SUMMARY:
An established private conservation reserve is seeking an Environmental Compliance Officer to support environmental governance, regulatory compliance and responsible development within a protected natural environment.
POSITION INFO:
The Opportunity An established private conservation reserve is seeking an Environmental Compliance Officer to support environmental governance, regulatory compliance and responsible development within a protected natural environment. The successful candidate will monitor compliance with environmental legislation, authorisations and management plans, while providing practical guidance to management, landowners, lodge operators, developers and contractors. The role will focus on environmental inspections, development approvals, rehabilitation, waste management and the identification and resolution of environmental risks. Key Responsibilities Monitor activities and developments for compliance with South African environmental legislation, Environmental Authorisations (EAs), Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs) and relevant management plans. Maintain registers of EAs, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and EMPrs, ensuring applicable conditions are implemented. Review proposed developments and conduct environmental screening to determine whether an EIA or Basic Assessment is required. Verify environmental approvals before construction or development commences. Conduct routine inspections, compliance audits and environmental incident investigations. Identify non-compliance, recommend corrective actions, monitor implementation and escalate unresolved issues. Monitor compliance with development footprints, vegetation clearing limits, sensitive habitats, water resources and hazardous material storage requirements. Coordinate environmental rehabilitation of construction sites, temporary access roads, contractor camps and disturbed areas. Oversee waste management compliance, including hazardous waste, disposal manifests, waste records and authorised service providers. Investigate illegal dumping and waste-related incidents. Compile inspection reports, environmental compliance reports and incident documentation. Engage with landowners, lodge operators, contractors, environmental consultants and regulatory authorities. Support environmental awareness initiatives and recommend improvements to environmental policies and procedures. Minimum Requirements A relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Management or a related environmental discipline. 2-5 years of relevant environmental compliance experience. Practical experience with Environmental Authorisations, EIAs and EMPrs. Experience in environmental inspections, compliance monitoring, waste management and environmental rehabilitation. Sound working knowledge of applicable South African environmental legislation, including: National Environmental Management Act (NEMA). National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPA). National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA). National Water Act (NWA). Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. A valid driver''s licence. Own vehicle or reliable transport, as the position is not resident within the reserve. Ability to work in a remote field environment. Skills and Competencies Environmental compliance auditing and risk identification. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent report-writing and communication skills. Professional stakeholder engagement and conflict management. Strong organisational, administrative and record-keeping skills. Attention to detail and sound judgement. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Computer literacy. GIS knowledge and experience within a protected area, conservation area or similar natural resource environment will be advantageous. Employment Details This is a permanent opportunity based in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Remuneration will be market-related and determined by qualifications and experience. Accommodation is not provided, and candidates must have their own vehicle or reliable transport to travel to the reserve as required. South African citizens will receive preference. Permanent residents and candidates holding valid South African work permits may also be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments, a polygraph test and security background checks.
