How to become a soil scientist

Get your hands dirty and work hard to understand the environment and soil conditions.

What does a soil scientist do?

Soil scientists focus on maintaining the overall health of soil by working to understand the environment, soil conditions and what is living within. Most soil scientists work involves studying the upper layer of the earths crust and working to understand the organisms that live in these upper layers.

Duties and tasks

  • Conduct field studies, collect and evaluate data, and formulate reports on soil health and conditions
  • Provide recommendations for general wildlife conservation and for ways to control soil pollution.
  • Consult large organisations and government looking to maintain soil health and productivity.
  • Find ways to protect the environment, reduce pollution and keep the soil healthy
  • Study the chemical and biological makeup of soil.

Professional bodies

Related jobs

Discover related courses

Undergraduate UNE-DSC-DIP-2023

Diploma in Science

Undergraduate MAQ-BSC-DEG-2023

Bachelor of Science

Postgraduate ECU-ESC-MAS-2023

Master of Environmental Science

We're here to guide you there

Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.

Talk to a student advisor

We'll be in touch to answer your questions.

Student advisor Jason Student advisor Maria Student advisor Peter

Usually replies in 30 mins