Senior / Principal / Associate Soil Scientist

Our client, a prestigious consultancy is seeking a Senior, Principal or Associate Soil Scientist to join their team in Bristol or Epsom.  

They are seeking an individual with a strong technical background and experience in agricultural soil assessment and management, with a focus on Agricultural Land Classification and sustainable management of soils on infrastructure projects and construction sites. The successful applicant will be an important part of an innovative and technically excellent team helping deliver major projects.  

Responsibilities:  

- Provide technical and strategic leadership on agricultural soils assessment and sustainable management of soils.  

- Support and lead on client work development, preparation of proposals and input into bids for multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.  

- Liaison with clients, stakeholders, regulators, sub-contractors and other internal disciplines.  

- Work effectively as part of a team and with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planners) to provide a consistent and integrated service to their clients.  

- Maintain excellent professional relationships which will lead to and secure repeat business.  

- Compliance with Health and Safety policies and procedures, including preparing and reviewing health and safety plans and managing health and safety on site.  

- Provide technical guidance, constructive support and mentoring to junior staff and supporting their technical development.  

- Developing own competence and maintain CPD necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, with support from the business on own training and development needs.

- Degree qualified in a relevant engineering or science subject (e.g. geology, environmental science and soil science).  

- A minimum of 8 years relevant post-graduate experience.  

- Full or Chartered Membership of relevant professional body such as the British Society of Soil Science. If not Chartered, they would expect the candidate, with their support, to become chartered 6 to 12 months after joining.  

- Demonstrate a proven track record of undertaking soil surveys including recording accurate descriptions of soil profiles, undertaking hand texturing, collecting soil samples and interpretation soil chemical and physical analyses.  

- Detailed working knowledge and specialist understanding of Agricultural Land Classification including interpretation soil properties and conditions.  

- Working knowledge and demonstrable understanding of the relevant legislation, technical guidance, industry standards and best practice, especially in respect to agricultural soil assessment and the protection and sustainable management of soils.  

- Experienced in preparing and reviewing technical reports including Agricultural Land Classification assessments, Soil Resources Plans, Soil Handling Management Plans and Aftercare Plans. Experience in writing EIA chapters is desirable but not essential.  

- Demonstrate a proven track record of providing advice on earthworks related sustainable soils management and project management including managing project teams resulting in delivery to high standards.  

- Excellent communication skills and proven ability to manage and mentor staff as well as managing time and work as part of a team as well as individual working.  

- Flexible and prepared to take on new challenges.  

- Full UK driving licence and the ability and willingness to travel throughout the UK and work on short term assignments.