Soil Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Soil scientists qualify for H-1B and other work visa sponsorship as specialty occupation professionals. Your degree in soil science, agronomy, or environmental science meets USCIS requirements when combined with roles in agricultural research, environmental consulting, or government agencies. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Why Valmont
We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
A Brief Summary Of This Position
The Managing Scientist will provide project technical support and supervision in the field and the office as well as business development and project management responsibilities. This role drives division growth, leads client engagement across multiple sectors, and ensures the highest standards of soil science and agronomic expertise across all project work. Managing Scientist tasks will include preparing monitoring plans, conducting monitoring, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports for wastewater land application systems and other regulated sites. Monitoring media will include groundwater, surface water, process water, soils, climate, food processing and other by-products and crop tissue. This person will work with soil chemical reactions (fate and transformations); soil microbiology and soil fertility in nutrient cycling and cropping; and soil water infiltration and drainage. These skills will be used to develop practical, cost-effective wastewater land application systems and other systems that include a natural treatment component for meeting state and federal water quality protection requirements. Project management responsibilities will involve communicating with supervisors, clients/farmers and contractors to develop meaningful proposals (scoping, scheduling, budgeting) and managing internal and external resources to complete high quality project deliverables on time and on budget. This role requires strong customer service capabilities with a commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs. The candidate must also excel in team settings, working cooperatively to achieve shared goals. This position will report to the Senior Global Director – Water Solutions and could have direct supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership
- Serve as the lead scientist on multidisciplinary projects focused on natural treatment systems, wastewater recycling, and soil-based water management strategies.
- Guide project teams in designing, implementing, and optimizing land-applied wastewater systems, vadose zone analyses, and sustainable reuse solutions.
- Ensure scientific rigor, defensibility, and innovation across all technical deliverables, models, and field programs.
Business Development
- Drive strategic expansion of the division’s market share in wastewater, water reuse, and sustainable water management technologies.
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with municipal utilities, industrial clients, agricultural operations, and food sector partners.
- Collaborate closely with the Strategic Partner Group to support Valley’s strategic accounts, aligning customer objectives with Valley technologies and services.
- Partner with Valley Dealers to create project opportunities, enhance dealer capabilities, and support growth in land application and water reuse projects.
- Contribute to proposal development, scoping, pricing strategies, and long-term business planning.
Technical Expertise
Provide advanced soil science and agronomic expertise for a wide range of client needs, including:
- Regulatory Support: Permitting, compliance reporting, regulatory negotiations, and stakeholder engagement.
- Irrigation & Agronomy: Irrigation scheduling, crop selection, nutrient cycling, and soil–plant–water relationship optimization.
- Wastewater & Nutrient Management: Development of land application plans, nutrient management strategies, and long-term system performance assessments.
- Subsurface Analysis: Evaluation of rootzone dynamics, vadose zone transport, groundwater interaction, and site suitability for reuse systems.
- Surface Water/Groundwater Monitoring: Field sampling, monitoring plan design, and interpretation of hydrologic and water quality data.
- Byproduct Utilization: Assessment and beneficial reuse strategies for biosolids, organic residuals, and other land applied materials.
- Fate & Transport Modeling: Model water and nutrient movement in soils, evaluating system performance, risk, and environmental outcomes.
Required Qualifications Of Every Candidate
- Preferred Bachelors Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or other agriculture/environmental related field with 5+ years experience or Associates Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or other agriculture/environmental related field with 7+ years of experience or 9+ years experience
- Business skills associated with cost estimation, winning proposal development, and project budget management
- Able to identify project leads and prepare successful proposals
- Client relationship management and ability to clearly understand their needs
- Organized and detail-oriented with proven track record of goal achievement
- Able to read, analyze, and interpret common financial reports and regulatory documents
- Effectively present information to management, public groups, clients, and other employees
- Passion and integrity with the drive to excel and deliver exceptional results
- Excellent problem-solving skills and problem identification, developing and testing hypotheses, making effective decisions, and summarizing and communicating results in a meaningful way, both orally and in written reports.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Highly organized and able to balance multiple, simultaneous priorities
- Ability to perform field activities (e.g., stoop, lift up to 40 pounds from floor to waist high, walk, etc.)
