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Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Inc.

SPC Soil Scientist

Homestead, PA · On-site

Description 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 ...

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 Inc.

SPC Soil Scientist

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

Description 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 ...

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 ...

Webforge

Managing Soil Scientist

Spokane, WA

This role drives division growth, leads client engagement across multiple sectors, and ensures the highest standards of soil science and agronomic expertise across all project work. Managing ...

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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 Jul 13, 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.

Are soil scientists in demand?

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

What are soil scientists?

Soil scientists are professionals who study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. They analyze soil samples to understand its composition, fertility, and ability to support plant growth. Soil scientists play a crucial role in agriculture, environmental management, and land use planning by providing insights on soil conservation, crop production, and contamination issues. Their work helps in making informed decisions about land management and sustainability.

What do you do as 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 tools, and develop recommendations for agriculture, construction, or conservation projects.

What Is a Soil Scientist?

A soil scientist is trained to identify and analyze the different characteristics of soil as a natural resource. They often work in the agricultural industry assisting farmers, producers, and others to improve soil for food production. Other soil scientists may work in environmental science, land management, or construction, and their duties include assessing the health of soil, determining if there are any hazards at a potential building site, or reporting changes in conditions to governmental agencies.

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 do soil scientists get paid?

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. Professionals with advanced degrees or certifications and those working in specialized fields or high-demand regions tend to earn higher wages.

What jobs can you get with a soil science degree?

A soil scientist can work in roles such as environmental consultant, soil analyst, land use planner, or conservation specialist. These jobs often involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation, and may require knowledge of GIS tools and soil testing techniques.

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 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.
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Soil Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,183 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
SPC Soil Scientist

SPC Soil Scientist

GAI Consultants

Homestead, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

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 will enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment that will utilize their related experience to develop professionally and grow in today's global environment. This position is eligible for GAI’s flexible Hybrid work schedules.

Job Duties

  • Conduct in-field soil investigations, including soil morphology, texture, and full profile descriptions.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports documenting soil resources and subsurface conditions.
  • Map and classify soil types using digital and satellite imagery, GPS data, and field sampling in accordance with National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) standards.
  • Evaluate soil hydraulic conductivity and perform percolation testing as required by project scope.
  • Communicate field investigation plans and instructions clearly to internal staff and subcontractors.
  • Coordinate with project teams and clients during subsurface explorations to share field observations and preliminary findings.
  • Download, manage, and evaluate field data to develop design recommendations and overall site development considerations.
  • Prepare initial draft reports that compile field investigation data and engineering analysis for review by project managers and supervisors.

Requirements

  • 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 Science or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of related professional experience.
  • Demonstrated experience classifying soils in accordance with USDA and/or USCS classification systems.
  • Experience with hydraulic conductivity testing, percolation testing, and directing subsurface explorations.
  • Proven ability to compile, analyze, and interpret soil and subsurface investigation data.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work independently in field settings and collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • The employee is frequently required to sit.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
  • The employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment including a hard hat, safety glasses, fall protection, hearing protection, gloves, etc.
  • The work environment will have both hot and cold temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
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About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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