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Soil Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Canonsburg, PA

Certification by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) (e.g., Certified Professional Soil Scientist - CPSS) required to sign and seal official site evaluations. * Bachelor's degree in Soil ...

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Homestead, PA

Certification by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) (e.g., Certified Professional Soil Scientist - CPSS) required to sign and seal official site evaluations. * Bachelor's degree in Soil ...

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Homestead, PA · On-site

Certification by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) (e.g., Certified Professional Soil Scientist - CPSS) required to sign and seal official site evaluations. * Bachelor's degree in Soil ...

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$31K

$48.2K

$97K

How much do soil science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil science in the United States is $48,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Soil Scientist, you need a solid background in soil chemistry, biology, and environmental science, usually supported by a degree in soil science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, GIS mapping software, and soil sampling equipment is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills help Soil Scientists interpret data and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate research, effective land management, and informed decision-making in agriculture or environmental conservation.

Is soil science a good career?

Soil science is a viable career that involves studying soil properties, environmental impact, and land management. It often requires a bachelor's or master's degree in soil science, environmental science, or related fields, and skills in laboratory analysis and data interpretation are valuable. The field offers opportunities in research, consulting, agriculture, and environmental protection, with job stability depending on industry demand and geographic location.

How much does a soil biologist make a year?

A soil biologist typically earns between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in laboratory analysis or environmental consulting may offer higher salaries.

What is the difference between Soil Science vs Agronomist?

AspectSoil ScienceAgronomist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Soil Science, certifications in soil analysisBachelor's or Master's in Agronomy, certifications in crop management
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sampling, research facilitiesFarms, research stations, consulting settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental agencies, soil testing labsFarming operations, agricultural companies, consulting firms

Soil Science focuses on understanding soil properties, classification, and health, often involving research and laboratory work. Agronomists apply this knowledge to improve crop production and advise farmers. While both roles require similar credentials and may work in related environments, Soil Scientists tend to focus more on soil analysis and conservation, whereas Agronomists emphasize crop management and sustainable farming practices.

What are the careers in soil science?

Careers in soil science include roles such as soil scientist, soil analyst, environmental consultant, and land use planner. These positions often involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation, requiring knowledge of soil properties, ecology, and environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges soil scientists face when conducting fieldwork, and how can they prepare for them?

Soil scientists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to sampling sites during fieldwork. Preparation is key—this includes reviewing site conditions in advance, ensuring proper equipment is packed, and developing contingency plans for weather disruptions. Collaborating with local landowners or agencies can also help overcome access issues, while thorough pre-field planning minimizes risks and ensures data collection is efficient and accurate.

What are the job duties of a soil scientist?

A soil scientist studies soil properties, composition, and health to assess land use, fertility, and environmental impact. They collect soil samples, analyze data using laboratory equipment, and prepare reports to guide agricultural practices, land development, or environmental conservation. Fieldwork and data analysis are key components of their role, often requiring knowledge of soil classification systems and environmental regulations.

What is soil science?

Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource, including its formation, classification, mapping, physical and chemical properties, and its role in supporting plant growth. Soil scientists analyze how soils interact with living organisms, water, and the atmosphere to better understand agricultural productivity, environmental quality, and land management. This field is crucial for sustainable farming, environmental conservation, and land use planning.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Science jobs? The most popular types of Soil Science jobs are:
What states have the most Soil Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Soil Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Soil Science jobs are:
Soil Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,183 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Soil Scientist

Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group

Visalia, CA

Other

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Summary

Provost & Pritchard is seeking a Soil Scientist to join our agricultural and environmental consulting team in Visalia, California.


This position offers the opportunity to work on meaningful projects at the intersection of agriculture, water quality, irrigation, nutrient management, salinity, wastewater management, and environmental consulting throughout Central California. Clients include growers, dairies, wineries, food processors, agricultural organizations, nonprofits, and public agencies.


We are looking for someone that wants to support California agriculture and water resources management through practical, effective, and data-driven solutions.


Responsibilities

  • Support agricultural water quality and environmental compliance programs such as the California Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP).
  • Support groundwater and surface water quality monitoring programs.
  • Analyze and interpret agricultural, soil, irrigation, nutrient, and environmental data.
  • Prepare technical reports, regulatory deliverables, data summaries, visualizations, and trend analyses.
  • Evaluate and support improved agricultural management practices to protect water quality.
  • Support grower education and outreach efforts.
  • Assist with irrigation, nutrient, salinity, and wastewater management planning.
  • Support wastewater, land application, and beneficial reuse projects.
  • Conduct field sampling and site investigations involving soil, water, wastewater, crops, ponds, wells, and vadose zones.
  • Evaluate soil-water, nutrient, and salt balances using Microsoft Excel and programming tools.
  • Prepareregulatorymonitoring reports andpermittingdocuments, including Reports of Waste Discharge.
  • Assist with field investigations involving soil infiltration and permeability testing.
  • Assist with agronomic field trials, fate and transport projects, and other specialized soil, land use, and agricultural consulting projects.
  • Assist with projects related to agricultural grants, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS), stormwater management, sediment and erosion control, and TMDL implementation.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field required.
  • Strong interest in a career in agriculture, soil science, irrigation, and water quality.
  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Experience or interest in environmental consulting, regulatory compliance, and project management.
  • Some experience in data analysis and data QAQC.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office 365, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of California agricultural, environmental, and wastewater regulations, including the Central Valley ILRP, Central Coast Ag Order 4.0, SGMA, CV-SALTS, Winery General Order, and others.
  • Experience with tools such as GIS, R/RStudio, Python, remote sensing, data analysis and visualization, and related AI tools.
  • Familiarity with irrigation, evapotranspiration, nutrient management, salinity management, and/or soil-water balances and hydrologic modeling.
  • Experience in environmental statistics, analytical laboratory methods, and data QA/QC procedures.

Professional Development

Although not required, Provost & Pritchard supports professional development toward credentials such as Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG), and others.


Why Join Provost & Pritchard

Join a collaborative, employee-owned firm where your work supports California agriculture, water resources, and environmental sustainability. You will have the opportunity to build technical expertise, work on diverse projects, and grow your career with mentorship and support.

Apply