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Soil Sampler Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine ...

Conducting environmental sampling (hydrostatic test water, soil, etc.). * Overseeing and verifying flagging and signage of waterbody and wetland boundaries, cultural and biological resources ...

VEN - Lab Technician

Nevada, IA · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Performs routine laboratory test of production and environmental samples to ensure the quality of ... The process also yields humus, a soil amendment, and organic fertilizers. VERBIO Vereinigte ...

Performs routine laboratory test of production and environmental samples to ensure the quality of ... The process also yields humus, a soil amendment, and organic fertilizers. VERBIO Vereinigte ...

Sell and support Heartland Co-op's precision ag programs including soil and tissue sampling, variable rate prescriptions, data analysis and Climate FieldView. * Position Heartland Co-op's Truterra ...

Sell and support Heartland Co-op's precision ag programs including soil and tissue sampling, variable rate prescriptions, data analysis and Climate FieldView. * Position Heartland Co-op's Truterra ...

CAD Specialist I

Cedar Rapids, IA · Remote

$50K - $74K/yr

Soil boring and sample location maps * Basic geologic cross section diagrams * Assorted construction diagrams, well diagrams and other graphics as required * Surface and / or groundwater contour maps

Showing results 21-40

Soil Sampler information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$14

$15

How much do soil sampler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil sampler in Iowa is $14.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $14.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Soil Sampler vs Geotechnical Technician?

AspectSoil SamplerGeotechnical Technician
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certificationRequires OSHA safety training, HAZWOPER certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving soil sampling at construction sites, environmental sitesField and laboratory work, including soil testing and data collection at construction and research sites
Industry UsageCommonly used in environmental, construction, and geological industriesUsed in geotechnical, environmental, and construction industries for site assessments

Both Soil Samplers and Geotechnical Technicians work outdoors and require safety certifications. Soil Samplers focus primarily on collecting soil samples, while Geotechnical Technicians perform broader testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in fieldwork, but Geotechnical Technicians typically have additional responsibilities in data analysis and reporting.

What does a typical day look like for a soil sampler, and how much time is spent in the field versus the office?

As a Soil Sampler, most of your day is spent outdoors, traveling to various sites to collect soil samples using specialized tools and following strict protocols to ensure sample integrity. Depending on the region and season, you may spend up to 80% of your time in the field, with the remainder dedicated to documenting findings, labeling samples, and entering data into databases back at the office or laboratory. The role often requires working independently or in small teams, and communicating closely with agronomists, lab technicians, and farm managers to ensure samples are collected from correct locations and meet project requirements.

What does a soil sampler do?

A soil sampler is responsible for collecting soil samples from various locations, typically for agricultural, environmental, or construction purposes. They follow standardized procedures to ensure samples are representative and uncontaminated. The samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to assess soil composition, nutrient levels, contamination, or suitability for specific uses. Soil samplers often work outdoors, travel between sites, and maintain detailed records of their findings.

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

To thrive as a Soil Sampler, you typically need knowledge of soil science, sampling techniques, and a high school diploma or relevant field experience. Familiarity with GPS devices, soil augers, data recording tools, and sometimes GIS software is essential for accurate sample collection and reporting. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for precise fieldwork and team collaboration. These skills ensure reliable data collection, which is vital for accurate soil analysis and environmental decision-making.
What are popular job titles related to Soil Sampler jobs in Iowa? For Soil Sampler jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Soil Sampler job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,680 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

TERRACON

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Responsibilities
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.
    • Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Work to independently inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1-year experience.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. Where applicable, such licensure is required.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located. From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

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