ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Soil Scientist Jobs

Research Soil Scientist information

See salary details

$11K

$87K

$95.5K

How much do research soil scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for research soil scientist in the United States is $87,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Research Soil Scientist?

A typical day for a Research Soil Scientist involves a balance of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. You might spend mornings collecting soil samples or monitoring environmental conditions on-site, and afternoons analyzing those samples in the lab or assessing data using specialized software. The role often includes meeting with interdisciplinary teams, writing research reports, and presenting findings to both scientific and industry audiences. This dynamic mix of hands-on investigation and scientific communication makes the position both challenging and rewarding.

Is it hard to become a soil scientist?

Becoming a soil scientist typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in soil science, geology, or a related field, with many positions preferring or requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in laboratory analysis and GIS tools, and obtaining relevant certifications can also be important for career advancement.

How much do soil scientists get paid?

The average salary for a soil scientist is around $65,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced professionals or those with advanced certifications can earn over $90,000 annually.

What jobs can you get with a soil science degree?

A soil science degree can lead to careers such as soil scientist, environmental consultant, land use planner, conservation scientist, or agricultural researcher. These roles often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental assessment, and may require knowledge of GIS tools and soil testing techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Soil Scientist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Soil Scientist, you need a strong background in soil science, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with field and laboratory research. Familiarity with geospatial analysis tools (like GIS), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis software is typically required, along with certifications such as Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication, and collaboration skills help set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing rigorous experiments, accurately interpreting results, and effectively sharing findings with stakeholders in research and applied settings.

What is a Research Soil Scientist job?

A Research Soil Scientist studies soil properties, composition, and processes to understand its effects on agriculture, ecosystems, and the environment. They conduct experiments, collect and analyze soil samples, and develop methods to improve soil health and sustainability. Their work supports land management, conservation efforts, and agricultural productivity. Research Soil Scientists often collaborate with farmers, environmental organizations, and government agencies to guide soil conservation and land-use practices.

Are soil scientists in demand?

Soil scientists are in demand due to increasing environmental concerns, land management needs, and sustainable agriculture practices. Employment opportunities are available in government agencies, research institutions, and environmental consulting firms, often requiring knowledge of GIS tools and soil analysis techniques.
More about Research Soil Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Soil Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Research Soil Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Soil Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Research Soil Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Research Soil Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Soil Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Soil Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Soil Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Soil Scientist jobs? For Research Soil Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Soil Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Soil Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,049 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
RESOURCE SOIL SCIENTIST

RESOURCE SOIL SCIENTIST

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Findlay, OH • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

This position is located in Ohio of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The incumbent in this position serves as the Resource Soil Scientist responsible for maintenance, interpretation and distribution of soil survey information. Conducts information and education activities related to soils and soil surveys.
This position provides training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists, providing support to users of soil survey information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Basic Requirement: GS-470:
  1. Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.

    or

  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience Requirement:
Must possess at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Investigating, analyzes and evaluating soil survey information and problems involving a wide variety of circumstances or unusual conditions
  • Resolving complex soil issues
  • Developing new methods and practices and modifying/adapting soils science guidelines to intricate issues.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:College Transcript: If qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript with course number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g., special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college to ensure proper evaluation.
Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.Employment Type: OTHER

Apply