Environmental Intern

SUMMARY:
Signa Opportunity is recruiting unemployed youth for quality workplace experience through the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative.
About the YES Initiative
The initiative was launched by the President in 2018 and is a partnership with the government and labour department to collectively devise a national plan to build economic pathways for South Africa’s youth by creating workplace opportunities for South African youth over a period of 12 months.

Position: Environmental Intern

Stipend: R 8600.00

Location: Midrand

POSITION INFO:
About the role
We are recruiting an Environmental Intern to support our operations in managing environmental compliance and best practice across the diverse landscapes where we work. This is a hands-on opportunity for someone interested in starting a career in environmental management or conservation, with exposure to both office-based tasks and fieldwork. Our teams work in different parts of South Africa, clearing vegetation along powerline servitudes. This role involves learning about the range of habitats and plant types we encounter, supporting compliance with environmental regulations, and helping the team work in ways that are sustainable and responsible.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Environmental Awareness Support: Help identify and document different types of vegetation and habitats in the areas where our teams operate.
• Site Checks: Assist with basic environmental checks on site, including verifying that sensitive areas are protected and that work is done in line with environmental guidelines.
• Environmental Data Capture: Help capture environmental data for reporting and record-keeping, including taking photographs, recording GPS coordinates, and compiling checklists.
• Documentation & Filing: Support the maintenance of environmental management records, compliance checklists, and reports.
• Reporting: Assist in preparing environmental summaries for internal reporting and client requirements.
• Learning on the Job: Identify environmental legislation, biodiversity considerations, and highlight responsible land management.
• Environmental Compliance: Assist the teams in understanding and following environmental plans related to their work, including the correct handling of waste, avoidance of erosion, and protection of sensitive plant life.
• Understand the Bigger Picture: Learn how managing vegetation responsibly is part of protecting South Africa’s biodiversity and ensuring long-term sustainability in the power supply chain.

• Interest in the Environment: You have a genuine interest in conservation, biodiversity, or environmental management.
• Attention to Detail: You notice small changes in the environment and report on them.
• Curiosity and Willingness to Learn: You are open to learning about South Africa’s different habitats, plant species, and environmental policies.
• Reliable and Practical: You are dependable and can be trusted to assist both in the office and in the field.
• Good Communication: You are comfortable talking with field crews, managers, and office staff to support environmental awareness.
• Organised: You keep notes, photos, and data well-organised and easy to access.

• We will support you to build knowledge of environmental management practices, legislation, and compliance in real-world operations.
• You’ll receive on-the-job training in both field-based environmental observation and office-based reporting.
• This internship is designed to help you start a career in environmental work, with practical exposure to the challenges and opportunities in vegetation management.

• South African Unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34.
• Must not have participated on the YES programme before.
• Matric
• Entry-level: A diploma, short course, or strong interest in environmental management, conservation, or geography is helpful but not required.
• Comfortable working outdoors and in different environments across provinces.
• Basic computer skills.
• Willingness to travel with teams to work on site.