Lead Agricultural Soil Scientist Rail

Are you a soil specialist looking to work on one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes?\n\nDo you have experience in agricultural soils, land classification, or soil resource management within major infrastructure or environmental projects?\n\nSalary: £73,946.40 to £92,736 (DOE)\nLocation: London or Birmingham, 3 days in office per week\nEmployment type: Fixed term contract up to 12 months (finishing July 2027)\n\nThis is an opportunity to join the largest infrastructure project in Europe as the Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist, acting as the organisation’s technical lead for agricultural soils across the programme. Working within the Natural Environment team, you will provide technical leadership, assurance, and guidance to delivery teams and contractors involved in the excavation, handling, storage, and reinstatement of agricultural soils.\n\nThis is a unique role suited to someone with a strong understanding of agricultural soils and land restoration who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.\n\nEssential Requirements:\n\nExperience within agricultural soils, soil science, land restoration, or environmental management\nUnderstanding of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) and soil survey methodologies\nExperience supporting major infrastructure, environmental, or construction projects\nAbility to interpret soil data and provide practical technical recommendations\nStrong stakeholder engagement and communication skills\nMembership of an appropriate professional body such as the British Society of Soil Science, or working towards chartership\nUnderstanding of UK construction and environmental regulations\nDesirable:\n\nExperience developing or reviewing Soil Resource Plans\nGIS or spatial data presentation experience\nEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) knowledge\nExperience working with contractors on site assurance or compliance activities\nUnderstanding of ecology, drainage, landscape, or agricultural land reinstatement\nThis role offers the opportunity to work on one of the largest soil datasets and land restoration programmes in the UK. You’ll be involved in technically complex projects with exposure to innovative research and large-scale environmental delivery, while working alongside highly experienced specialists across the infrastructure sector.\n\nFor more information or to apply, please get in touch with Emily Atkins at Carrington West ((url removed))