Biological Scientist, Research Scientist
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
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 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.
Soil scientists:
Duties and responsibilities vary considerably from 1 job to another, but in general, soil scientists:
Soil scientists may work outdoors in the field or indoors in laboratories and offices. They generally work a standard work week, but often spend additional time reading to keep up to date. Private consultants may work very long hours.
Some soil scientists travel in an assigned territory or to other regional, national or international research sites.
Soil scientists need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy:
The minimum education requirement for a soil scientist is a bachelor's degree in agriculture, forestry, biological, earth or environmental sciences with a specialization in soil science. Research positions typically require a related master's or doctoral (PhD) degree. The entrance requirement for most master's degree programs is an acceptable average in a related 4-year bachelor's degree program. In addition, soil scientists must know provincial and federal legislation as it relates to their work.
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Soil scientists are employed by:
There is strong demand for people with soil science training for 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 in this occupation. Opportunities to advance to administrative and supervisory positions are limited. Some soil scientists set up their own consulting firms and work on a contract basis.
Soil scientists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2115: Other professional occupations in physical sciences. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $24.04 | $62.04 | $40.23 | $40.50 |
| Overall | $26.04 | $70.54 | $52.85 | $56.54 |
| Top | $26.84 | $80.00 | $58.77 | $60.15 |
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* 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.
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.
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
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 25, 2016. 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.