Data Collectors - Soil Assessment

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture with specialisation in Soil Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
  
• Minimum 2 years of field experience in soil sampling and agricultural data collection.
  
• Familiarity with soil scanners, soil augers, GPS devices, and survey applications (ODK, Survey123).
  
• Ability to interpret basic soil characteristics and perform scanner-based soil analysis.
  
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage respectfully with rural communities.
  

• Conduct field surveys to collect soil samples using established protocols and safety guidelines.
  
• Identify, document, and interpret physical soil properties (e.g., texture, color, depth, stoniness).
  
• Use GPS devices to locate and log predefined soil base units, ensuring accurate geospatial mapping of sample sites.
  
• Perform soil scanner tests (where applicable) to assess pH, organic matter, and nutrient composition using the Agrocares soil scanner.
  

Data Collection and Management

• Accurately document all sample metadata, including location coordinates, depth, sample condition, and environmental notes.
  
• Input soil physical properties and field notes into RTV’s digital data tools (scanner app, survey form).
  
• Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and adherence to formatting requirements and submission timelines.
  

Field Logistics and Tool Management

• Manage RTV-issued field equipment, including soil scanners, augers, GPS units, sample bags, and protective gear.
  
• Ensure proper handling, care, and secure storage of all field tools during and after operations.
  

Community Engagement and Mobilization

• Liaise with community leadership (LCs, parish chiefs, and local agriculture officers) to introduce and explain the soil profiling activity, in support of the RTV Regional Agricultural Officer.
  
• Maintain respectful and trust-building interactions with all community stakeholders.
  

Training and Quality Assurance

• Participate in all training sessions on soil profiling, scanner usage, data entry, and field safety.
  
• Apply feedback and guidance from VENN and regional agriculture officers to improve data quality and compliance.
  

Technical Routing

• Lead GPS-based routing around soil-based units to ensure efficient field navigation and sample representativeness.
  

Other Duties

• Record qualitative observations related to soil condition, land use, and farming practices where applicable.
  
• Execute any additional tasks assigned by the VENN Officer to ensure smooth operations and survey success.