How the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences help students grow careers
This blog post is republished from the UF Career Connections Center “Career Hub.”
Every year on Dec. 5, World Soil Day is a reminder that life begins with the ground beneath us. Soil grows our food, filters our water, stores carbon and supports thriving ecosystems and communities. For some UF students and alumni, soil is more than a resource, it’s a launching pad for meaningful careers that shape the natural and built world.
Soil & Ecosystems in Action
Careers in this field focus on sustaining natural resources and protecting systems that support life. From soil health and conservation to food production and ecosystem management, our graduates apply scientific knowledge to serve communities and the environment.
Katya Kasprzak ’25, an environmental scientist at WSP, works with soils across multiple project types.
“Wetland delineations require soil cores along a wetland boundary, with one being an upland soil and the other being a wetland soil,” Katya explained. “We analyze them both to confirm where the wetland boundaries are.”
Soil is an important factor when assessing habitat for different animals too. For example, gopher tortoises like well-drained, sandy soil, and can have some trouble digging through tough clay soils. Katya said determining where gopher tortoises live protect them from development activities.
To learn more about this industry and gain experience, alumni such as Katya encourage students to explore environmental interests early and often, trying out as much as you can.
“Get involved, volunteer, do different internships and part-time jobs so you can learn what you like and what you’re good at,” Katya said. “You can also connect with environmental professionals across the discipline who can guide you through your career path. Connections and experience are immensely valuable.”
“The mentorship and opportunities I received through UF helped me find my current role, which I love,” Katya added. “Take advantage of all the things UF provides, it might take you to a place you couldn’t have dreamed of.”
Designing with Nature
Where science meets design, this sector focuses on planning and building sustainable environments. Professionals may work in land use planning, ecological design, restoration, climate-resilient infrastructure, and more.
Audrey Plauche ’25, an environmental remediation regulator and technical reviewer with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, applies soil science to evaluate contamination and restoration approaches.
“My work in soil includes considering how soil and groundwater properties contribute to the transport of contaminants and how certain contaminants interact with the soil,” Audrey explained. “We are always thinking about soil as an exposure pathway to contamination and considering environmental remediation involving soil or soil science concepts.”
Plauche also encourages students to think intentionally about their goals and interests. “What excites you and what kind of mission do you want to support with your work?”
“Look at various job listings early and use the requirements and details on those listings to take courses and develop skills that would help you achieve that career path,” she said. “Just as important, think critically and ask questions often. You will never be 100 percent prepared for any job and there will always be a learning curve, especially for your first one — it’s important to show engagement, curiosity and the ability to learn.”
Innovation & Sustainability technologies
Amber Lopez ’25, a UF graduate and current master’s student in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Georgia, began her path with a bachelor’s degree in soil, water, and ecosystem sciences specializing in water science. Her undergraduate research, funded by the University Scholars Program, focused on extraction and quantification of microplastics in drinking water treatment residuals.
Now, she is applying her foundation to coastal modeling and field research.
“I am learning so much in graduate school. My thesis focuses on modeling coastal flood drivers (waves, tides, storm surge) in Puerto Rico,” Amber said. “I’m looking forward to going to the island for a month in the summer to do some on-site field research.”
Passion Meets Purpose
From wetlands to contamination review to coastal modeling, these alumni demonstrates how curiosity, hands-on experience, and mentorship can grow into meaningful careers that protect communities and the environment.
World Soil Day reminds us that sustainable careers and sustainable systems start from the ground up. UF students are working across disciplines to protect soil, steward resources, improve communities, and build a more resilient future. Whether you are passionate about soil, ecosystem services, sustainable technology, or other aspects of agriculture and natural resources, there is space for you to grow.
Next Steps
- Discover the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences program at UF
- Explore Labor Market Data to see where your interests can lead
- Learn more about industries and opportunities through the Environment, Design, Manufacturing, and Agriculture career pathway
- Connect with alumni and professionals through the Gator Network
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