Soil conservation & remediation
Industry, agriculture, urban development and traffic are exposing our soils to massive pollution. Although soils have natural self-regulating functions, persistent damage and pollution caused by humans are difficult or impossible to reverse through natural processes. Political efforts to regulate soil damage have therefore been growing since the 1990s. This has also led to the development of a professional field that requires specialists who are familiar with soils and contaminated sites.
Contamination, erosion, compaction and sealing of the soil are the consequences of significant human impact on the environment. Even on decommissioned industrial and commercial sites, old deposits, waste and pollutants continue to work. As the basis of life for humans, animals, plants and soil organisms, soils require a particularly high level of protection. Experts for contaminated sites and soil protection are therefore employed in various areas to take soil samples, carry out analyses, record evidence of pollutants, evaluate soils, prepare expert reports and forecasts, develop models, initiate measures and instructions for professional remediation and monitor these as part of monitoring procedures. The aim is to ensure that contaminated sites no longer pose an acute and lasting threat to soil and therefore to the environment and health.
We are looking for technical and engineering specialists as well as natural and environmental scientists for the field of soil protection and remediation.
Complex range of tasks with many opportunities for specialization
Depending on the position and area of responsibility, generalized knowledge, such as that of geoscientists and geoecologists, is required on the one hand, and specific knowledge from biologists and chemists on the other. In turn, experts with a degree in social sciences are also needed in the field of soil protection and land use policy. As many different stakeholders usually come together in the field of soil protection and remediation (authorities, experts, industry representatives, etc.), skills in legal issues (e.g. water and waste law), project development and project management, as well as communication skills, good comprehension and empathy are other important key skills.
Entry into the field of soil protection and remediation has no predetermined path. However, the career opportunities are diverse and often involve interdisciplinary work. Internships, professional networks and specialization during studies (e.g. through student research projects and final theses) help with career entry. If you want to gain a foothold in this professional field, you should be willing to continue your education, as the latest research findings and technological progress are highly relevant here. There is also the opportunity to prove yourself as a specialist through further qualifications. Common further training courses are , for example, to become an expert or a certified sampler.
Typical employers are expert offices, consulting companies, environmental authorities, research and environmental institutes. However, industrial companies also often have environmental departments in which specialists for soils and contaminated sites are employed.