- Able to travel with reliable transportation for use in work-related activities
- Able to travel away from home for up to 5 continuous days
- A valid U.S. driver’s license
Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or other agriculture/environmental-related discipline
- Certified Crop Advisor, Certified Professional Soil Scientist, and/or Certified Professional Agronomist
- The ability to read, write, speak and understand multiple languages
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
- The ability to support, guide and motivate staff as well as influence those that are not direct staff
- The ability to actively participate in the company’s business development
- Decision making skills that can effectively prioritize and complete multiple tasks
- Passion and integrity with the drive to excel and deliver exceptional results and customer service.
- Project Management certification
Benefits
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
- Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employer paid life insurance
- Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
- Work Life Support
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
- Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
LOCATION
12720 E Nora Spokane Washington 99216-1197
INTRODUCTION
Why Valmont
We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
A Brief Summary Of This Position
The Managing Scientist will provide project technical support and supervision in the field and the office as well as business development and project management responsibilities. This role drives division growth, leads client engagement across multiple sectors, and ensures the highest standards of soil science and agronomic expertise across all project work. Managing Scientist tasks will include preparing monitoring plans, conducting monitoring, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports for wastewater land application systems and other regulated sites. Monitoring media will include groundwater, surface water, process water, soils, climate, food processing and other by-products and crop tissue. This person will work with soil chemical reactions (fate and transformations); soil microbiology and soil fertility in nutrient cycling and cropping; and soil water infiltration and drainage. These skills will be used to develop practical, cost-effective wastewater land application systems and other systems that include a natural treatment component for meeting state and federal water quality protection requirements. Project management responsibilities will involve communicating with supervisors, clients/farmers and contractors to develop meaningful proposals (scoping, scheduling, budgeting) and managing internal and external resources to complete high quality project deliverables on time and on budget. This role requires strong customer service capabilities with a commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs. The candidate must also excel in team settings, working cooperatively to achieve shared goals. This position will report to the Senior Global Director – Water Solutions and could have direct supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership
- Serve as the lead scientist on multidisciplinary projects focused on natural treatment systems, wastewater recycling, and soil-based water management strategies.
- Guide project teams in designing, implementing, and optimizing land-applied wastewater systems, vadose zone analyses, and sustainable reuse solutions.
- Ensure scientific rigor, defensibility, and innovation across all technical deliverables, models, and field programs.
Business Development
- Drive strategic expansion of the division’s market share in wastewater, water reuse, and sustainable water management technologies.
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with municipal utilities, industrial clients, agricultural operations, and food sector partners.
- Collaborate closely with the Strategic Partner Group to support Valley’s strategic accounts, aligning customer objectives with Valley technologies and services.
- Partner with Valley Dealers to create project opportunities, enhance dealer capabilities, and support growth in land application and water reuse projects.
- Contribute to proposal development, scoping, pricing strategies, and long-term business planning.
Technical Expertise
Provide advanced soil science and agronomic expertise for a wide range of client needs, including:
- Regulatory Support: Permitting, compliance reporting, regulatory negotiations, and stakeholder engagement.
- Irrigation & Agronomy: Irrigation scheduling, crop selection, nutrient cycling, and soil–plant–water relationship optimization.
- Wastewater & Nutrient Management: Development of land application plans, nutrient management strategies, and long-term system performance assessments.
- Subsurface Analysis: Evaluation of rootzone dynamics, vadose zone transport, groundwater interaction, and site suitability for reuse systems.
- Surface Water/Groundwater Monitoring: Field sampling, monitoring plan design, and interpretation of hydrologic and water quality data.
- Byproduct Utilization: Assessment and beneficial reuse strategies for biosolids, organic residuals, and other land applied materials.
- Fate & Transport Modeling: Model water and nutrient movement in soils, evaluating system performance, risk, and environmental outcomes.
