Soil scientist

Description

Soil scientists research and study the scientific discipline concerning soil. They advise on how to improve soil quality to support nature, food production or human infrastructure using surveying techniques, irrigation techniques and erosion reduction measures. They make sure to conserve and restore land suffering from intense farming or human interaction.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to soil scientist:

soil testing technician
soil biologist
senior soil scientist
soil biology specialist
lead senior soil scientist
soil wetland scientist
soil analyst
acidity tester
soil technician

Minimum qualifications

Master’s degree is generally required to work as soil scientist. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Soil scientist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Soil scientist career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to soil scientist.

agronomist
oceanographer
geologist
palaeontologist
hydrologist

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of soil scientist. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of soil scientist with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of soil scientist.

Crop production principles: Principles in growing crops, the natural cycle, nursing of nature, growth conditions and principles of organic and sustainable production. Quality criterias and requirements of seeds, plants and crop.
Soil mechanics: Thoroughly understand the characteristics of soil in relation to analysing the deformations of fluids within soil that supports man-made structures.
European pesticide legislation: The EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.
Soil structure: Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Soil science: The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.
Ecology: The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of soil scientist.

Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Apply safety procedures in laboratory: Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
Gather experimental data: Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Conduct soil sample tests: Analyse and test soil samples; determine gas chromatography and gather relevant isotope and carbon information; determine viscosity.
Advise on nature conservation: Provide information and suggested actions relating to the conservation of nature.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of soil scientist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Climate change impact: Understand the impact of climate change on biodiversity and lifeconditions for plants and animals.
Surveying: The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
Government policy: The political activities, plans, and intentions of a government for a legislative session for concrete causes.
Agronomical production principles: The techniques, methods and principles of conventional agronomical production.
Agricultural equipment: The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Surveying methods: Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
Agricultural production principles: Principles and conditions of organic and sustainable agricultural production.
Environmental legislation: The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
Irrigation systems: The methods and systems management in irrigation.
Pollution prevention: The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.
Laboratory techniques: Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
Agronomy: The study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. Includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for sustainability in agriculture.
Environmental engineering: The application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, and land) for humans and other organisms, for environmental remediation in the event of pollution, sustainable energy development, and improved waste management and waste reduction methods.
Fertilisation principles: The study of plant, soil structure, climatic and environmental issues in agronomical production.
Plant harvest methods: The various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.
Plant propagation: Types of different propagation methods, materials and seeds and their criteria for health and quality.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of soil scientist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Record survey measurements: Gather and process descriptive data by using documents such as sketches, drawings and notes.
Develop irrigation strategies: Plan the deployment of methods and procedures for watering the land by artificial means, taking into account strategies for water use sustainability.
 
Prepare surveying report: Write a survey report containing information on property boundaries, the height and depth of the terrain, etc..
Advise on fertiliser and herbicide: Ability to advise on fertilisers and herbicides when and where needed.
Conduct land surveys: Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.
Advise on soil and water protection: Advise on the effects of soil and water management practices in controlling pollutant loss, nitrate leaching and reduce soil erosion.
Liaise with crop growers: Give advice to agronomical and horticultural crop growers regarding aspects such as the maintenance of crops and more technical information concerning business and product development issues.
Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Advise on pollution prevention: Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Develop scientific research protocols: Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
Inspect agricultural fields: Inspect crops, fields, and plant stock to determine the need and timing for sowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting.
Operate surveying instruments: Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.
Adjust surveying equipment: Ensure accuracy of measurement by adjusting surveying equipment.
Conduct field work: Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Implement biodiversity action plans: Promoting and implementing local and national biodiversity action plans in partnership with local/national statutory and voluntary organisations.
Ensure soil fertility: Analyse soil to determine type and quantity of fertiliser required for maximum production.

ISCO group and title

2133 – Environmental protection professionals

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Soil scientist – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022