Environmental Specialist

NRF/SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in radio astronomy seeks an Environmental Specialist to manage environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives. You will develop and implement Environmental Management Plans across various sites, ensuring adherence to legislation and ISO standards. This role involves tracking performance metrics aligned with sustainability goals, providing training, and reporting to executive management.

Qualifications

• Experienced in developing Environmental Management Systems.
• Knowledge of ISO14001 accreditation processes.
• Strong background in sustainability reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Environmental Management Plans and policies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
• Monitor and report on environmental impacts and sustainability targets.

Skills

Environmental legislation compliance

Sustainability practices

Environmental Management Plans

Monitoring and reporting

Training and awareness initiatives

Education

Relevant degree in Environmental Science or related field

Job description

The Environmental Specialist will form part of the Operations Team reporting to the Senior SHEQ Consultant during the construction and operations of activities at all different sites and will be primarily responsible for the development, implementation, tracking and compliance of Environmental Management plans, reports, policies and procedures for all sites.

Key Responsibilities:

* Developing and implementing an Environmental Management Plan, policies and procedures for all sites

* Ensuring organizational compliance to environmental legislation, policies, plans and construction licenses in South Africa

* Developing Key Performance Indicators and track targets for Sustainability for all sites in line with United Nations Sustainability Goals

* Implementing programmes associated with these KPIs and reporting operational performance to the EXCO and the National Research Foundation. (This includes water consumption and conservation, energy usage, waste management amongst others)

* Acting as the Sustainability Champion and gather inputs from staff to identify sustainability activities already underway, and new initiatives.

* Developing, implementing and updating the Environmental Legal Register in compliance with the IEMP

* Developing the required documentation to establish an Environmental Management System (EMS) for SARAO to obtain ISO14001 accreditation and ongoing implementation of the EMS to maintain ISO accreditation

* Monitoring and reporting on measurable environmental impacts

* Developing & implementing ongoing environmental and sustainability awareness material and implement environmental training for staff and contractors

* Provide monthly dashboard reports to the EXCO on environment, construction license compliance and updates on achievement of Environment and Sustainability KPIs

* Providing guidance to the Environmental Officer and Operations and Project Management Teams and coordinate activities.

Closing Date: 18 July 2025