Manager: Terrestrial Biodiversity

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Job Description
We are looking for someone who will be responsible for managing and developing a global team of terrestrial and botany ecologists, delivering high-quality services to clients and relevant stakeholders.

 

Job Requirements

• Undertake ecological assessments to inform development planning and meet environmental authorisation requirements.

• Undertake vegetation assessments, including veld condition assessments and alien plant surveys, to inform planning.

• Demonstrate familiarity with biodiversity offset principles, both within the local context and global best practices.

• Provide technical expertise and support to the team and clients in identifying potential offset entities and appropriate metrics to measure success.

• Compile and review specialist reports as well as project proposals.

• Maintain awareness of country-specific legislation and the potential impact on various projects.

• Collaborate closely with specialists from other disciplines.

• Coordinate and carry out fieldwork under strenuous conditions.

• Liaise with clients and relevant authorities.

• Compile and write reports for submission to clients and authorities.

• Ensure the team maintains a high-quality standard and produces defensible deliverables.

• Continuously improve and develop services offered within the department, including species-specific monitoring programmes.

 

Department Management

• Manage the recruitment and selection process for the department in line with workforce planning.

• Facilitate appropriate onboarding for all new employees.

• Manage performance management and probation processes.

• Provide mentorship and development opportunities for the team.

• Report on departmental performance at various levels.

• Manage departmental financial expenditure against the budget.

• Oversee effective workload and resource management.

• Ensure revenue targets are achieved.

 

Business Development and Marketing

• Develop a business plan for the department, including service offerings and sales opportunities.

• Act as a key account manager where required, identifying business opportunities and maintaining a client-centric approach.

• Identify leads and coordinate proposals, tracking progress and outcomes.

 

Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in Zoology or a similar field.

 

Work Experience

• Six or more years’ experience in the relevant field, preferably within a consulting environment.

• At least five years conducting specialist studies.

• At least five years in the resources industry.

• International experience beneficial, particularly for endemic species identification and ecological condition assessment.

• Two or more years’ experience managing a small team preferred.

• Strong technical expertise in faunal assessments (e.g., herpetofauna, mammals, avifauna).

• Professional registration advantageous (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat.).

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Excellent report writing skills.

• Willingness to travel throughout Africa and internationally as required.

 

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