At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead agricultural soils management for HS2, ensuring best practices and environmental compliance.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure programme shaping the future of UK transport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, 25 days holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with significant influence on high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure and leave a legacy in soil management.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in agricultural soils management and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 110000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist to join one of Europe’s largest and most complex infrastructure programmes - HS2. This high-profile role sits at the centre of a nationally significant project, providing technical leadership and subject matter expertise across all aspects of agricultural soils management, primarily supporting the four main civil engineering works contracts.
Reporting to the Head of Natural Environment, you will lead on the excavation, handling, storage, restoration and reinstatement of agricultural soils across the programme. You will play a critical role in ensuring industry best practice, environmental compliance and technical excellence are consistently embedded throughout project delivery. This position offers the opportunity to influence strategy, standards and operational delivery on one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure schemes, working closely with multidisciplinary teams, principal contractors, environmental specialists and senior stakeholders.
Key Challenges- Balancing soil nutrient requirements with ecological and environmental objectives
- Preventing and mitigating soil degradation caused by construction vehicles and heavy plant
- Reinstating land to its original Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) standard
- Acting as the lead soils SME across Europe’s largest infrastructure project spanning a significant geographical area
- Act as the programme’s lead Subject Matter Expert for agricultural soils management
- Provide technical leadership on the excavation, handling, storage and reinstatement of agricultural soils
- Develop, maintain and continuously improve technical standards, specifications and guidance documentation
- Deliver technical assurance and governance relating to soil handling, restoration and land reinstatement activities
- Support project delivery teams and supply chain partners in implementing best practice across construction sites
- Undertake technical reviews, assessments, analysis and reporting to support programme decision-making
- Investigate issues, identify root causes and recommend practical, evidence-based solutions
- Promote continuous improvement, innovation and quality standards across the programme
- Support wider agriculture, forestry and land management activities associated with major infrastructure delivery
- Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, communicating complex technical matters clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Extensive experience operating as an Agricultural Soils Specialist or Subject Matter Expert within major infrastructure, environmental or land management projects
- Ideally Membership of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) or equivalent relevant professional experience
- Strong technical knowledge of soil handling, storage, restoration and reinstatement processes on large-scale infrastructure projects
- Proven experience undertaking Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys
- Experience developing and implementing Soil Resource Plans
- Demonstrable experience leading agriculture, forestry and soils management activities within a major project environment or large organisation
- Strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to interpret technical data and provide robust assurance
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all organisational levels
This is a rare opportunity to join a nationally significant infrastructure programme in a senior technical leadership role. You will have the opportunity to shape best practice, influence environmental outcomes and contribute directly to the successful delivery of one of the UK’s most complex and high-profile engineering programmes. The role offers a highly collaborative environment, significant technical influence and the chance to leave a lasting legacy on a landmark infrastructure project. If you are passionate about agricultural soils management and want to play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable infrastructure at scale, we would welcome your application.
Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist employer: Charlton Recruitment
Join a leading organisation at the forefront of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on agricultural soils management. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, this role offers a unique chance to influence environmental practices while working in a hybrid setting from Birmingham or London. Be part of a team that values innovation and excellence, ensuring your expertise shapes the future of sustainable infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and recent projects in agricultural soils management. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with HS2's goals. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We’re all about making those connections count!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience as an Agricultural Soils Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand the role and have the relevant skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for agricultural soils management and how your expertise aligns with HS2's goals. Keep it concise but impactful.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples of how you've influenced soil management practices or improved project outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Soils Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agricultural soils management. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques for excavation, handling, and restoration. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry standards and best practices, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced project outcomes or improved processes. Highlight your communication skills, especially in conveying complex technical matters to diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to soil handling and restoration processes. Review your experience with Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys and Soil Resource Plans. Being able to provide detailed answers will showcase your depth of knowledge and problem-solving capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used in the past to engage and influence others. This is crucial for ensuring compliance and promoting best practices across construction sites.
