What Does a Soil Technician Do?
A soil technician is responsible for collecting and analyzing soil samples to support projects in construction, agriculture, environmental science, and land development. Their work involves fieldwork, laboratory testing, and detailed reporting to determine a soil’s physical and chemical composition. This information is used to assess land suitability, identify contaminants, and support regulatory compliance.
Soil technicians work closely with engineers, agronomists, and environmental scientists to provide accurate, actionable data. Their contributions are essential in planning safe construction foundations, protecting natural resources, improving agricultural productivity, and meeting state and federal environmental standards.
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Soil Technician Core Responsibilities
- Collect soil samples from field sites using augers, drills, and core samplers
- Conduct lab tests to evaluate moisture content, density, pH, compaction, permeability, and nutrient levels
- Assist with site assessments for construction, agriculture, or environmental remediation projects
- Record, analyze, and document soil test results in compliance with regulations
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and field instrumentation
- Collaborate with engineers, agronomists, and scientists on data interpretation
- Prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommendations
- Follow safety procedures and adhere to environmental standards during fieldwork
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of soil sampling techniques and laboratory testing methods
- Ability to operate field equipment such as GPS units, drills, and compaction testers
- Understanding of soil chemistry, biology, and classification systems (e.g., USDA, ASTM)
- Experience interpreting lab results and preparing technical documentation
- Proficiency with data entry and analysis software (e.g., Excel, GIS tools)
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling
- Physical stamina for outdoor, field-based work
- Critical thinking and observational skills
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical team members
- Time management across multiple active project sites
Education
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Geology, Agronomy, or a related field
Certifications
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER (for environmental or remediation work)
- Recommended: NICET certification in soils or geotechnical technology
Soil Technician Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in geotechnical testing or agricultural field trials
- Familiarity with state environmental regulations and permitting requirements
- Background working with civil engineering or land use planning teams
National Average Salary
Soil technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Soil Technician is:
$50,733
Soil Technician Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a soil technician. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Environmental Soil Technician
We’re seeking an environmental soil technician to support soil sampling, analysis, and reporting for environmental investigations and remediation projects. You’ll work in the field and lab to assess contamination levels and contribute to ecological and regulatory outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Collect soil samples from industrial, commercial, and natural sites for environmental analysis
- Test for contaminants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and VOCs
- Assist with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
- Follow EPA and state protocols for sample handling and documentation
- Support remediation projects by monitoring soil removal and backfill quality
- Maintain field logs, chain-of-custody forms, and lab documentation
- Operate field instruments including XRF analyzers, PID meters, and GPS units
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental safety procedures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of environmental testing protocols and contaminant screening
- Experience with soil sampling tools and lab analysis methods
- Familiarity with environmental regulations (EPA, RCRA, CERCLA)
- Proficiency with field data collection tools and documentation
Soft skills
- Attention to safety and environmental compliance
- Clear communication with scientists and regulatory teams
- Detail-oriented recordkeeping under field conditions
- Ability to work outdoors in variable environments
Education
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, or a related field
Certifications
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification
- Recommended: CPR/First Aid for field safety
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with brownfield redevelopment or remediation oversight
- Familiarity with GIS software for environmental mapping
Example 2: Construction Soil Technician
We’re hiring a construction soil technician to perform on-site soil testing and analysis, ensuring that ground conditions meet engineering standards for new builds and infrastructure projects. This role supports site preparation, compaction verification, and materials testing.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field density and compaction tests using nuclear gauges and sand cones
- Collect and classify soil samples using ASTM and AASHTO standards
- Observe grading operations and foundation prep for soil compliance
- Assist engineers with site inspection and reporting
- Prepare daily field logs and laboratory testing documentation
- Operate soil augers, hand probes, and drilling rigs as needed
- Perform moisture content, sieve analysis, and Atterberg limits tests
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of construction testing standards (ASTM, AASHTO)
- Experience with compaction testing and soil classification
- Ability to interpret construction plans and specifications
- Familiarity with concrete and aggregate testing is a plus
Soft skills
- Strong field documentation and observational skills
- Comfortable working at active construction sites
- Time management across multiple daily inspections
- Clear communication with site supervisors and engineers
Education
Associate degree or technical training in Civil Engineering, Construction Science, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Safety
- Recommended: NICET Certification in Construction Materials Testing – Soils
Preferred qualifications
- Experience supporting DOT or public infrastructure projects
- Familiarity with GPS equipment for elevation and grading checks
Example 3: Agricultural Soil Technician
We’re hiring an agricultural soil technician to conduct field and lab testing that helps farmers, agronomists, and crop consultants make informed land management decisions. You’ll support soil health through testing, mapping, and nutrient analysis.
Responsibilities
- Collect soil samples from farms and agricultural fields according to seasonal schedules
- Test for pH, nutrient levels (NPK), organic matter, and salinity
- Assist in creating fertility maps and GPS-based soil analysis reports
- Calibrate and maintain field sampling tools and lab equipment
- Prepare soil amendment recommendations under agronomist guidance
- Document test results, sample locations, and crop data
- Communicate findings to growers, advisors, or co-op managers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with agronomic soil testing methods and equipment
- Understanding of nutrient management and soil fertility principles
- GPS/GIS proficiency for field mapping and precision agriculture
- Experience working with lab testing software or analysis tools
Soft skills
- Interest in sustainable agriculture and crop production
- Fieldwork flexibility across seasons and weather
- Effective communication with growers and agronomy teams
- Accuracy in sample handling and data entry
Education
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field
Certifications
- None required
- Recommended: Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) – Soils Specialty
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with drone-based soil mapping or variable rate technology
- Knowledge of crop-specific soil and amendment requirements
Example 4: Geotechnical Soil Technician
We’re seeking a geotechnical soil technician to assist with subsurface investigations and laboratory testing, supporting foundation design and civil engineering projects. You’ll play a critical role in providing soil data that informs structural safety and stability.
Responsibilities
- Perform soil borings, test pits, and in-situ tests under geotechnical supervision
- Classify soils according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
- Conduct lab tests such as grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, and unconfined compression
- Collect field data for boring logs and geotechnical reports
- Prepare soil sample documentation and maintain chain-of-custody
- Assist with slope stability, compaction, and bearing capacity testing
- Operate drill rigs, CPT equipment, and soil sampling tools
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of geotechnical testing protocols and USCS classification
- Experience in soil mechanics lab procedures
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot field equipment
- Familiarity with geotechnical software is a plus
Soft skills
- Precision in field data collection and note-taking
- Strong work ethic in physically demanding environments
- Team collaboration with engineers and drill crews
- Commitment to safety and procedural compliance
Education
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, or a related field
Certifications
- OSHA 10 or 40-Hour HAZWOPER (depending on site type)
- Recommended: NICET Certification in Geotechnical or Construction Materials Testing
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with transportation or infrastructure geotechnical surveys
- Background in earthquake or seismic soil testing