
B.Ability to write reports, Business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
C.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
A.Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
B.Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
C.Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret spread sheets.
REASONING ABILITY:
A.Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
B.Ability to define problems collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring of work activities
  • Continuous improvement of job-related, technical, and professional knowledge, skills, and performance
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Self-Motivated
  • Work independently
  • Team-Oriented
  • Customer Oriented
  • Able to manage multiple tasks and provide leadership to other team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
A. How much on the job time is spent in the following physical activities? โ€ข Stand 2/3 and more (Regularly) โ€ข Walk 2/3 and more (Regularly) โ€ข Sit 1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently) โ€ข Talk or Hear 2/3 and more (Regularly) โ€ข Use Hands to Feel, Handle or finger tools or controls 2/3 and more (Regularly) โ€ข Climb or balance Up to 1/3 (Occasionally) โ€ข Stoop, Kneel, Crouch or crawl Up to 1/3 (Occasionally) โ€ข Reach with Hands and Arms Up to 1/3 (Occasionally) โ€ข Taste or Smell Up to 1/3 (Occasionally)
B. Does this job require that weight be lifted or force to be exerted? If so, how much and how often? โ€ข Up to 10 Pounds Up to 1/3 โ€ข Up to 25 Pounds Up to 1/3 โ€ข Up to 50 Pounds Up to 1/3 โ€ข Up to 100 Pounds Up to 1/3
C. Does this job have any special vision requirements? โ˜’ Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) โ˜’ Distance Vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) โ˜’ Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors) โ˜’ Peripheral visions (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point) โ˜’ Depth Perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) โ˜’ Ability to Adjust Focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus)
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. โ€ข Wet, humid conditions (non-weather) None โ€ข Work near moving mechanical parts Up to 1/3 (Occasionally) โ€ข Work in high, precarious places None โ€ข Fumes or airborne particles None โ€ข Toxic or caustic chemicals None โ€ข Outdoor weather conditions 2/3 and more (Regularly) โ€ข Extreme cold (non-weather) None โ€ข Extreme Heat (non-weather) None โ€ข Risk of electrical shock Up to 1/3 (Occasionally) โ€ข Work with explosives None โ€ข Risk of radiation None โ€ข Vibration Up to 1/3 (Occasionally) While performing this job, the noise level in the work environment is: Moderate Noise (Examples: business office with typewriters, and or computer printer, light traffic
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Pike Engineering is an equal opportunity employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled Pike Engineering is a Non-Union Company
About Us
United Grid Solutions is a team of planners and strategic thinkers dedicated to providing critical infrastructure solutions that improve lives around the world. Beginning with our role in connecting the first power plants to the earliest power grids, we have a longstanding history of delivering innovative and transformative solutions to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Our team members have the opportunity to grow and advance while solving unique and complex challenges for the evolving infrastructure industry.