Soil scientist

By carrying out research and using their findings to solve problems, soil scientists help to sustain healthy ecosystems, food production and climate resilience worldwide

As a soil scientist you'll collect, analyse and interpret data about the chemistry, biology and physics of soil. Using the information obtained from this analysis, you'll inform and influence on diverse issues such as:

• agricultural production
• biodiversity
• climate change
• environmental quality
• human health
• land remediation.

Soil is one of the planet's most important natural resources. It supports food production, provides habitats for plants and animals, and helps tackle issues such as flooding and carbon storage. A career in soil science means working on real-world problems that affect sustainability and the environment.

Types of soil scientist

You'll usually specialise in a particular category of soil science, generally divided into these areas:

• pedology (the development, distribution, properties, processes and classification of soil)
• soil physics
• soil chemistry
• soil biology
• soil mineralogy
• soil management
• soil survey and land management.

Responsibilities

As a soil scientist, you'll need to:

• apply knowledge of soil science, including the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils, and how these vary across landscapes
• carry out fieldwork, including collecting soil samples from a range of environments
• produce maps of soil types and their distribution
• design and supervise laboratory experiments
• conduct laboratory analysis of soil samples
• record, catalogue and interpret findings
• write reports and present findings to different audiences, from policymakers to clients and the public
• translate scientific knowledge into practical guidance for land management and environmental policy
• keep up to date with developments in soil science, environmental issues and legislation
• attend conferences and build professional networks
• travel to research and consultancy sites in the UK and overseas.

If you work in higher education, you'll also be involved in teaching, supervising students and applying for research funding.

In consultancy roles, you'll prepare tenders, advise clients and collaborate with related professionals such as ecologists, engineers, geologists and hydrologists.

Salary

• Starting salaries are typically £22,000 to £26,000.
• With experience, you can expect to earn £28,000 to £40,000.
• Senior soil scientists and consultants can earn £45,000 to £60,000, depending on sector and responsibilities.

Soil scientists in commercial consultancies generally earn more than those in universities, public sector bodies or charities.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Most roles are full time and hours can be variable. Field and lab work may sometimes involve evenings or weekends, especially during busy project phases.

What to expect

• Your work will combine outdoor fieldwork, laboratory analysis and office-based tasks.
• Early in your career you may need to take short-term or fixed-term contracts, but demand for soil scientists across sectors provides good long-term prospects.
• Jobs are available throughout the UK in universities, research institutes, government bodies, consultancies and charities.
• Travel is often required, including occasional overseas trips for conferences or international projects.

Qualifications

You'll usually need a degree in a science-related subject to work as a soil scientist. Useful degrees include:

• biology
• chemistry
• environmental science
• geology
• geoscience
• mathematics
• microbiology
• physical geography
• physics.

The University of Aberdeen currently offers a specialist undergraduate degree in plant and soil science, but soil science is more often studied as part of a broader environmental or earth science programme.

Entry with a HND or equivalent practical experience is only possible at technician level, which will mostly involve carrying out routine work.

Postgraduate study in the form of a Masters or PhD can help if you want to specialise, move into research or teaching, or if your first degree didn't include much soil science. PhDs are especially useful if you aim to work in academia or high-level research roles.

Several UK universities offer postgraduate qualifications and research opportunities in soil science, including:

• Aberystwyth University
• Cranfield University
• Lancaster University
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Reading.

For more information, see the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) - the main professional body in the UK. Membership provides networking opportunities, training and up-to-date industry news.

Skills

You'll need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to plan and conduct research and carry out experimental practical work
• logical thinking
• competence in data collection and analysis
• communication skills, oral and written
• the ability to identify and solve problems
• presentation and report-writing skills
• time management skills
• the ability to work independently as well as in a team
• IT skills
• an understanding of health and safety in the workplace
• a full, clean driving licence.

Work experience

Try to gain as much related experience as possible through coursework and vacation or voluntary work, particularly in practical, soil-related field work, such as sampling and surveying, or laboratory work.

Look out for internships and summer placements with environmental consultancies, research organisations or conservation charities.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

As a soil scientist, you could work for:

• environmental consultancies
• conservation and environmental charities
• food and agriculture companies
• government agencies such as DEFRA, the Environment Agency (EA), Natural England, NatureScot and SEPA
• universities and research institutes
• commercial laboratories
• international organisations and NGOs
• forensic labs.

Specialist research centres and institutes employing soil scientists include:

• Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS)
• The James Hutton Institute
• Rothamsted Research
• National Soil Resources Institute (NSRI) - part of Cranfield University.
• Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI)

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Society of Soil Science (BSSS)
• Countryside Jobs Service (CJS)
• Earthworks-jobs.com
• Environment Jobs
• Farmers Weekly
• GreenJobs

Professional development

You'll usually get some training on the job, with additional courses provided to meet the needs of your employer, such as using specialist software or laboratory techniques.

To keep your skills up to date, you'll need to take part in continuing professional development (CPD). This might include in-house training, postgraduate study, workshops, external courses and conferences.

The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) runs events, training courses and regional meetings. Its professional membership arm, the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists (IPSS), awards professional designations such as Chartered Scientist (CSci). Joining BSSS/IPSS can help you build networks, access CPD opportunities and demonstrate your professional standing.

Soil science spans several disciplines, so you may also benefit from additional industry-recognised qualifications in related fields such as environmental science, surveying, geology or chemistry.

Career prospects

Your career path will depend on the sector you work in. If you work in:

• consultancy - you can progress from soil technician to soil scientist, then senior or principal consultant, often leading projects and managing teams
• research and academia - you'll usually complete a PhD, then move into postdoctoral roles, lectureships and eventually senior academic posts
• government and public bodies - career progression is based on experience and performance, with opportunities to move into policy and management roles.

With experience, you can specialise in areas such as land remediation, soil conservation, carbon management or environmental consultancy. Some soil scientists set up their own consultancy businesses.

Professional recognition is available through the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists (IPSS), part of BSSS, which awards the Chartered Scientist (CSci) designation. This can boost your professional credibility and help with career progression.

With specialist expertise, you'll may move into independent consultancy work or self-employment.