Environmental Compliance Officer

Skillnet Recruitment; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Skillnet Recruitment is seeking an Environmental Compliance Officer for a private nature reserve in Mpumalanga. You will ensure developments adhere to environmental laws, authorisations and management plans, collaborating with managers, landowners, lodges, developers and contractors.

The role focuses on developments, rehabilitation and waste management, with emphasis on maintaining records, conducting inspections and guiding managers on compliance obligations. Preference for SA citizens.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Management or a related field.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Computer literacy; GIS knowledge an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assess developments against environmental legislation and provide compliance guidance.
• Maintain a central register of EAs, EIAs, and EMPrs and ensure conditions are followed.
• Conduct environmental screening for new developments and verify approvals before construction.
• Perform compliance inspections and audits at sites, lodges, and contractor camps.
• Report non-compliance and track corrective actions to closure.
• Oversee waste management compliance and rehabilitation requirements.

Skills

Report writing

Communication skills

Record keeping

Attention to detail

Driver's license

Education

Degree in Environmental Management or related field

Tools

GIS knowledge

Job description

VACANCY: ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Location: Private nature reserve, Greater Kruger area, Mpumalanga

Job type: Permanent

Reporting to: Conservation Manager (through the Assistant Conservation Manager)

Remuneration

Market related, based on qualifications and experience

About the role

A private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger area is looking for an Environmental Compliance Officer to make sure that developments and activities on the reserve comply with environmental legislation, authorisations and management plans. You will work with management, landowners, lodge operators, developers and contractors, with a focus on developments, rehabilitation and waste management.

Key responsibilities

• Assess developments and activities against environmental legislation and give compliance guidance
• Keep a central register of EAs, EIAs and EMPrs and make sure their conditions are carried out
• Complete environmental screening for new developments and confirm approvals are in place before construction
• Run compliance inspections and audits at development sites, lodges, workshops and contractor camps
• Report non-compliance, recommend corrective action and follow up until matters are closed
• Set and inspect rehabilitation requirements for development projects
• Oversee waste management compliance (NEMWA), including hazardous waste and disposal records
• Train and guide land managers, lodge operators and developers on environmental requirements

Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Management or a related field
• 2 to 5 years’ environmental compliance experience
• Experience with environmental authorisations, EIAs, EMPrs, inspections, waste management and rehabilitation
• Sound working knowledge of NEMA, NEMPA, NEMBA, NEMWA, the National Water Act and the EIA Regulations
• Strong report writing, record keeping and communication skills
• Computer literate; GIS knowledge an advantage
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport
• Experience in a protected or conservation area an advantage

Please note

• This position is non-resident and no accommodation is provided. You will travel to the reserve as required, so candidates living within commuting distance are preferred
• Shortlisted candidates will undergo psychometric, polygraph and background checks
• Preference will be given to South African citizens and candidates from designated groups in line with Employment Equity

Closing date

30 November 2026

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.