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Soil Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished ...

Civil Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$106K/yr

... physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished ...

... 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 Jun 30, 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 are some careers in soil science?

Careers in soil science include soil scientist, soil analyst, environmental consultant, and agronomist. These roles involve analyzing soil properties, advising on land use, and conducting research, often requiring knowledge of soil sampling, laboratory techniques, and environmental regulations.

What does a soil physicist do?

A soil physicist studies the physical properties and processes of soils, including water movement, heat transfer, and soil structure. They often use laboratory and field experiments, modeling tools, and instrumentation to analyze soil behavior and support agricultural, environmental, or engineering projects.

Is soil science a good career?

Soil physics is a specialized field within soil science that involves studying the physical properties and processes of soils, often requiring knowledge of physics, chemistry, and environmental science. It offers opportunities in research, environmental consulting, agriculture, and land management, with roles typically requiring a bachelor's or higher degree and skills in data analysis and fieldwork. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in environmental sustainability and natural resource management.

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 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 scientists in high demand?

Soil scientists are in moderate demand, especially in agriculture, environmental consulting, and research sectors. Employment opportunities often depend on regional projects, environmental regulations, and the ability to use tools like GIS and soil analysis techniques.

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.
More about Soil Physics jobs
What states have the most Soil Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Physics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Soil Physics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,731 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Civil Engineer

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


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Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position serves as Senior Technical Expert within the Omaha District Corps of Engineers regarding the geotechnical engineering (soil mechanics) aspects of complex Civil Works projects.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Engineer:
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); OR (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, or any other written test required for professional registration, by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in A above. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program.
4. Related curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes the application of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of civil engineering design sufficient to provide expert advice and assistance on the overall geotechnical engineering discipline, and all geotechnical engineering aspects of projects. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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