How to Be Soil Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions
Steps How to Become
- Earn a bachelor's degree in soil science. Most soil surveyor positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in soil science or a related field. Coursework for a degree in soil science typically includes instruction in soil chemistry, soil formation, soil physics, geology and hydrology.
- Obtain field experience. Employers typically prefer to hire soil surveyors with experience in the field. This experience can be obtained through internships or volunteer work with soil conservation districts, county extension offices and local universities.
- Obtain certification. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) offers a certification program for soil scientists. Certification is voluntary but can be an asset when seeking employment. To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in soil science, two years of professional experience, and pass an exam.
- Consider a graduate degree. Some employers prefer to hire soil surveyors with a master's or doctorate degree. A master's degree in soil science typically requires two to three years of coursework and research. A doctoral degree usually requires four to six years of coursework and research.
- Participate in continuing education. SSSA also offers continuing education units (CEU) programs that can help keep soil surveyors up-to-date on current topics in soil science. CEUs are earned by attending seminars, workshops and conferences.
In order to stay ahead and remain competent as a soil surveyor, one must stay abreast of the latest technologies and methods in the field. This requires continual learning and researching of new techniques, such as the use of drones for data collection or the use of computer-aided mapping software. staying up-to-date on changes in regulations and best practices, as well as gaining certifications in related areas, can be beneficial.
Doing so not only ensures that one is knowledgeable of the latest trends but also increases the value one brings to the organization or clients. these efforts are essential to staying ahead and competent in the field of soil surveying.
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Job Description
- Analyze soil samples and create maps of soil characteristics.
- Make recommendations for land use and management.
- Collect, analyze, and report on soil data.
- Interpret soil survey data and prepare soil survey reports.
- Develop soil conservation plans.
- Work with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to assess soil productivity and develop sustainable land use plans.
- Monitor changes in soil characteristics due to different land uses.
- Educate landowners and the public about soil health and conservation practices.
- Identify soil problems and recommend corrective measures.
- Stay current on advances in soil science and technology.
Skills and Competencies to Have
- Knowledge of soil types, characteristics, and properties.
- Understanding of soil sampling techniques.
- Proficiency in soil analysis and interpretations.
- Ability to produce accurate soil maps and reports.
- Familiarity with global soil classification systems.
- Knowledge of soil conservation practices.
- Ability to identify potential land use problems and recommend solutions.
- Skilled in the use of surveying equipment and computers for data collection and analysis.
- Proficiency in preparing detailed soil survey reports and presentations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders.
Soil surveyors play a vital role in the agricultural industry, as their expertise is needed to assess soil quality and determine the best methods for growing crops. A successful soil surveyor must have an in-depth knowledge of soil types and properties, as well as the ability to interpret data to produce accurate assessments. They must also be able to communicate effectively with farmers and other stakeholders, in order to understand their needs and provide appropriate advice.
To be successful, soil surveyors must possess a range of related skills, such as an understanding of soil fertility, crop production, and nutrient management. They also need to be able to analyze soil samples to determine their composition and identify potential problems. Having a keen eye for detail is essential for recognizing subtle differences between soils and spotting potential issues.
Finally, good problem-solving and decision-making skills are necessary to make the best recommendations for soil management. All of these skills are essential for a successful soil surveyor.
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Frequent Interview Questions
- What qualifications and experience do you have in soil surveyor work?
- How do you ensure accuracy when conducting soil surveys?
- What methods do you use to identify, analyze and map soil types?
- What challenges have you faced while working as a soil surveyor?
- Describe a time when you successfully completed a soil survey project.
- How familiar are you with soil sampling and other relevant laboratory tests?
- What techniques do you use to interpret complex data related to soil surveys?
- How do you prioritize tasks in order to complete a soil survey project on time?
- What strategies do you employ to maintain the integrity of soil survey data?
- How do you stay up-to-date on new developments in soil surveying technology and techniques?
Common Tools in Industry
- Hand Auger. Used to take soil samples from the ground (eg: taking a sample from 3 feet deep).
- Soil Probe. Used to measure soil depth and soil type (eg: measuring a layer of clay at 6 inches down).
- Soil Sieve. Used to separate soil particles into different size fractions (eg: sifting out all particles smaller than 2mm).
- Soil pH Meter. Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of soil (eg: measuring a soil pH of 6. 5).
- Hydrometer. Used to measure the moisture content of soil (eg: measuring a moisture content of 20%).
- Geotechnical Software. Used to analyze soil properties and generate reports (eg: analyzing a soil profile to determine its permeability).
Professional Organizations to Know
- Association of Professional Soil Scientists (APSS)
- Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
- American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
- American Geophysical Union (AGU)
- International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)
- American Soil and Water Conservation Society (ASWCS)
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- American Association of State Climatologists (AASC)
- International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)
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Common Important Terms
- Soil Classification. The process of classifying soils into categories based on their physical and chemical properties.
- Soil Texture. A measure of the proportion of different sized particles in a soil and how they interlock.
- Soil Structure. The arrangement of primary soil particles into larger units such as crumbs, blocks, plates, or columns.
- Soil Mapping. The process of producing a map that shows the distribution of different types of soil in an area.
- Soil Profile. A vertical cross-section of the soil that shows the different horizons and layers in the soil.
- Soil Chemistry. The study of the chemical and biochemical properties of soil, such as pH, nutrients, and organic matter content.
- Soil Biology. The study of the organisms that live in soil and their interactions with the environment.
- Soil Fertility. The ability of a soil to support plant growth, measured by its content of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Soil Compaction. The process of compressing a soil to make it more dense, which can reduce its capacity to absorb water and air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Soil Surveyor?
A Soil Surveyor is a professional who specializes in the study and classification of soils, enabling them to provide advice and direction for land use, resource management, and other agricultural or environmental purposes.
What qualifications does a Soil Surveyor need?
A Soil Surveyor needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree in soil science, along with knowledge of geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. They may also need to have special certifications or licenses depending on their specific area of expertise.
What type of work does a Soil Surveyor do?
A Soil Surveyor is responsible for conducting soil surveys, analyzing soil samples, mapping soil types, and making recommendations for land use based on their findings. They may also provide advice on water conservation, fertilizer application, and crop rotation strategies.
How much does a Soil Surveyor earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Soil Scientists (which includes Soil Surveyors) was $70,890 in 2019.
What is the outlook for Soil Surveyors?
The job outlook for Soil Surveyors is positive, with a projected job growth of 6% over the next 10 years. This growth is due in part to increasing demand for sustainable land management practices.
What are jobs related with Soil Surveyor?
Web Resources
- Soil Survey - University of Connecticut cteco.uconn.edu
- Soil Surveys - Curriculum Resources for Michigan Agriculture www.canr.msu.edu
- Guide to Oregon County Soil Survey Reports - OSU Extension Service extension.oregonstate.edu
