Botanist

Sarawak Energy Berhad; Sarawak; On-site; MYR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarawak Energy Berhad in Bakun invites a biodiversity and environmental sciences specialist to lead flora, conservation, and habitat restoration efforts across ESG and Hydropower Sustainability Standard criteria for the company’s projects.

You will plan long-term flora monitoring, apply soil science and ecosystem ecology methods, oversee nursery operations for restoration, review literature, and collaborate with research institutions and communities to advance biodiversity conservation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Forestry – Ecology/Environmental Sciences/Plant Sciences or equivalent with minimum 5 years of experience in botanical research related activities.
• Depth knowledge and practical experience in plant identification, sampling design, tagging and inventory methodologies, forest management practices, soil science, ecosystem ecology, carbon assessment, biomass evaluation, HCV assessment and ecological restoration monitoring.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislations, regulations, ordinances, research etiquette and wildlife management frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on ESG and HSS requirements for Biodiversity and Invasive Species through scientific leadership in relevant criteria.
• Plan and implement long-term flora monitoring and habitat assessments including botanical surveys and HCV assessments.
• Apply GIS, remote sensing, and statistical tools to support restoration planning and carbon projects.
• Manage nursery operations and propagation strategies for restoration species.
• Review literature and produce technical reports and SOPs for restoration and rewilding projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams, research bodies, government agencies, and communities to strengthen biodiversity conservation.

Skills

plant identification

sampling design

tagging

inventory methodologies

forest management

soil science

ecosystem ecology

carbon assessment

biomass evaluation

HCV assessment

ecological restoration monitoring

Education

Bachelor of Forestry – Ecology/Environmental Sciences/Plant Sciences

Job description

External Open Resourcing
Location : Malaysia (MY), Sarawak Energy Berhad (8000)
Company : Sarawak Energy Berhad, Research & Development (50034028), Environmental Sciences (50034222)
Number of Openings: 1
Location : Bakun
Job Category : Established
Closing Date : 14 November 2026
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KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Deliver on operational and strategic commitments to support the organisation in meeting the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) requirements for Biodiversity and Invasive Species Topic by being responsible for providing scientific expertise and leadership in relevant criteria of the company’s Environmental Excellence aspiration.
• Plan and implement long-term flora monitoring and habitat assessment programmes, including botanical surveys, permanent sample plot (PSP) and High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments, and phenology monitoring, to evaluate vegetation dynamics, habitat condition and ecosystem health in relation to hydropower development and operations.
• Apply expertise in soil science, ecosystem ecology, biomass and carbon assessment using technology or application such as GIS, remote sensing, RStudio, or relevant statistical analysis tools to support restoration planning, environmental assessment, and carbon project initiatives.
• Manage nursery operations and sustainable plant production programmes, including development of propagation strategies, operational plans, and production schedules to ensure continuous supply of high-quality native and conservation-important plant species for restoration and rehabilitation purposes.
• Review all existing literature and research to provide detailed descriptions of the processes associated with botanical and biological conditions as well as the nature and characteristics of the potential impacts of hydropower dams according to international best practices of mitigation options for botanical and biological related impacts.
• Conduct research; collect, collate, and analyse data; prepare and review technical reports, white papers, and power point presentations; develop and review standard operating procedures (establish nursery management framework), environmental guidance, instructions, policy, and processes (restoration/rewilding project); and lead the team in meetings and action items related to flora, conservation, statistics & trends, and their associated issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams, research institutions, government agencies, consultants, conservation organisations, and local communities to strengthen biodiversity conservation, nursery sustainability, ecological restoration, and long-term environmental management initiatives.

THINKING ENVIRONMENT & CHALLENGES:

• Develop and continuously improve biodiversity and ecosystem health monitoring and research programmes for the company that address significant issues of concern by applying innovative ideas such as nature-based solutions.
• Advising internal stakeholders in the implementation of corporate wide tree planting, protection and habitat restoration programme aligning with UN SDG Goal No. 13 Climate Action and No. 15 Life on Land as well as the COP 26 Goal to Adapt to Protect Communities and Natural Habitats.
• Staying agile with stringent global standards and guidelines relevant to forests carbon sequestration and storage as well as technological advancement to steer the direction of the company in this field.

QUALIFICATION & WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Forestry – Ecology/Environmental Sciences/Plant Sciences or equivalent with minimum 5 years of experience in botanical research related activities.
• Has a depth knowledge and practical experience in plant identification, sampling design, tagging and inventory methodologies, forest management practices, soil science, ecosystem ecology, carbon assessment, biomass evaluation, HCV assessment and ecological restoration monitoring.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of relevant environmental legislations, regulations, ordinances, research etiquette and wildlife management frameworks.

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Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy), is both an energy development company and a vertically integrated electricity utility with a vision to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for Sarawak by meeting the region's need for reliable, renewable energy. With a multidisciplinary workforce comprising about 5,000 employees, Sarawak Energy serves close to 680,000 customers and a population of almost 3 million across the state.

Building on a strong foundation of nearly 100 years as an effective utility company, Sarawak Energy is taking bold steps to support the transformation of Sarawak in its vision to become a developed state by the year 2030. In line with our broader roles and responsibilities, Sarawak Energy has embarked on a massive transformation journey since 2010, to advance from a traditional utility company into a modern and agile corporation.