Profession soil scientist

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.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic

Knowledge

• 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.

• European pesticide legislation

  The EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.

• Ecology

  The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

• Soil mechanics

  Thoroughly understand the characteristics of soil in relation to analysing the deformations of fluids within soil that supports man-made structures.

• 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 structure

  Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.

Skills

• Perform laboratory tests

  Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

• Gather experimental data

  Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB