Apprenticeship training course
Soil scientist (level 7)
To gather, interpret and evaluate information about the chemistry, biology and physics of soil.
- Qualification level
-
7
Equivalent to master’s degree. - Typical duration
- 24 months
- Apprenticeship category
- Health and science
- Maximum funding
-
£21,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training. - Skills
-
Skills an apprentice will learn
- Interpret the relationships between soil and landscape, land use and climate.
- Initiate, evaluate, and select the most effective soil sampling and survey technique to meet the project objectives and landscape context.
- Critique Agricultural Land Classification reports.
- Select and apply relevant and effective data collection and interpretation, including before and after analysis, for the required purpose including Earth Observation (EO) data, Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS) and soil maps.
- Based on the client brief, develop project scope and identify outcomes, deliverables and key performance indicators, including sustainability.
- Select and justify cost effective soil testing methods that achieve project outcomes and ensure accuracy.
- Consider the interrelationship between the soil science project, the wider geo-political environment and current regulations and guidelines.
- Design and implement soil experiments, resource and research plans, analysis methodologies, and survey approaches including land access and statistical analysis.
- Undertake digital modelling of soil and use soil data to strengthen the applicability of models.
- Analyse and handle confidential information securely.
- Manage the delivery of the project plans including budget, tenders for services, obtaining relevant permits, timelines and address any risks and concerns.
- Develop, maintain and monitor compliance with health and safety requirements including Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS).
- Take a systematic approach to identify interacting factors of soil investigations and the key stakeholders.
- Analyse soil information to draw robust conclusions and identify the limitations of the results and the context within which they apply.
- Produce verbal and written specialist technical reports, following standard policies and procedures, based on the evidence collected.
- Communicate soil information to meet the needs of various stakeholders.
- Apply a systematic approach to solving problems that involve interacting factors and provide sustainable solutions.
- Present project outcomes and justify the fit with objectives.
- Identify opportunities to implement best practice and innovative techniques and promote their application into the project or across the organisation.
Full information on Soil scientist (level 7) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.