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Soil Survey Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

Collaborate with Timmons Group engineers, planners, surveyors, GIS professionals, environmental scientists, and project managers to provide soil-related recommendations throughout the project ...

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

Collaborate with Timmons Group engineers, planners, surveyors, GIS professionals, environmental scientists, and project managers to provide soil-related recommendations throughout the project ...

Collaborate with Timmons Group engineers, planners, surveyors, GIS professionals, environmental scientists, and project managers to provide soil-related recommendations throughout the project ...

Experience levels require a minimum of 5 years Geotechnical experience in transportation projects performing Soil Survey, Bridge or Wall Foundation Investigation, Pavement Evaluation, etc., to meet ...

Experience levels require a minimum of 5 years Geotechnical experience in transportation projects performing Soil Survey, Bridge or Wall Foundation Investigation, Pavement Evaluation, etc., to meet ...

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Soil Survey information

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$33.5K

$90.8K

$135.5K

How much do soil survey jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil survey in the United States is $90,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily tasks of a soil survey?

Soil Survey professionals typically spend their days split between outdoor fieldwork and office-based data analysis. Fieldwork often involves collecting soil samples, mapping soil types, documenting site characteristics, and using GPS devices to record locations. Back in the office, they analyze soil samples, prepare reports, interpret data using GIS software, and communicate findings to landowners, engineers, or government agencies. Collaboration with environmental scientists, agronomists, and land managers is common, and some projects may require travel to survey diverse landscapes. This variety offers a dynamic work environment for those who enjoy both hands-on and analytical tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a soil survey?

To thrive in a Soil Survey role, you need strong knowledge of soil science, environmental science, and geospatial principles, often supported by a degree in soil science, agronomy, or a related field. Proficiency with GPS technology, GIS software, soil sampling equipment, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Soil Science Society of America are important. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills help in gathering data and reporting findings effectively. These qualities ensure accurate soil classification, support land management decisions, and foster productive collaboration with environmental and agricultural professionals.

What is a soil survey?

A Soil Survey job involves examining, mapping, and analyzing soil properties to assess their suitability for agriculture, construction, and environmental conservation. Soil surveyors collect samples, classify soil types, and create reports that guide land use planning. They work for government agencies, environmental firms, or research institutions. The role requires knowledge of soil science, GIS mapping, and fieldwork techniques.

More about Soil Survey jobs
What states have the most Soil Survey jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Survey jobs include:
Infographic showing various Soil Survey job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,829 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


GAI Consultants rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 439 rated engineering


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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