Environmental Compliance Officer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 820,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Company equipment for remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Environmental Compliance Officer for a remote-first role focused on South Africa's environmental laws. You will lead audits, develop compliance programs, and advise on permitting and reporting to regulators and internal stakeholders.

The ideal candidate holds a relevant bachelor's degree with 4+ years in compliance or auditing, strong knowledge of NEMA/EIA, and can work autonomously in a remote setup while coordinating with partners across regions including

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Law, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in environmental compliance, auditing, or management, preferably within a non-profit or consultancy setting.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation and regulations (e.g., NEMA, EIA regulations).
• Proven experience in conducting environmental audits and risk assessments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage environmental compliance programs and policies.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure adherence to environmental regulations and standards.
• Interpret and advise on complex environmental laws, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Investigate environmental incidents, develop corrective action plans, and monitor their implementation.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and external partners on environmental compliance matters.
• Stay up-to-date with evolving environmental legislation and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants to address environmental risks and challenges.
• Develop and maintain environmental management systems (EMS).
• Promote a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability within the organization and its partners.

Skills

Auditing

Environmental law

EMS

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science

Tools

GIS

Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental non‑profit organization dedicated to preserving natural resources and promoting ecological sustainability, is seeking an experienced Environmental Compliance Officer. This critical remote‑first role will focus on ensuring that organizations and projects adhere to environmental laws, regulations, and best practices. The Compliance Officer will conduct audits, develop compliance strategies, provide guidance on environmental protection, and manage environmental reporting requirements. This position is ideal for a detail‑oriented professional with a strong understanding of environmental science and legislation, who thrives in an independent, remote work environment. You will play a vital role in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, contributing directly to the ecological health of regions like Mpumalanga. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem‑solver with excellent analytical and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage environmental compliance programs and policies.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure adherence to environmental regulations and standards.
• Interpret and advise on complex environmental laws, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Prepare and submit environmental reports to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Investigate environmental incidents, develop corrective action plans, and monitor their implementation.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and external partners on environmental compliance matters.
• Stay up-to-date with evolving environmental legislation and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants to address environmental risks and challenges.
• Develop and maintain environmental management systems (EMS).
• Promote a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability within the organization and its partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in environmental compliance, auditing, or environmental management, preferably within a non‑profit or consultancy setting.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation and regulations (e.g., NEMA, EIA regulations).
• Proven experience in conducting environmental audits and risk assessments.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly.
• Proficiency in using environmental modeling software, GIS, and standard office productivity tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• A commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering exceptional flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and opportunities for professional development.
• Access to cutting‑edge environmental research and resources.
• A supportive and collaborative virtual work environment.
• The satisfaction of contributing to vital environmental conservation efforts across South Africa, with a focus on regions like Mpumalanga.
• Company‑provided equipment for remote work.