ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Soil Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Multiplier

Soil Scientist - Field Crew Lead

Logan, UT · On-site

$25/hr

The Soil Scientist will contribute to Working Land Conservation's mission by executing field-based research and applied projects. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with sample preparation ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsScience JobsSoil Science JobsScientist JobsSoil Scientist Jobs

Soil Scientist information

See salary details

$31K

$48.2K

$97K

How much do soil scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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.

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.
More about Soil Scientist jobs

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:

What are popular job titles related to Soil Scientist jobs?

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 - Field Crew Lead

Logan, UT • On-site

Multiplier
See more jobs at Multiplierexternal

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

About the Organization:
Working Lands Conservation (WLC) is a small, research-based non-profit located in Logan, UT. Our goal is to improve land management by bringing science to collaborative partnerships, while also supporting communities and livelihoods. Through our work, we are creating resilient Western landscapes and a resilient future for communities that utilize and value these working landscapes.
We are a team of field ecologists and communicators. We draw on our extensive experience designing ecological studies, collecting data, and analyzing information to understand how land management contributes to landscape health and stakeholder stewardship objectives. 

We are a partner-oriented organization. We realize that trust, learning, and change happen when science is shared in conversation and as stories. We thus spend as much time building relationships as we do collecting data. We strongly believe that partnerships of diverse stakeholders lead to innovative management ideas, and that producers are the foundational stewards of working landscapes. We work closely with producers, state agencies, federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and university researchers to fulfill our mission, share ideas, and inspire innovative management. 

Position Summary:
We're excited to welcome a Soil Scientist - Field Crew Lead to lead and conduct field work and support our Ecosystem Services Lab through soil health analysis. This is a Term-limited Position lasting from September 7, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The Soil Scientist will contribute to Working Land Conservation's mission by executing field-based research and applied projects. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with sample preparation and analysis for basic soil health parameters. 
Field Crew Leadership: The Soil Scientist will oversee field operations for soil carbon and soil health projects, predominantly in Utah. This involves leading field crews, making real-time decisions about daily workflow, maintaining rigorous safety protocols in remote environments, and troubleshooting logistics on the fly when things don't go according to plan. 
Lab Technician Support: When not in the field, the Soil Scientist will support the Laboratory Manager as a dedicated technician. Over the past year, WLC opened a non-profit Ecosystem Services Laboratory that provides ranchers and other stakeholders with cost-effective soil, water, and plant testing so land stewards have the data needed to adaptively manage their landscapes. Duties will include following lab protocols, preparing samples for analysis, applying dilution theory for chemical procedures, assisting the Laboratory Manager with sample analysis, and maintaining a safe laboratory environment through proper chemical storage and waste management. 
Field & Crew Management Duties:
  • Lead field work focused on soil health and soil organic carbon across diverse Western landscapes.
  • Manage end-to-end field logistics, including crew, training, daily workflow decisions, and on-site field safety.
  • Troubleshoot equipment, vehicle, or scheduling issues in remote and off-grid settings.
  • Manage Field Technician(s) and mentor crew members on research protocols and safety.
  • Travel as needed to initiate new projects and represent WLC with regional partners.
Lab Technician Duties:
  • Assist the Laboratory Manager with daily laboratory operations, sample preparation, and instrument runs.
  • Follow strict laboratory protocols for soil health parameters.
  • Maintain safety standards, chemical inventory, and proper hazardous waste disposal.
General Duties:
  • Collaboratively work with the WLC team to further WLC's mission.
  • Dedicate time to the professional development of organizational and management skills.
  • Contribute to a healthy, supportive, and inclusive culture at WLC.
  • Other duties that are reasonable and consistent with this position.
You are, at heart, a field ecologist who loves leading research across the diverse ecosystems of the US West. At this point in your career, you possess genuine leadership skills. You know how to keep a field crew motivated, safe, and productive, even when facing long days in remote conditions.
You're comfortable both getting your hands dirty in the field and keeping the benches clean and organized in the lab. You have hands-on experience with basic soil processing (including some of the following: organic carbon analysis, nutrient analysis, respiration, N mineralization, soil microbial biomass and activity), understand solution chemistry and dilution theory, and are comfortable following lab protocols as written (and improving them along the way). Whether you are navigating a 4WD vehicle down a rough back-country road or assisting the Laboratory Manager with sample prep, you adapt quickly and keep cool under pressure.
You are excited about joining a small, dynamic team of scientists and communicators who are mission-driven and outcome-focused. You believe that blending academic-grade experimental design with kitchen-table relationship building roots projects in community, and leads to adaptive management with lasting impacts. You know that to thrive in a small non-profit requires nimbleness. You are flexible, are not deterred when plans change, and can draw on your problem solving skills to move projects forward. You have superb interpersonal and communication skills through which to share your vision and excitement with all those you work with.
You are dedicated to contributing and fostering a workplace centered on teamwork, a commitment to excellence, and mutual respect. The ideal candidate will be a person of integrity, humor, enthusiasm, and optimism.

Specific Experience Requested:
We recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences, and background to this position, lending their flair to the trajectory of the Soil Scientist - Field Crew Lead & Lab Tech role. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives in our applicant pool, and will be looking for candidates who possess many, but not necessarily all, of the following qualifications and experience:
  • M.S. or equivalent experience in: soil science, soil ecology, soil biogeochemistry, conservation ecology, restoration ecology, rangeland ecology or other related science-based field;
  • Experience, training, and managing a field crew, including setting daily work schedules and managing field logistics;
  • Demonstrated ability to work safely in remote field locations and make sound safety decisions independently;
  • Experience driving on rough roads, operating 4WD vehicles, and troubleshooting mechanical or logistical issues in the field;
  • Ability to spend long days in extreme conditions including cold, hot, and buggy environments;
  • Ability to work safely in remote field locations;
  • Ability to carry 20 pounds over uneven terrain;
  • Valid driver's license;
  • Experience working in a soil biogeochemistry laboratory, carrying out relevant protocols, such as performing soil health analysis, managing chemical storage, using dilution theory;
  • Strong communication skills and a desire to mentor technicians and work collaboratively with diverse land stewards. 
  • Workplace: Working Lands Conservation has a dedicated office and laboratory in Logan, UT, which serves as a hub for team members. All team members have a dedicated workspace in the office. Due to the onsite nature of field and lab work, this position will be required to work onsite at field sites and in the WLC office/lab.   
  • Travel: This position requires overnight travel to undertake field research in Utah, and possibly other Western regions (up to 60% time). Team members may also be required to travel to day-long or multi-day conferences and workshops annually.
  • Compensation: This position is a Term-limited Position lasting from September 7, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Multiplier provides a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary ($25/hour), excellent medical and dental benefits, retirement savings, and generous vacation and sick leave policy.
Multiplier and WLC are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@multiplier.org.  Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy. 
Working Lands Conservation is an independent operating project of the nonprofit umbrella organization, Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a growing portfolio of innovative initiatives that conserve and protect a sustainable and resilient world (www.multiplier.org).

Apply