Soil Scientist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Soil scientists conduct research into the composition, distribution and evolution of soils (NOC). They study the interaction of soils with organisms, animals and plants, and the management of soil resources for agricultural production and environmental protection. Soil scientists are employed by: post-secondary schools; federal, provincial and municipal government departments and research centres; fertilizer companies; engineering and land appraisal firms; coal, oil, gas and forestry companies; consulting firms. (alis)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada - profiles & featured role models:
- What is a plant and soil scientist?
- Career Profile from AGCareers.com : Soil Scientist
- Soil Scientist - virtual job shadow video from Career in STEM
- Sokanu: What does a soil and plant scientist do? - occupational info and video
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences - Department of Soil Science
- Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
- Faculty of Science
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Average Soil Scientist Salary - PayScale.com
- Market Research - industry info from AG Careers
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Canadian Society of Soil Science (CSSS)
- Manitoba Soil Science Society
- Agrologists Manitoba
- Soil Science Society of America (U.S.)
- Soil and Water Conservation Society (Canada & U.S.)
- International Union of Soil Sciences
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Crop Life Canada - members
- Soil Testing in Manitoba - list of soil labs from Manitoba Agriculture
- Agri-food Innovation Council - corporate members
- Manitoba Environmental Industry Association - directory
- BIOTE Canada - industry members
- Biosciences Association of Manitoba - member companies
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization - U.S. and international member directory
- Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
- Universities Canada - members
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Soil Science Graduate Students Association - University of Manitoba
- WISE Kid-netic Energy - University of Manitoba outreach group that offers hands on, curriculum based science, engineering and technology deliverables for youth in Kindergarten through grade 12
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - view 'Students and Fellows' programs
- Soil Conservation Council of Canada
- Natural Resources Canada - Wildlife Research and Support Labs - incl. Soil Biotechnology and Soil Toxicology
- Canadian Society of Agronomy
- Agri-food Innovation Council
- Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council
- Canadian Federation of Agriculture
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Government of Canada
- Manitoba Agriculture - Government of Manitoba
- World Soil Information - International Soil Reference and Information Centre
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Global Soil Partnership
- Crops & Soils magazine - Soil Science Society of America
- European Confederation of Soil Science Societies
- Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies
- Soil Sciences Publications - Soil Science Society of America
- Agriculture Career Guide - industry and employer insights from TalentEgg.ca