Subcontract soil sampling technician

Ground investigation companies, geotechnical and environmental consultants and small engineering practices that need extra hands for sampling.

A day rate or a fee per site visit or sample set. Income depends on how regularly your contacts have work for you.

• Careful and accurate note-taking
• Comfortable with physical outdoor work
• Basic understanding of soils and site safety

• Public liability insurance, and check whether clients also expect other cover
• Strict site safety rules, including checking for buried services before you dig
• Self-employment status: check with HMRC how contractor rules apply to you
• Work can be patchy and weather dependent, so build several client contacts

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on the tools and equipment you need. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around £800 to £4,000, though work can be patchy and weather dependent.

Check public liability insurance and whether clients expect other cover. Also check the strict site safety rules, including looking for buried services before you dig, and how HMRC contractor rules apply to your self-employment status.

You need careful, accurate note-taking, comfort with physical outdoor work and a basic understanding of soils and site safety. Time needed is estimated at around 8 hours a week at minimum, and several client contacts help.