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Land Use Manager, Scientist (Biological / Research), Specialist (Earth Science / Environmental / Land Reclamation / Site Remediation / Soil Nutrient)
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Soil scientists study the properties of soils. They study the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in soil. And they study the positive and negative effects of human activity on soil quality. They also:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another. In general, soil scientists:
Soil scientists may work outdoors in the field or indoors in laboratories and offices. Most soil scientists work a standard week, but often spend further time reading to keep up to date. Private consultants may work very long hours.
Some soil scientists travel in an assigned territory. Others head to regional, national, or international research sites.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to classify soil management practices and study their effects on long-range productivity; and in investigating problems of strip cropping, contour ploughing, terracing and other soil conservation practices to reduce soil and mineral erosion and to retain sufficient water supplies for proper irrigation; may examine problems of layering and drainage of soils used in foundations for roads, dams, buildings and other structures
Interest in precision working to rebuild deteriorated, over-acidic and barren soils by stabilizing run-off and applying green manure crops, lime, nitrates, compost residue and other nutrients and fertilizers
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to soil management; and in directing soil surveys to plot boundaries of deposits on maps; may supervise and co-ordinate the work of technologists and technicians
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Soil scientists need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information to investigate problems. They should like using laboratory and field equipment for precision tasks. They should be comfortable working with professionals in other disciplines and supervising the work of technologists and technicians.
The minimum education requirement for a soil scientist is a bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree. It could be in agriculture, forestry, biological, earth, or environmental sciences. However, it should include a specialization in soil science. Research positions typically require a related master’s (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree. The entrance requirement for most M.Sc. programs is an acceptable average in a related 4-year B.Sc. program. Soil scientists must know provincial and federal legislation as it relates to their work.
Prospective students interested in working in agricultural retail would benefit from an education in soil science with a minor in crop production or test control.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Soil scientists work for:
There is strong demand for people with soil science training for agricultural retail, environmental remediation, and reclamation work in Alberta. New graduates may work on a seasonal basis until they gain experience. A doctoral degree usually is required to direct and administer research programs or teach at the university level.
Salary increases and more demanding projects are the most tangible forms of advancement. Advancement to administrative and supervisory positions is limited. Some soil scientists set up their own consulting firms and work on a contract basis.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other professional occupations in physical sciences
2016 NOC: 2115
81.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $24.00 | $60.37 | $39.56 | $37.68 |
| Overall | $33.42 | $69.73 | $51.56 | $51.79 |
| Top | $36.17 | $88.85 | $59.23 | $58.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $100,617 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $110,415 |
Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC) website: www.aic.ca
Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) website: www.albertaagrologists.ca
Canadian Society of Soil Science (CSSS) website: csss.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
