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Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Translate research in soil science and plant physiology into structured inputs for AI training. Collaborate with AI engineers to refine model outputs using agronomy best practices. Develop practical ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Soil And Water Conservation Scientist We're looking for experienced soil and water conservation scientists to help evaluate and improve AI systems trained on sustainable land and water management ...

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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 May 28, 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Soil Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Soil Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Soil Scientist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Soil Scientist jobs? The top employers for Soil Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Soil Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Soil Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,183 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

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.