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Soil Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

METECS

Terramechanics Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

This role emphasizes physics-based approaches to soil structure interaction, ranging from continuum and discrete element methods to semi-empirical terramechanics models. This position also includes ...

Seeds Renewables

NY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... soil, soil vapor, groundwater, surface water, sediment; prepare samples for shipping, and complete chain-of-custody or similar paperwork. * Apply knowledge of natural sciences (chemistry, physics ...

River Partners

Biologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

... soil chemistry, physics and plant science Possess advanced knowledge of California native plants, riparian ecology, and river hydrology Proven ability to work effectively with a team and ...

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Soil Physics information

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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.
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Soil Physics jobs near you
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.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Environmental Geophysics

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Phase2 Technology
Software Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Phase2 Technologyexternal

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead operation and maintenance of permanent ERT instrumentation within the Landscape Evolution Observatory.

  • Design and execute new ERT experiments supporting rainfall, vegetation, and ecosystem manipulation studies in collaboration with an interdisciplinary science team.

  • Develop automated data acquisition, calibration, and quality assurance workflows.

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Environmental Geophysics

Posting Number: req26727

Department: Biosphere 2

Department Website Link: https://biosphere2.org/

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Biosphere 2 Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) at the University of Arizona seeks an enthusiastic scientist or engineer to lead development and operation of one of the world's most advanced environmental Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) observatories.

LEO consists of three instrumented, 330 m experimental hillslopes designed to study the coupled evolution of hydrology, weathering, ecosystems, and biogeochemistry. The successful candidate will advance ERT as a central observational platform for monitoring water movement, subsurface structure, weathering, root‑zone dynamics, and ecosystem development in real time.

The position offers exceptional opportunities to combine environmental geophysics, hydrology, soil science, ecology, geochemistry, and artificial intelligence through collaboration with researchers at Biosphere 2 and across the University of Arizona.

Key Questions
  • How does rainfall redistribute through evolving landscapes?
  • How do plant roots alter subsurface hydrology?
  • How do weathering and biological activity modify subsurface electrical properties?
  • Can geophysical observations be assimilated into predictive ecosystem digital twins?
  • Can autonomous AI systems optimize environmental monitoring and experimentation?
Benefits
  • health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead operation and maintenance of permanent ERT instrumentation within the Landscape Evolution Observatory.
  • Design and execute new ERT experiments supporting rainfall, vegetation, and ecosystem manipulation studies in collaboration with an interdisciplinary science team.
  • Develop automated data acquisition, calibration, and quality assurance workflows.
  • Develop inversion methods for estimating spatial and temporal changes in soil moisture and subsurface properties.
  • Integrate ERT observations with complementary sensor networks and environmental observations.
  • Collaborate on coupling geophysical observations with mechanistic ecosystem, hydrological, and reactive transport models (e.g., EcoSIM, PFLOTRAN, CATHY) a part of the new DOE funded Genesis project at Biosphere 2.
  • Develop new approaches using machine learning and AI to improve inversion, interpretation, and autonomous monitoring.
  • Publish peer-reviewed research and contribute to external funding proposals.
  • Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and visiting scientists.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. (or M.S. for Research Technologist) in Geophysics, Hydrology, Geological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Earth Science, Physics, or related discipline.
  • Experience with Electrical Resistivity Tomography.
  • Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, Julia, or similar).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) inversion techniques.
  • Experience in hydrogeophysics.
  • Experience with soil physics and/or vadose-zone hydrology.
  • Experience designing, deploying, or maintaining environmental sensor networks.
  • Experience with reactive transport modeling and/or hydrologic modeling.
  • Experience applying machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) methods to environmental, hydrologic, or geophysical research.
  • Experience working collaboratively on interdisciplinary field experiments.
Administrative Details
  • FLSA: Exempt
  • Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
  • Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
  • Job FTE: 1.0
  • Work Calendar: Fiscal
  • Job Category: Research
  • Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
  • Rate of Pay: NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
  • Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
  • Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
  • Number of Vacancies: 1
  • Target Hire Date: (none)
  • Expected End Date: (none)
  • Contact Information for Candidates: Scott Saleska | saleska@arizona.edu
  • Open Date: 8/6/2026
  • Open Until Filled: Yes
  • Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
  • Special Instructions to Applicant: (none)
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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