Plant and Soil Science
Contact Information:
Name:
Mr. David Myers
E-mail address:
mustardcylons@aol.com
Education Information
Undergraduate Major:
Agriculture, Plant and Soil Science with a concentration in Environmental Science and Natural Resources
Degree Received:
BS
Graduation Year:
1997
Activities, student organizations, leadership roles, etc. in which I was
involved at UT:
Member of Plant and Soil Science Club, Member of Soil Judging Team
Job Information
Employer Name:
WGG Soil Consultant's Inc.
Present Job Title:
Soil Scientist/Classifier
Brief description of my job responsibilities, e.g. a typical week in my job:
Our company has three qualified soil scientist and one GPS/AutoCad technician. I work out in the field most of the time.
Typically I have a mapping assistant with me who helps twist the auger and locate points. We do a lot of driving (averaging
100 miles a day). We mostly do tract mapping for subdivisions and ocassionally pick up individual home/commercial sites to
fill in. Prior to doing a tract, our GPS tech locates points on the tract using a numbered flag. He then downloads the GPS'ed
points into AutoCAD and this is overlayed onto a topographic map. Then the soil scientist and mapping assistant use a hand
auger to bore each point down to 60 inches. We take detailed notes at each boring such as color, texture, slope, landscape
possition and any other pertinent features which enable us to do a thorough job describing the soils. The developer then
takes our finished map to help in the design and layout of the platted lots. If there is not enough "good soil", lots may
be rejected as buildable lots by the health department.
Suggestions I would give to undergraduate students with regard to courses,
internships, and other means of preparation for my career field:
In regards to soil classification, do soil judging. Understand landscape possitions and how they affect drainage. Take
courses in geology since soil series properties are directly related to the type of rock. Try to do some volunteer work with
the NRCS. Possibly do some summer work with a Private Soil Consultant in your area (even if it's volunteer) this will give
you good experience. Most employers like to see experience. Also, learn what you can about GPS and computers, this is
important.
My career path in getting to this position:
My intership was with the NRCS as a volunteer. We did some soil mapping in the Knoxville area. It was very beneficial. I
found my current job in the Atlanta paper. Most private soil consultant's probably don't advertise. They may occasionaly post
ding or talk to the professor's to find help.
Other advice for students interested in gaining entry into and pursuing a career
in this field:
If you don't enjoy being outdoor's all the time, then this career may not be for you. There are ticks, mesquitos, snakes
(rarely), and yellow jackets to contend with. It's hot during the summer and cold in the winter. But there are those crisp
75 degree fall-time days to enjoy. I really love what I do. I get to see a lot of scenery. I'm always learning something new
and really enjoy the field of soil science.
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