Technical Abstract: The soil scientist's role in watershed research and hydrology is examined from the perspective of soil as the primary layer controlling the export of water and chemicals, and in context of watershed responses and the watershed system. To best contribute, the soil scientist needs to have a good technical overview of how soil systems function, good quantitative and dcommunicative skills, and understand how the soil system fits within a watershed framework. This tall order is discussed in terms of what we think the soil scientist should teach and learn to be most effective.