Locations: York, Beverley, Ulverston, remote considered
We are seeking an experienced soils expert to join our growing team in the role of Lead Soil Surveyor/Consultant.
The Role
The successful candidate will be working on major infrastructure and development projects throughout the UK. You will lead Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) and detailed soil surveys, helping clients understand, manage and protect soil resources throughout the planning, construction and reinstatement process.
The role combines fieldwork, technical reporting, GIS mapping and practical consultancy. You will work directly with clients, landowners, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams, providing clear and practical advice on soil handling, storage, reinstatement and aftercare.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, manage and lead ALC, LCA and detailed soil surveys across the UK.
- Undertake field surveys, including soil profile description, augering, sampling and interpretation.
- Prepare clear, technically robust survey reports and soil resource assessments.
- Produce soil, ALC and LCA maps using GIS.
- Develop practical soil management plans and method statements.
- Advise clients and contractors on best-practice soil stripping, handling, storage, replacement and reinstatement.
- Support planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments and other consenting processes.
- Review project designs and construction proposals to identify soil-related risks and opportunities.
- Liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, planning teams and environmental specialists.
- Provide site-based advice and monitor soil handling and reinstatement works during construction.
- Manage projects, programmes and budgets, ensuring work is delivered safely and to a high technical standard.
- Support and mentor junior surveyors.
- Contribute to the continued development of LDC’s soil consultancy services.
Requirements
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in soil science, agriculture, environmental science, geography or a related subject.
- Strong practical experience of soil surveying, classification and interpretation.
- Experience undertaking ALC surveys in England and Wales and/or LCA surveys in Scotland.
- Strong understanding of agriculture
- A good understanding of soil handling, storage, reinstatement and aftercare on construction projects.
- Experience preparing technical reports, soil management plans or planning-related documentation.
- Competence in ArcGIS and the production of professional technical maps.
- Experience working on infrastructure, utilities, energy or other large-scale development projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A full UK driving licence
About LDC
LDC is a leading agricultural land consultancy, primarily specialising on the practical impacts of infrastructure projects on farm land, operating from our offices in York, Beverley and Ulverston, with remote staff in Scotland and the South of England.
We are a small, growing team of professionals with teams dedicated to soils, land drainage, lands and geospatial matters, allowing us to provide a wide range of land-based services to our clients.
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