Required Qualifications Of Every Candidate
- Preferred Bachelors Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or other agriculture/environmental related field with 5+ years experience or Associates Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or other agriculture/environmental related field with 7+ years of experience or 9+ years experience
- Business skills associated with cost estimation, winning proposal development, and project budget management
- Able to identify project leads and prepare successful proposals
- Client relationship management and ability to clearly understand their needs
- Organized and detail-oriented with proven track record of goal achievement
- Able to read, analyze, and interpret common financial reports and regulatory documents
- Effectively present information to management, public groups, clients, and other employees
- Passion and integrity with the drive to excel and deliver exceptional results
- Excellent problem-solving skills and problem identification, developing and testing hypotheses, making effective decisions, and summarizing and communicating results in a meaningful way, both orally and in written reports.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Highly organized and able to balance multiple, simultaneous priorities
- Ability to perform field activities (e.g., stoop, lift up to 40 pounds from floor to waist high, walk, etc.)
- Able to travel with reliable transportation for use in work-related activities
- Able to travel away from home for up to 5 continuous days
- A valid U.S. driver’s license
Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or other agriculture/environmental-related discipline
- Certified Crop Advisor, Certified Professional Soil Scientist, and/or Certified Professional Agronomist
- The ability to read, write, speak and understand multiple languages
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
- The ability to support, guide and motivate staff as well as influence those that are not direct staff
- The ability to actively participate in the company’s business development
- Decision making skills that can effectively prioritize and complete multiple tasks
- Passion and integrity with the drive to excel and deliver exceptional results and customer service.
- Project Management certification
Benefits
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
- Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employer paid life insurance
- Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
- Work Life Support
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
- Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
LOCATION
12720 E Nora Spokane Washington 99216-1197
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Soil Scientist
Target USDA and research institutions
Government agencies like USDA and agricultural research universities frequently sponsor soil scientists. These employers understand the specialty occupation requirements and have established visa processes.
Emphasize specialized soil analysis skills
Highlight expertise in soil chemistry, contamination assessment, or precision agriculture. Technical specializations strengthen your H-1B petition by demonstrating the need for advanced scientific knowledge.
Consider environmental consulting firms
Companies conducting environmental impact assessments regularly need soil scientists for contamination studies and remediation projects. Many already sponsor international talent for specialized environmental roles.
Document field research experience
Practical experience with soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and GIS mapping strengthens your case. Include specific methodologies and equipment you're trained on in your application materials.
Apply during federal hiring seasons
Government positions often open during specific periods, typically spring and fall. Monitor USAJobs regularly and prepare materials in advance for better positioning during recruitment cycles.
Network through professional associations
Join the Soil Science Society of America and attend conferences. Many employers discover candidates through professional networks rather than traditional job boards in this specialized field.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a soil science degree qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, a bachelor's degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental science, or related field qualifies for H-1B sponsorship. USCIS considers soil scientist a specialty occupation requiring scientific knowledge that directly relates to your degree field.
Which employers commonly sponsor soil scientists for work visas?
Government agencies like USDA, EPA, and state agricultural departments frequently sponsor soil scientists. Environmental consulting firms, agricultural research institutions, and land-grant universities also regularly file H-1B petitions for soil science positions.
What are typical H-1B approval rates for soil scientists?
Soil scientists generally have strong H-1B approval rates because the role clearly requires specialized scientific education. Government and university sponsors typically see higher approval rates than private consulting firms due to their established track record with USCIS.
Can I get sponsored without a PhD in soil science?
Yes, most soil scientist H-1B petitions are approved with just a bachelor's degree in soil science or related field. Advanced degrees help but aren't required if your role matches your undergraduate education and you have relevant research experience.
Do I need professional certification for visa sponsorship?
Professional certification isn't required for H-1B sponsorship, but credentials from the Soil Science Society of America can strengthen your petition. Some government positions may require or prefer certification, which can improve your chances of finding a sponsoring employer.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Soil Scientist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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