Support Soil Scientist

The Support Soil Scientist will perform various technical and administrative functions within the Soil Science department. This role is ideal for an individual who is passionate about Soil Science and interested in gaining new scientific knowledge.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide desktop support for the Soil Science and Field Technician teams.


• GIS – QGIS: digitise the analysed soil physical properties.


• Draft management zones for different soils depending on different soil characteristics.


• Write reports (soil management guides) for clients.


• Classification of soil according to the taxonomic system for South Africa.


• Determine suitability of soil for a wide variety of crops.


• Indicate appropriate probe positions based on the physical characteristics of the soil.


• Provide quality control checks for soil science documents (Microsoft Word/PDF/PowerPoint), including:
  
  
  
  • Edit and format documents and check spelling and grammar to speak to the AT “look and feel”.
  
  
  • Review technical information.
  
  
  • Send documents through to Agriculturists and Support Agriculturists.
  
  
  • Upload documents to OneDrive (archive) and SharePoint.
  
  
  
  


• Create new soil science documents based on requirements from the team (action reports, pre-populated information templates).


• Document all Soil Classification reports.


• Ad Hoc or other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Capabilities

• Knowledge of soil classification and soil science.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Able to digitise on QGIS.


• Excellent attention to detail.


• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.


• Excellent time management skills and able to work independently.


• Should be innovative and able to suggest new ideas to improve the Soil Science department.


• Excellent organisational skills.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• BSc degree in Soil Science/Geology/Environmental Science

Experience

• Experience in GIS


• Experience in soil classification is advantageous


• Experience in any crops is advantageous


• Experience in scientific report writing and research is advantageous

Other specific requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)


• Full professional proficiency in Afrikaans and English (speaking and writing)


• Must be willing to travel occasionally