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ESCO occupation

soil scientist

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Soil scientists research and study scientific disciplines concerning soil. They advise on how to improve soil quality to support nature, food production or human infrastructure using surveying techniques, irrigation techniques and erosion reduction measures. They make sure to conserve and restore land suffering from intense farming or human interaction.

2133.11 ISCO 2133 ESCO source
Competences
54
Groups
4
Essential
14
Optional
40

Competences and skills

54 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
crop production principles

Principles in growing crops, the natural cycle, nursing of nature, growth conditions and principles of organic and sustainable production. Quality criterias and requirements of seeds, plants and crop.

green
ESCO source
European pesticide legislation

The EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.

green
ESCO source
soil mechanics

Thoroughly understand the characteristics of soil in relation to analysing the deformations of fluids within soil that supports man-made structures.

ESCO source
soil structure

Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
ecology

The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

green
ESCO source
geology

Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

green
ESCO source
scientific literature

The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.

ESCO source
soil science

The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.

green
ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
advise on nature conservation

Provide information and suggested actions relating to the conservation of nature.

green
ESCO source
apply safety procedures in laboratory

Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

ESCO source
conduct soil sample tests

Analyse and test soil samples; determine gas chromatography and gather relevant isotope and carbon information; determine viscosity.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

3 competences
gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

ESCO source
perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 21 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

10 competences
agricultural equipment

The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

ESCO source
agroforestry

The application of land management systems and technologies that integrate trees and other woody perennials with traditional cropland farming in order to sustain agricultural production while ensuring the protection of the natural environment.

green
ESCO source
conservation agriculture

The techniques, methods and principles that promote a sustainable use of land and soil in crop production. It is based on the three principles of permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, and diversification of plant species.

green
ESCO source
habitat restoration

The process of repairing and rehabilitating areas that suffered habitat destruction, alteration of seafloor or the threat of extinction of some animal and plant species. Habitat restoration also involves the mitigation of pollution, erosion, and deforestation. The restoration procedure to recreate biodiversity and an operating ecosystem requires knowledge on protection, management and re-establishment of species by returning biotic and abiotic factors to historical levels.

green
ESCO source
hydrology

The study of the water concerning the availability and movement of water as well as the impact of human activities on the water cycle.

Scope note
Excludes the study of groundwater, which is the focus of hydrogeology.
ESCO source
irrigation systems

The methods and systems management in irrigation.

ESCO source
plant harvest methods

The various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.

ESCO source
plant propagation

Types of different propagation methods, materials and seeds and their criteria for health and quality.

green
ESCO source
surveying methods

The fundamental principles and procedures of surveying applied to civil engineering, including remote sensing methods, and related equipment.

ESCO source
sustainable agricultural production principles

Principles and conditions of organic and sustainable agricultural production.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

11 competences
agronomical production principles

The techniques, methods and principles of conventional agronomical production.

ESCO source
agronomy

The study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. It includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for sustainability in agriculture.

green
ESCO source
biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
ESCO source
climate change impact

The impact of climate change on biodiversity and life conditions for plants and animals.

green
ESCO source
environmental engineering

The application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, and land) for humans and other organisms, for environmental remediation in the event of pollution, sustainable energy development, and improved waste management and waste reduction methods.

green
ESCO source
environmental legislation

The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.

green
ESCO source
fertilisation principles

The study of plant, soil structure, climatic and environmental issues in agronomical production.

green
ESCO source
government policy

The political activities, plans, and intentions of a government for a legislative session for concrete causes.

ESCO source
laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

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pollution prevention

The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

green
ESCO source
surveying

The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

12 competences
advise on fertiliser and herbicide

Provide advice on types of fertilisers and herbicides, their usage and best time to apply them.

ESCO source
advise on soil and water protection

Advise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.

green
ESCO source
apply sustainable tillage techniques

Apply sustainable tillage techniques such as conservation tillage or no till farming in order to minimise the impact on soil.

green
ESCO source
collect samples

Set up and operate equipment to collect water, gas, oil or soil samples for testing.

ESCO source
conduct land surveys

Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.

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develop irrigation strategies

Plan the deployment of methods and procedures for watering the land by artificial means, taking into account strategies for water use sustainability. Put in place measures for safe re-use of water, improve efficiency in the use of the water for irrigation and preserve the status of water bodies during the creation or expansion of new or existing irrigation systems.  

green
ESCO source
ensure soil fertility

Analyse soil to determine type and quantity of fertiliser required for maximum production.

ESCO source
implement biodiversity action plans

Promoting and implementing local and national biodiversity action plans in partnership with local/national statutory and voluntary organisations.

green
ESCO source
inspect agricultural fields

Inspect crops, fields, and plant stock to determine the need and timing for sowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting.

ESCO source
liaise with crop growers

Give advice to agronomical and horticultural crop growers regarding aspects such as the maintenance of crops and more technical information concerning business and product development issues.

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operate surveying instruments

Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.

ESCO source
record survey data

Gather and process descriptive data by using documents such as sketches, drawings and notes.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

7 competences
adjust surveying equipment

Ensure accuracy of measurement by adjusting surveying equipment.

ESCO source
advise on pollution prevention

Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.

green
ESCO source
collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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conduct field work

Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.

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develop scientific research protocols

Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
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prepare surveying report

Write a survey report containing information on property boundaries, the height and depth of the terrain, etc..

ESCO source