Soil Scientists gather, interpret and evaluate information about the structure and quality of soil. This is then used to influence practices such as agricultural and horticultural production, habitat management and forestry.
Soil Scientists assess the soil’s ability for growing crops, recommend land management methods to prevent landslide erosion and can advise on environmental issues, tackling problems such as the pollution and acidification of soils by chemicals and heavy metals.
detailed knowledge of the chemical, biological and physical properties of soil
to plan, conduct research and carry out field work
competence in data collection and analysis
communication skills, oral and written, being able to explain findings clearly and concisely
to identify and solve problems
to work independently as well as in a team
IT skills to produce reports, maps and models
a full driving licence
Salary
NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills/qualifications and experience of the employee.
£22,000
Typical salaries range from
£55,000
Typical Hours
Between 37-40 hours a week and may need to gather samples out of hours.
Day to Day
Collect, assess and examine soil samples
Analyse and interpret data, using computer programmes to produce maps of soil types and their distribution
Write research reports and make presentations on findings
Regularly communicate and work with professionals such as hydrologists, ecologists and environmental scientists
Attend conferences on developments in soil science and related areas, as well as environmental issues and legislation changes
Working Environment
The work will involve a combination of outdoor activities, laboratory work and office-based activities. You will need to wear protective clothing (PPE) to gather samples, for safety and to ensure no contamination.
You often travel to carry out your work, both nationally and internationally when carrying out research projects and attending conferences and training.
Training Available
Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Soil Scientist opportunities and careers paths
Jobs are available throughout the UK in environmental consultancies, universities, governmental and private sector organisations. Research roles often start as short-term contracts, with progression dependant on moving to other projects or organisations.
With more experience and specialist knowledge, you’ll be able to move to independent consultancy work.
Industries
Soil Scientist will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.
Agriculture
Diverse, dynamic and rewarding – if you’re practical and love the outdoors, then a career in agriculture could be for you.
Agriculture is diverse, dynamic and rewarding, with a huge range of interesting and varied career options. If you’re practical, hardworking, love the outdoors or have a passion for science and technology then working in agriculture could be for you.
The UK and Ireland's farmers and crofters play a huge part in looking after our natural landscape. While producing food, they can improve biodiversity, plant trees, restore peat, improve water and soil quality, and generate renewable energy. From the latest trends in data science to new methods of animal husbandry, land management and ecology, working in agriculture is a direct way to address the climate emergency, as well as supporting rural life.
If you’re interested in technology, you could work on a farm using the latest equipment and science to produce food sustainably, safely and efficiently. Or if you want to radically change how we produce food and use our land working vertical farming or remote sensing could be for you. More than ever, agriculture needs innovative, enthusiastic people to help make the food we produce both taste good and make good sense for the planet.
Utilised agricultural land use stands over 70% of the total area of the United Kingdom and over 82% of the Republic of Ireland
Total income from farming in the United Kingdom is estimated to have been £4.1 billion in 2020
Economists at Teagasc estimate that in 2021, the average family farm income in the Republic of Ireland increased by 20% from the previous year
Principal destinations for UK food, feed and drink exports include the Republic of Ireland, France, the USA, and the Netherlands
The world of horticulture and landscaping is fast-moving, ever-changing and leading the way in combatting climate change.
Growing and harvesting plants for financial, environmental or social benefits not only helps the environment, it can also boost wellbeing – and from lawn mowing to landscaping, greenkeeping to scientific research, horticulture offers a huge range of rewarding careers.
Humans have been been growing plants and maintaining the natural environment since ancient times and horticulture has never stopped changing and adapting. As we learn more about the impact of climate change and weather extremes, horticulturalists are dealing with some of the biggest issues of the day: what will we plant in the future if resources like water and nutrients become limited? How do we make the most of the rapid advances in growing techniques, machinery, and cultivation?
Horticulture and landscaping plays an important part in our economy. It’s a dynamic industry, with continuous research and development and a focus on using technology to make growing more sustainable. That has created a range of exciting job opportunities for people who are passionate about plants, science and growing solutions.
The UK horticulture industry is worth over £9 billion each year
The industry supports the employment of almost 340,000 people, with landscapers and retailers accounting for 83% of the total
Private gardening is an important activity for UK citizens, with households spending £7.5bn on gardening goods, including cut-flowers, a year
The Republic of Ireland's horticulture industry is valued at €477m; it is the fourth largest industry after dairy, beef and pigs in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value
The industry employs approximately 17,000 people in the Republic of Ireland - an estimated 6,600 people directly employed full-time and another 11,000 indirectly employed in value-added and downstream businesses
Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction,
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career.
Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn,
there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an
apprenticeship if you already have a degree.
Apprenticeships in England
During an apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed regularly to make sure you’re gaining the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need. At the end of the apprenticeship, an End Point Assessment (EPA) will check you’re fully competent. EPAs are carried out by an independent organisation and will include a practical skills demonstration and discussion.
An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career.
Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else.
But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training.
Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.
Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:
someone who is just starting their career
someone who already has a job and wants to move forward in their company
someone who already has a job and wants to retrain to make a career change.
Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages -
there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to
gain experience, upskill or change career while working.
They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:
workplace experience and skills development
a nationally recognised qualification
employee benefits and a wage
no student loans or tuition fees
contact with industry professionals.
Vacancies
Interested in becoming an apprentice? Search for current opportunities and apply here.
Not quite sure if an apprenticeship is right for you? If you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, T Levels and Traineeships can be a great alternative.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels – a two-year course for 16-18 year olds. Created alongside employers, they combine classroom learning with an industry placement and are a great way to prepare for work, further training or study. If you’re not quite ready for a T Level, the T Level Transition Programme is a 1-year post-GCSE course designed to prepare you for your chosen route. T Levels are available in Agriculture, Land Management and Production from September 2023, and in Animal Care and Management from September 2024.
Traineeships are a great option if you’re between 16 and 24 and don’t yet have the skills or experience to take on a job or apprenticeship. In a Traineeship, you complete an unpaid work placement alongside a training course to develop your skills. Traineeships last from six weeks to a year, though most last around six months.
Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Find out more
Funding Options
Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training -
different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're
interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider
for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect
you to support available:
Further Education
16 – 19:
You won't have to pay any course fees if you're staying on in education or training at a school, college, or with a training provider, and you're under the age of 19 – please contact the training provider for more information.
Advanced Learner Loans are available to help with the cost of a course at college or training provider in England if you are over 19 and studying a Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 qualification – more information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
If you are aged 19 or over you could access a course for free to help you gain the skills you need to get the job you want – this includes some land-based Level 3 qualifications, with the government paying the course fees. To find out more including eligibility criteria, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/free-courses-for-jobs
Higher Education:
Information on loans and grants available to undergraduate and postgraduate students can be found via Student Finance England https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk
Skills Hub Scotland
Skills Hub Scotland
is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills.
Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.
Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech
5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations,
Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource.
If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider,
list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner,
use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!
STEM
STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals
– this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as
protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships,
further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!
STEM Learning
is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing
a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences.
They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers.
To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website:
https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes -
Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support
materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:
Smart Futures
helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them.
Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM,
the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.
Not sure what you want to do?
Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.
If we can support you with any specific information, please click the button below to get in touch.
