Job Description
Do you have a love for nature and science? If you want to pursue a career that helps improve the environment and public safety, a career as a Soil Technician may be for you.
Soil Technicians are key members of a team of professionals who test and analyze soil samples to provide clients with compositional data and recommendations. Their findings can help determine whether a piece of land is buildable to where and how to plant crops. Soil Technicians are needed in many fields, including environmental compliance, construction, and agriculture.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Test and analyze soil, aggregates, concrete, and other materials
- Document and explain all findings and note any issues or concerns
- Collaborate with contractors, technicians, and project managers
- Compile and present findings and recommendations to decision-makers
Education and Background
This position requires an associate degree, preferably with courses in ecology, biology, chemistry, and global environmental issues. Employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree and certification as an Environmental Professional.
Skills and Proficiencies
- Broad knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations
- Experience with ecological surveying and reporting
- Knowledge of various sampling techniques and equipment
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Robust technical writing, analytical, and communications skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and industry-related software
- Comfortable with fieldwork
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Soil Technician with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $33,000
- Tampa, Florida: $34,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $33,000
- Miami, Florida: $36,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $35,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $40,000
- Houston, Texas: $39,000
- Los Angeles, California: $48,000
- New York City, New York: $42,000
- Seattle, Washington: $39,000
- Overall: $36,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $39,000
- Tampa, Florida: $40,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $39,000
- Miami, Florida: $42,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $40,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $45,000
- Houston, Texas: $39,000
- Los Angeles, California: $47,000
- New York City, New York: $45,000
- Seattle, Washington: $38,000
- Overall: $44,000
Similar Job Titles
- Restoration Technician
- Field Technician
- Geological Engineer
- Environmental Scientist
Career Path
The path to becoming a Soil Technician starts with earning an associate degree, preferably with courses in ecology, biology, chemistry, and global environmental issues. Advancements in supervisory and managerial positions are higher for those who complete at least a bachelor’s degree program. Faculty and leading research positions may require the completion of a master’s or doctoral degree program. Employers often prefer candidates with Environmental Professional certification.
Position Trends
Soil Technicians will be expected to make valuable recommendations on how to balance growing environmental concerns with the ever-increasing demands of population growth. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management should spur demand for this position.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for environmental science and protection technicians should experience nine percent growth through 2028, a faster-than-average rate across all occupations.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours for a Soil Technician are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, typically in an office or laboratory setting, or in the field.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
Are You Interested in Becoming a Soil Technician?
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