Soil Scientist

Salary
Graduate: £15,000 - £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £28,000 - £45,000

Main Employers

Government bodies and local government
Specialist research centres and academic institutions
NGOs
Conservation agencies
Industrial companies
Consultancies

Job Profile
Soil scientists interpret and evaluate information to understand how soil contributes to agricultural production, environmental quality, human health issues, climate change and biodiversity. They study the upper few meters of the earth's crust in terms of its physical and chemical properties; distribution; and biological components, as well as studying the responses of various soil types to fertilizers, tillage practices and crop rotation. Soil scientists provide information to landowners regarding the best use of land, plant growth and methods to avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

Integrating soil science into land management, ecosystems and policies
Conducting laboratory analysis and experiments
Conducting soil surveys to produce maps of soil types and distribution
Predicting and monitoring effects of farm activities on productivity
Conducting studies on soil stability, moisture retention, drainage, sustainability, nutrient levels, greenhouse gas emissions, etc
Assessing environmental hazards and remediation alternatives

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Agriculture; Biology; Botany; Chemistry; Earth Sciences; Ecology; Engineering; Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Soil Science

A good degree is necessary to enter this profession, as entry with an HND is only possible at technician level. As with many other professions, any work experience will count in your favour. An MSc or PhD is useful and there are opportunities to study overseas as this area of science moves up the political agenda. A PhD is necessary for those wanting to become a specialist researcher or lecturer.

Career Development
Soil scientists can be found in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; environmental management; land use planning activities; education and research; and policy formulation. They also find employment in non-soil-science professions, such as research; government policy; consultancy; overseas development; assistance with on-site archaeological excavations; landscape design; and site restoration.

Promotion is based largely on experience, scientific publication and performance. Soil scientists working in academic research can expect a structured form of career advancement but, as research-based jobs are typically for fixed period, you may have to move frequently. Opportunities for soil scientists outside academic research and publicly funded bodies are limited. Self-employed soil scientists will require a wealth of experience and a specialisation within soil science.

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