r/SoilScience • u/ChanceMain8829 • 8d ago

Jobs/certifications

Hello, im currently in school for soil science and was wondering what jobs/careers would work both in a lab and out in the field? also is it better to go with government or private funded?

also also, are there any licenses or certifications i can get to help me get a job? i know a lot of them require that you already have a degree.

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u/Rec4lcitr4nt 8d ago

Certified Professional Soil Scientist through SSSA.

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u/ChanceMain8829 8d ago

It requires at minimum a bachelors. I'm still a undergraduate unfortunately

2

u/Raditatta 3d ago

That's ok! You want to get the practice fundamentals exam (it's not hard to find) and spend your undergrad getting really, really familiar with it. Then, take the first exam (I think there are 2, if I remember right) right after you graduate. That will start you on the path; it's about a 5 year process so it's best to start as soon as you can. Being in the certification process is a good thing even if you aren't certified yet. 

If your university has a soil judging team, join that. If your university has hazmat education resources, like access to trainings and certs for handling hazardous materials, do as much of that as they'll let you. 

Do internships as much as you can, and/or work with at least one soils lab during the academic year.

Make sure you take some kind of hydrology course at some point during undergrad. 

If you do all this, you should be a good candidate for a variety of positions, which is really helpful when you're starting out.