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Soil Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GAI Consultants

SPC Soil Scientist

Homestead, PA · On-site

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

Provost & Pritchard

Soil Scientist

Visalia, CA · On-site

Prepareregulatorymonitoring reports andpermittingdocuments, including Reports of Waste Discharge. * Assist with field investigations involving soil infiltration and permeability testing. * Assist ...

Provost & Pritchard

Soil Scientist

Visalia, CA · On-site

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

Timmons Group

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 ...

Timmons Group

Licensed Soil Scientist

Richmond, VA

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

Actalent

RTT (Roadway Testing Technician)

Roswell, GA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Perform construction quality assurance field testing of soil, concrete, masonry, asphalt, and geosynthetics on roadway and related projects. * Conduct on-site inspections and project-specific ...

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Soil Testing information

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$36K

$43.7K

$70K

How much do soil testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil testing in the United States is $43,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Soil Testing vs Soil Laboratory Technician?

AspectSoil TestingSoil Laboratory Technician
CertificationsOften requires soil testing certifications or related environmental certificationsRequires laboratory technician certifications, such as OSHA or specific lab certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor testing sites, construction sitesLaboratory setting, analyzing soil samples in a controlled environment
Job FocusCollecting soil samples, performing tests on-site or in labs, interpreting resultsPreparing, analyzing, and testing soil samples in a lab, ensuring accuracy and quality control
Employer & IndustryConstruction, agriculture, environmental consultingEnvironmental labs, research institutions, agricultural testing labs

While both roles involve working with soil samples, Soil Testing typically emphasizes fieldwork and on-site testing, whereas Soil Laboratory Technicians focus on laboratory analysis and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant certifications and are essential in environmental and agricultural industries.

What are some common challenges faced by soil testing technicians, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Soil testing technicians often work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which can make field sampling physically demanding. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy of samples and avoiding contamination is critical, requiring attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols. Time management is important, as technicians may need to coordinate with agronomists, engineers, or farmers to meet project deadlines. Building strong communication skills and staying updated on the latest testing methods can help overcome these challenges and improve job performance.

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

To thrive as a Soil Testing Technician, you typically need a background in soil science, environmental science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and laboratory skills. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, soil sampling techniques, and data management software—plus certifications like OSHA HAZWOPER—are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills help you interpret results and convey findings to clients or team members. These skills ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making in agricultural, environmental, or construction projects.

What is soil testing and why is it important?

Soil testing is the process of analyzing soil samples to determine their nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as pH and contamination levels. This information is essential for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers to make informed decisions about fertilization, crop selection, and soil management. By understanding the soil's condition, users can optimize plant growth, improve yields, and prevent environmental issues caused by over-fertilization or improper land use.

How do you become a soil tester?

To become a soil tester, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of soil science, chemistry, or environmental science. Gaining experience through internships or on-the-job training is common, and some positions may require certification or specialized training in soil analysis or laboratory techniques.
More about Soil Testing jobs
What cities are hiring for Soil Testing jobs? Cities with the most Soil Testing job openings:
What states have the most Soil Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Testing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Soil Testing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Soil Testing jobs are:
Soil Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,669 per year, or $21 per hour.

SPC Soil Scientist

GAI Consultants Inc.

Homestead, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

GAI Consultants rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

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.
Qualifications

Education
Bachelors of Biology (required)
Bachelors of Engineering (required)
Bachelors of Environmental and Earth Science (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What GAI Consultants employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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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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