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Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provost & Pritchard

Soil Scientist

Visalia, CA · On-site

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 ...

Timmons Group

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA

The Licensed Soil Scientist will support a variety of environmental, land development, and natural resources projects by evaluating site and soil conditions, conducting field investigations ...

Timmons Group

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

The Licensed Soil Scientist will support a variety of environmental, land development, and natural resources projects by evaluating site and soil conditions, conducting field investigations ...

Timmons Group, Inc.

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

The Licensed Soil Scientist will support a variety of environmental, land development, and natural resources projects by evaluating site and soil conditions, conducting field investigations ...

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

Systems Planning Corporation (SPC), a subsidiary company of GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking a Soil Scientist to work within our Civil and Environmental Business Sector. The successful candidate ...

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Homestead, PA · On-site

Systems Planning Corporation (SPC), a subsidiary company of GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking a Soil Scientist to work within our Civil and Environmental Business Sector. The successful candidate ...

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Homestead, PA · On-site

Systems Planning Corporation (SPC), a subsidiary company of GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking a Soil Scientist to work within our Civil and Environmental Business Sector. The successful candidate ...

Texas Health Institute

The Institute brings together leaders in soil health science and the industry to conduct research and empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge to successfully adopt regenerative soil health ...

ISHE

The Institute brings together leaders in soil health science and the industry to conduct research and empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge to successfully adopt regenerative soil health ...

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Soil Scientist information

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$31K

$48.2K

$97K

How much do soil scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil scientist 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 some common challenges soil scientists face when conducting fieldwork, and how are these typically addressed?

Soil scientists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and variability in soil composition when conducting fieldwork. These factors can impact sample collection and data accuracy. To address these challenges, soil scientists typically plan field visits based on weather forecasts, use specialized equipment for sampling in challenging conditions, and document any anomalies to ensure reliable analysis. Collaboration with team members and local experts also helps in overcoming logistical hurdles and ensuring comprehensive data collection.

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 strong expertise in soil chemistry, biology, and geology, often supported by a degree in soil science, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, GIS software, and soil sampling equipment is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to accurately assess soil health, inform land management decisions, and support environmental sustainability.

What is the difference between Soil Scientist vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectSoil ScientistGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Soil Science, Geology, or related field; often certifications like Certified Professional Soil ScientistBachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentField sampling, laboratory analysis, environmental consultingSite investigations, foundation design, construction supervision
Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, consulting firms, research institutionsConstruction, infrastructure projects, engineering firms

While both Soil Scientists and Geotechnical Engineers work with soil, Soil Scientists focus on soil properties, environmental impact, and sampling, often in environmental or research settings. Geotechnical Engineers apply soil data to design foundations and assess site stability for construction projects. Their roles overlap in soil analysis but differ in application and industry focus.

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 $100,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher compensation, especially in consulting or research roles.

What do you do as a soil scientist?

A soil scientist studies soil properties, composition, and health to understand its suitability for agriculture, construction, or environmental management. They analyze soil samples, use tools like soil testing kits and GIS technology, and often work outdoors or in laboratories to assess soil quality and recommend land use practices.

What jobs can you get with a soil scientist degree?

A soil scientist degree qualifies individuals for roles such as soil analyst, environmental consultant, land use planner, and conservation specialist. These jobs often involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation related to soil properties, environmental impact, and land management. Certifications like the Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) can enhance employment opportunities.
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For Soil Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Soil Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,183 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Soil Scientist

Visalia, CA • On-site

Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group
See more jobs at Provost and Pritchard Consulting Groupexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days 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