Environmental Project Manager

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Environmental Project Manager for the Cape Town region to lead conservation projects protecting marine and coastal environments.

The role requires a Master's in a relevant field and 5–7 years of progressive project management experience, with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement across government, academia, and community groups. On-site work in Cape Town is essential for site coordination and permitting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Conservation Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive environmental project management experience in conservation/ecological restoration.
• Experience managing complex projects with budgets and many stakeholders in the Cape Town region.
• Strong knowledge of SA environmental legislation, policy, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of environmental projects from concept to closure.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Lead project teams, contractors, and volunteers; ensure objectives and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Budget management

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science/Management

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished environmental conservation charity focused on coastal ecosystems, is seeking an experienced Environmental Project Manager for their operations in the scenic Cape Town region. This senior position is crucial for the successful planning, execution, and monitoring of critical conservation projects aimed at protecting and restoring marine and coastal environments. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in environmental science or management, coupled with a proven track record in project leadership and a deep passion for safeguarding South Africa's natural heritage. This role requires on-site presence and engagement within the Cape Town area to effectively manage project sites and liaise with local stakeholders, including governmental bodies, research institutions, and community groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full project lifecycle for environmental initiatives, from conception and planning to implementation and closure.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for conservation projects in Cape Town .
• Manage project teams, contractors, and volunteers, ensuring adherence to project objectives and quality standards.
• Conduct site assessments and environmental impact evaluations.
• Secure necessary permits and ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and legislation.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports, documenting achievements, challenges, and financial expenditures for internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster strong working relationships with partners, including government agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations in the Cape Town area.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by assisting in proposal writing and donor reporting related to environmental projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments and best practices in environmental conservation and project management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in environmental project management, with a focus on conservation or ecological restoration.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with significant budgets and multiple stakeholders in the Cape Town region.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation, policy, and conservation best practices in South Africa.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana) and data analysis tools.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in diverse environmental conditions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations or in the charitable sector is highly desirable.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and a passion for marine conservation.

Benefits

This role comes with a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance and ample annual leave. You will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that contribute significantly to the environmental well-being of the Cape Town coastline and beyond. Our client provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development, working alongside dedicated conservation professionals. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of environmental stewardship in this vital region.