Environmental Project Lead

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Field-based work opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is supporting a leading environmental non-profit in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeking an Environmental Project Lead. This senior role manages environmental initiatives from conception to completion, coordinating with communities, government bodies, and partners to deliver conservation and sustainable development outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Environmental Science and at least seven years of project management experience, with strong leadership, budgeting, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field
• Minimum of 7 years in environmental project management with a proven delivery track record
• Strong knowledge of environmental issues, conservation and sustainable development for coastal and terrestrial ecosystems
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and community-based conservation
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills
• Proficiency in project management software and environmental modelling tools
• Experience in budget management and financial reporting
• Ability to conduct field research and assessments in challenging environments
• Commitment to environmental protection in Richards Bay and KwaZulu-Natal
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and monitoring of environmental projects including conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainability programs
• Develop project scopes, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans
• Manage project teams including staff, consultants, and volunteers
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including community groups and government agencies
• Conduct site assessments, environmental impact analyses, and feasibility studies
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and policies
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and impact
• Prepare project reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and external audiences
• Represent the organization at community meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Identify opportunities for new projects and funding streams

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Team management

Strategic planning

Field research

Project management

Education

Master's in Environmental Science

Tools

Project management software

Environmental modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and sustainable development, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Environmental Project Lead for their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role is responsible for managing and overseeing critical environmental projects from conception to completion, ensuring they meet objectives related to conservation, community engagement, and ecological sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in environmental science, project management expertise, and a passion for making a tangible difference in environmental stewardship. You will work closely with local communities, government bodies, and other stakeholders to drive impactful projects. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the ecological health and resilience of the Richards Bay region and beyond. The role requires excellent leadership, strategic planning, and strong execution capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of diverse environmental projects, including conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and sustainability programs.
• Develop project scopes, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
• Manage project teams, including staff, consultants, and volunteers, ensuring effective collaboration and performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, and corporate partners in KwaZulu-Natal .
• Conduct site assessments, environmental impact analyses, and feasibility studies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and policies.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project progress and impact.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports, proposals, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, workshops, and conferences related to environmental issues in Richards Bay .
• Identify opportunities for new projects and funding streams to advance the organization's mission.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental project management, with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of environmental issues, conservation strategies, and sustainable development practices relevant to coastal and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and community-based conservation.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and environmental modeling tools.
• Experience in budget management and financial reporting.
• Ability to conduct field research and assessments in challenging environments.
• A deep commitment to environmental protection and sustainability in Richards Bay and the wider KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the rewarding opportunity to lead impactful environmental initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . You will be part of a dedicated team passionate about conservation and sustainability. The role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, field-based work, and the chance to contribute directly to the ecological well-being of the region.