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Soil Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Support research activities in water quality and soil physics laboratories within the Crop & Soil Sciences Department. * This position provides essential technical and logistical support for faculty ...

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How much do soil physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil physics in the United States is $20.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is soil physics?

Soil physics is a branch of soil science that focuses on the study of the physical properties and processes of soil. It examines how soil interacts with water, air, heat, and mechanical forces, which are essential for plant growth and environmental management. Soil physicists investigate soil structure, permeability, water retention, and movement of gases to better understand and improve agricultural practices, land use, and environmental conservation.

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

To thrive as a Soil Physicist, you need a solid background in soil science, physics, mathematics, and typically a degree in soil science, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, soil modeling software, GIS, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for accurate research, practical problem-solving, and advancing sustainable land and water management practices.

What are the main collaborative opportunities and challenges for a soil physicist working within interdisciplinary research teams?

Soil Physicists frequently collaborate with agronomists, hydrologists, ecologists, and environmental engineers to address complex issues like water management, soil conservation, and crop productivity. Collaboration enhances research by integrating diverse expertise, but it can also present challenges such as differing research priorities, methods, and communication styles. Successful Soil Physicists are adaptable and proactive in fostering clear communication and shared goals within teams. This interdisciplinary work environment not only broadens professional skills but also opens pathways for career advancement in both academia and industry.

What is the difference between Soil Physics vs Soil Science?

AspectSoil PhysicsSoil Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related fields; often includes coursework in physics and chemistryBachelor's or Master's in Soil Science, Agronomy, or Geology; broader focus on soil properties and classification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, research institutions, environmental agenciesResearch farms, laboratories, government agencies, academia
Industry UsageFocuses on physical properties of soil, water movement, and soil behavior under different conditionsEncompasses soil composition, fertility, classification, and land use management

Soil Physics primarily concentrates on the physical aspects of soil, such as water movement and soil behavior, while Soil Science covers a broader range of topics including soil composition, fertility, and land management. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are used in research, environmental, and agricultural settings, but they focus on different aspects of soil study.

Are soil physicists in demand?

Soil physicists are in demand in environmental consulting, agriculture, and research sectors that focus on soil health, water retention, and land management. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of soil properties, data analysis, and specialized tools like soil sampling equipment or GIS software. Growing concerns about sustainable land use and environmental conservation contribute to steady demand for expertise in soil physics.

What is a soil physicist?

A soil physicist is a scientist who studies the physical properties and processes of soils, including water movement, heat transfer, and soil structure. They often use laboratory and field tools to analyze soil behavior, supporting agriculture, environmental management, and land use planning.
More about Soil Physics jobs

What states have the most Soil Physics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Soil Physics jobs include:

What other helpful pages are available for Soil Physics?

Other pages related to Soil Physics:

Infographic showing various Soil Physics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Associate Research Professor, Soil Physics

Reno, NV • On-site

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Education • 1 - 5K employees

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI's) Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) is seeking a qualified individual to join an interdisciplinary research organization at the forefront of advancing hydrologic and micrometeorological science in arid and semiarid environments. This individual will lead an externally funded research program focused on the field measurement, network operation, and quantitative analysis of soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ET), and land-atmosphere energy exchange across Nevada and the arid West. The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in soil physics, vadose zone hydrology, and micrometeorology. Experience integrating ground-based networks with remotely sensed or gridded soil moisture and ET products, and with scientific data pipeline development for automated processing and quality assurance, is strongly encouraged. The successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with other DRI faculty and outside partners who conduct a broad range of environmental research projects, including state and federal agencies engaged in water balance and drought monitoring. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with a sustained record of peer-reviewed publication, network or program leadership, and service to the broader soil moisture/ET measurement community. This position is based in Reno, NV, with the option for a hybrid/flexible work schedule and periodic travel to field sites and the Southern Nevada Science Center.

Required Experience/Education
  • Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Soil Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of professional experience closely related to the duties of this position.
  • Demonstrated in-depth experience in at least one approach to soil moisture measurement or modeling, groundwater recharge, or micrometeorological techniques.
  • Experience designing, operating, or maintaining environmental monitoring networks.
  • Track record of producing collaborative technical project reports and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Demonstrated success writing competitive research grants and managing grants/contracts.
Preferred Experience
  • Experience with numerical modeling of complex near-surface processes.
  • Experience integrating ground-based measurements with remotely sensed or gridded soil moisture/ET data products.
  • Demonstrated scientific software or data pipeline development experience for automated data processing and QA/QC.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or early-career staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a complex program consisting of multidisciplinary team members of varying experience levels contributing to multiple projects.
  • Lead existing collaborative relationships with state or federal water resource agencies that could be extended in support of DRI's mission.
Conditions of Employment
  • Due to security requirements associated with accessing essential project sites and information, ALL applicants MUST be citizens of the United States.
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
  • Valid driver’s license is required.
  • Local and regional overnight travel is required.
  • Field work to remote locations may be required.
  • This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
  • DRI employs only U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
  • All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.
  • DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).
Compensation/Benefits

Minimum starting salary is $122,293 and is commensurate with experience and education.

  • health, dental, vision, and life insurance; including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.
  • Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction.
  • This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
Organizational Summary

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe. Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s impact on humans. DRI’s impactful science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members.

The position will be based in Reno situated in northwestern Nevada at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Reno boasts 300+ days of sunshine and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, whitewater paddling, and golfing in the summer and fall to alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

ExemptYes

Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%

Required Attachment(s)
  • A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this role at DRI
  • A current curriculum vita
  • Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission

DRI is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment free of discrimination without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additionally, we comply with all applicable state laws and DRI takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff.

Jennifer Schultz Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources 2215 Raggio Parkway Reno, NV 89512 (775) 673-7317 jennifer.schultz@dri.edu

The Desert Research Institute does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates.

Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106).

The Institute’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for employment.

Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Jennifer Schultz, Title IX Coordinator, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Northern Nevada Science Building, Room 112, Reno, NV 89512.

Telephone: (775) 673-7317; Email: jennifer.schultz@dri.edu;.

to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov; or to both.

Information pertaining to the Institute's grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the Institute will respond can be found here.

Information regarding security, personal safety, fire safety, and crime statistics can be found at DRI's Public and Personal Safety page.

NSHE Employees are required to participate in a mandatory retirement plan in lieu of Social Security.

As a result, employment at NSHE may impact your Social Security benefits. Additional information is available at SSA 1945.

Job postings are specific to the Nevada System of Higher Education.

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