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Soil Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lecturer AY - Plant Sciences

Pomona, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Soil Science * Entomology * Plant Breeding & Genetics * Weed Science * Irrigation & Water Management * Landscape Design & Management * Sustainable Agriculture * Plant Pathology Responsibilities Teach ...

Lecturer AY - Plant Sciences

Pomona, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Soil Science * Entomology * Plant Breeding & Genetics * Weed Science * Irrigation & Water Management * Landscape Design & Management * Sustainable Agriculture * Plant Pathology Responsibilities Teach ...

Showing results 41-60

Soil Science information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$47.6K

$95.7K

How much do soil science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil science in California is $47,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $56,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

Are soil scientists in demand?

Soil scientists are in demand due to increasing focus on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and land management. Employment opportunities are available in government agencies, research institutions, and consulting firms, often requiring knowledge of GIS tools and soil analysis techniques.

How much money do soil scientists make?

Soil scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $63,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $90,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in GIS or laboratory analysis may offer higher compensation.

What can I do with soil science?

Soil science professionals analyze soil properties, fertility, and health to support agriculture, environmental management, and land use planning. They may work in research, consulting, environmental remediation, or government agencies, often using tools like GIS and soil testing equipment. Certification and fieldwork are common components of the career.

What careers involve soil science?

Careers involving soil science include soil scientist, agronomist, environmental consultant, land use planner, and conservation scientist. These roles often require knowledge of soil properties, environmental regulations, and fieldwork skills, and may involve working in research, consulting, or government agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Soil Science jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Soil Science jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Soil Science jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Soil Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Soil Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Soil Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,552 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Project Scientist - Environmental Solutions

Partner Engineering and Science

Irvine, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About Us

At PARTNER, success starts with the right mindset: connection, compassion, and curiosity. Whether consulting with clients or collaborating with colleagues, these principles guide how we work. We deliver engineering, environmental, and energy consulting, plus design services across the Americas, Europe, and beyond. As a leader in Commercial Real Estate (CRE), we’re 1,600+ professionals strong in 40+ offices. Our mission is simple: create the best home for talented professionals. If you value delivering exceptional experiences through problem-solving, coordination, and a mindset of care for clients and colleagues, you’ll feel right at home. That approach has earned us recognition on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms, Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Companies, and Zweig’s Best Firms to Work For. Here, your ideas matter, your impact is real, and your work helps shape the future. Check out this role and join our team of talented professionals.

Learn more about Partner at www.partneresi.com

SUMMARY

Partner has an exciting opportunity for a talented full-time Environmental Project Scientist to support our ever-growing Environmental Solutions Practice on projects throughout the northeastern United States out of Partner’s Irvine, CA office. The group focuses on site characterization, risk assessments, implementation of remedial actions, regulatory interaction, and reporting. Interested individuals will have an opportunity to work collaboratively with our current team of experienced professionals to perform Project Scientist responsibilities related to environmental investigation and remediation on a portfolio of diverse and interesting project sites.

This role is primarily field-based, with most time spent supporting environmental investigation and remediation activities at active project sites. Field schedules may vary based on project needs, subcontractor coordination, and weather conditions.

Our Environmental Solutions Practice focuses on site characterization, risk assessment, remedial implementation, regulatory coordination, and technical reporting.

You’ll work closely with experienced project managers and field staff, contributing to both field execution and follow-up data evaluation and reporting efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & TASKS

The following responsibilities are primarily field-based and involve hands-on environmental site work:

  • Perform environmental monitoring and sampling including soil, groundwater, soil gas, and air
  • Support and execute field investigation and remediation activities, including soil borings, monitoring well installation, underground storage tank (UST) removal oversight, perimeter air monitoring, soil excavation, and soil disposal management
  • Assist with coordination and execution of field investigations, site operations, and remediation activities
  • Act as Site Supervisor during field events with subcontractors
  • Collect field data utilizing monitoring equipment and instrumentation
  • Prepare and maintain detailed field logs, site documentation, and digital data collection
  • Mobilize, operate, and demobilize field equipment and supplies
  • Work safely in outdoor environments, including active construction and remediation sites and varying weather conditions

Office / Reporting Responsibilities

  • Provide office support, including data tabulation, basic data evaluation with respect to applicable regulations, and contribution to technical report preparation and regulatory submittals
  • Work directly with and under the supervision of the team’s Project Managers

Travel Requirements

  • Daily regional travel is required (often a majority of work time), with occasional overnight travel depending on project needs

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Experience conducting fieldwork on environmentally impacted sites and willingness to learn and execute additional remedial techniques
  • Ability to safely perform hands-on fieldwork in active environmental remediation and construction settings
  • Capable of conducting site reconnaissance and preparing detailed field notes
  • Ability to clearly document field activities and contribute to technical reports
  • Excellent organizational skills and time management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Knowledge of scientific data compilation and organization
  • Ability to follow site-specific health and safety plans and standard operating procedures
  • Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple tasks concurrently
  • Positive attitude and ability to cultivate strong relationships within a team
  • Basic understanding of environmental consulting practices and regulatory frameworks is preferred
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and judgment capabilities
  • Experience with state-specific environmental regulations (NJ, NY, CT, PA, or others) a plus

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience in environmental consulting, environmental due diligence, or risk management related services, including field experience
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in geology, environmental science, engineering, or similar discipline
  • Current 40-hour HAZWOPER training
  • OSHA 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher (preferred, if applicable)
  • Valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to pass a baseline physical exam and respirator fit test
  • Must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English and communicate clearly in person and over the telephone
  • Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screen
  • Requires frequent bending, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, pushing and pulling throughout the work shift
  • Ability to lift and carry approximately 40–50 pounds of equipment
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain at active job sites

Why Join Partner?

  • Exposure to a wide range of environmental site types and remediation technologies
  • Opportunity for technical growth and advancement into project-level responsibilities
  • Collaborative team environment with experienced environmental professionals

Compensation

Salary range: $60,000 - $75,000. This is what we reasonably expect to pay for the role

The pay scale for this role considers a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Please note, the disclosed pay scale estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic location where the position may be filled.

You may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary incentive bonus program which is dependent on various factors, including, but not limited to individual and organizational performance.

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation
and sick time, and a 401(k) plan with a company match

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is Partner Engineering and Science, Inc’s (The Company) policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The company maintains a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual’s race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), reproductive health decision making, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We will consider qualified applicants who have criminal histories in a manner consistent with the law.

California Consumer Privacy Act

We collect personal information from you in connection with your application for employment with Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.  For details on what personal information we collect and the purposes for which we collect it, please visit:

https://www.partneresi.com/about/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act