Environmental Officer

SUMMARY:
A large-scale, nationally significant infrastructure development programme is seeking a Site Environmental Compliance Officer to oversee environmental compliance across construction activities within a remote, high-impact development environment.

POSITION INFO:
The successful candidate will ensure adherence to approved Environmental Management Plans (EMP/EMPr), construction licences, and applicable South African environmental legislation. This role requires strong on-site presence, contractor engagement, and proactive monitoring to ensure environmental performance and regulatory compliance.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Monitor contractor compliance with approved Environmental Management Plans and licence conditions
• Conduct and document regular environmental inspections, audits, and compliance reviews
• Maintain environmental incident logs, complaints registers, and aspect registers
• Coordinate environmental matters between internal project teams, contractors, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders
• Track corrective actions and ensure timely close-out of non-compliances and incidents
• Support environmental compliance reporting to internal governance structures and oversight bodies
• Deliver environmental awareness training and toolbox talks where required

• National Diploma in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within a construction site environment
• Professional registration (or eligibility for registration) with a recognised environmental body advantageous

• Proven working knowledge of South African environmental legislation (including NEMA and related regulations)
• Practical implementation of Environmental Management Plans (EMP/EMPr) during construction
• Environmental risk identification and hazard assessment processes
• Environmental incident investigation and reporting
• Environmental auditing and inspection experience
• Experience working closely with contractors in construction environments
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 quality management systems
• Working knowledge of construction industry environmental compliance requirements
• Valid driver’s licence
• Willingness to reside on-site and travel within the Northern Cape as required

• Environmental inspections and auditing
• Strong report writing and documentation skills
• Use of digital compliance and reporting platforms
• Basic environmental monitoring (waste, water, erosion, heritage)
• Use of mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth or similar)
• Construction site environmental compliance experience

• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives (energy, waste, water efficiency)
• Understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and natural resource management

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Conflict resolution and practical problem-solving ability
• Ability to operate independently in remote site conditions
• Adaptable and resilient under pressure
• Professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Commitment to ethical conduct and accountability