Environmental Officer

University of Fort Hare; Komatipoort; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in Komatipoort, South Africa is seeking an Environmental Officer to ensure operations meet environmental laws, permits, and sustainability standards. You will manage compliance, develop long-term environmental strategies, and guide teams through project lifecycles, audits, and stakeholder engagement.

The role emphasizes leadership, regulatory knowledge, and continuous professional development to minimize environmental impact and manage risk across mining-related projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in mining and consulting.
• Certificates in environmental law or regulatory compliance are advantageous.
• Training in environmental impact assessments is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation and regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Oversee environmental compliance processes for new and existing projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, licenses, and regulations.
• Develop and implement sustainable environmental strategies aligned with objectives.
• Lead the creation and improvement of environmental plans through project life cycle.
• Prepare, review, and update environmental policies and documentation.
• Set, monitor, and report on environmental targets and progress.
• Provide technical advice on auditing and monitoring processes.
• Maintain relationships with regulatory authorities and track updates.
• Oversee contractor management for environmental compliance.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and community relations.
• Mentor interns, graduates, and new staff.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management/Environmental Science

Job description

Role Purpose

As an Environmental Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring that the company’s operations comply with environmental laws, permits, and sustainability standards, minimizing environmental impact and managing risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee environmental compliance processes for new and existing projects, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, licenses, and regulations across all operations
• Develop and implement sustainable, long-term environmental strategies aligned with perational objectives and mine closure requirements
• Lead the creation and continuous improvement of environmental plans, addressing environmental impacts and responsibilities through to project conclusion
• Prepare, review, and update environmental policies, procedures, and documentation
• Set, monitor, and report on environmental targets and objectives, tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement
• Provide technical advice and guidance on environmental compliance, auditing, and monitoring processes
• Establish and maintain relationships with regulatory authorities and stay informed on regulatory updates and changes
• Oversee contractor management to ensure adherence to environmental standards and compliance guidelines
• Facilitate and guide public and community engagement processes, fostering transparent communication and trust with stakeholders
• Mentor and coach interns, graduates, and new staff, supporting skill development and professional growth within the team

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Certificates in environmental law, regulatory compliance, or environmental audits will be advantageous
• Training in environmental impact assessments will be advantageous
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in mining and consulting
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation, standards, and regulatory framework
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate projects and teams
• Excellent analytical thinking and advanced problem-solving capabilities
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• High integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Proactive, adaptable, and dedicated to ongoing professional development