Environmental Program Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Environmental Program Specialist to lead projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires a strong scientific background, excellent project management skills, and a passion for environmental stewardship to protect and restore local ecosystems.

You will develop, implement, and monitor programs, collaborate with communities and government agencies, and report on progress to stakeholders. Fieldwork and regional collaboration are integral to the role.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in environmental program management or conservation.
• Strong project management, planning, execution, and monitoring skills.
• Proficiency in GIS software is a plus.
• Excellent data collection, analysis, and reporting skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with communities and government officials.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to conduct fieldwork around Richards Bay.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage environmental conservation projects from conception to completion, ensuring timelines and budgets.
• Conduct ecological assessments and surveys to identify challenges and opportunities.
• Implement conservation strategies including habitat restoration and species protection.
• Collaborate with communities, government agencies and stakeholders for awareness and action.
• Monitor program effectiveness and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Organize and lead field activities, workshops and community engagement events.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and policies.
• Manage project budgets and track expenditures.
• Research and identify potential funding sources and contribute to grant writing.
• Provide technical guidance on environmental matters to internal teams and partners.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Communication

GIS

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science

Tools

GIS software

Environmental modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental conservation organization, is actively seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Environmental Program Specialist to spearhead crucial projects in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal area. This role is central to developing, implementing, and monitoring programs aimed at protecting and restoring local ecosystems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, excellent project management skills, and a passion for environmental stewardship. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts in a region renowned for its unique biodiversity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage environmental conservation projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Conduct ecological assessments and surveys to identify environmental challenges and opportunities.
• Implement conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable resource management.
• Collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and action.
• Monitor program effectiveness and impact, collecting data and preparing detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize and lead field activities, workshops, and community engagement events related to environmental conservation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and policies.
• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure responsible financial management.
• Research and identify potential funding sources and contribute to grant writing efforts.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on environmental matters to internal teams and external partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in environmental program management or conservation fieldwork.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Strong understanding of ecological principles and conservation practices relevant to coastal and marine environments.
• Excellent data collection, analysis, and reporting skills.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including community members and government officials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in GIS software and other relevant environmental modeling tools is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions in and around Richards Bay .
• A profound commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including further training and conference attendance, are actively supported.
• This role provides the unique satisfaction of working on impactful conservation projects that directly benefit the environment of KwaZulu-Natal .
• Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving our planet's natural heritage.