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Soil Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evaluate soil hydraulic conductivity and perform percolation testing as required by project scope. * Communicate field investigation plans and instructions clearly to internal staff and ...

Evaluate soil hydraulic conductivity and perform percolation testing as required by project scope. * Communicate field investigation plans and instructions clearly to internal staff and ...

Prepare regulatory monitoring reports and permitting documents, including Reports of Waste Discharge. * Assist with field investigations involving soil infiltration and permeability testing ...

Evaluate soil hydraulic conductivity and perform percolation testing as required by project scope. * Communicate field investigation plans and instructions clearly to internal staff and ...

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

Strong knowledge of soil properties, soil classification, testing methods, environmental regulations, and field documentation practices. * Ability to read and interpret technical literature ...

Strong knowledge of soil properties, soil classification, testing methods, environmental regulations, and field documentation practices. * Ability to read and interpret technical literature ...

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

Strong knowledge of soil properties, soil classification, testing methods, environmental regulations, and field documentation practices. * Ability to read and interpret technical literature ...

Land Use Specialist

Shell Lake, WI · On-site

$24.80 - $25.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester credentials must be procured within 2 years from hire. If they are not procured within the 2-year period, the employee may be demoted to a vacant position if one ...

Land Use Specialist

Shell Lake, WI · On-site

$24.80 - $25.55/hr

The Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester credentials must be procured within 2 years from hire. If they are not procured within the 2-year period, the employee may be demoted to a vacant position if one ...

Maintain certified soil tester credential. Prepare training for local plumbers related to POWTS changes and updates. Interpretation and enforcement of zoning codes and regulations, scheduling ...

Showing results 21-40

Soil Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do soil tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a soil tester?

A Soil Tester analyzes soil samples to determine their composition, moisture content, and suitability for construction, agriculture, or environmental projects. They collect samples from various sites, perform tests in the field and lab, and document results to ensure compliance with industry standards. This information helps engineers, farmers, and environmental scientists make informed decisions about land use and foundation stability. Soil Testers often work for construction companies, government agencies, or environmental firms.

What kinds of environments do soil testers typically work in, and what can I expect from the daily work routine?

Soil Testers commonly split their time between fieldwork—where they collect soil samples in various outdoor settings such as farms, construction sites, or undeveloped land—and laboratory work, where they analyze those samples for nutrient content, contaminants, and other properties. Daily tasks often involve operating specialized equipment, recording data, and preparing detailed reports. You may frequently work both independently and with other environmental professionals, project managers, or agricultural staff, depending on the assignment. Expect varied workdays and occasional travel or time outdoors, making this a dynamic and engaging role for those who enjoy both lab science and field activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a soil tester, and why are they important?

To excel as a Soil Tester, you need a background in environmental science, agriculture, or a related field, with strong analytical and attention-to-detail skills. Proficiency in using soil sampling equipment, laboratory analysis tools, and familiarity with basic industry certifications such as OSHA safety training are often required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection and interpretation, compliance with safety standards, and clear reporting for environmental and agricultural projects.

How do I become a soil tester?

To become a soil tester, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of soil science or related fields. Many positions require training in soil sampling techniques and the use of testing equipment, and some employers prefer candidates with a degree in agriculture, environmental science, or a similar discipline.
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Infographic showing various Soil Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

SPC Soil Scientist

GAI Consultants

Homestead, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


GAI Consultants rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 449 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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