Environmental Sustainability Officer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Leadership opportunities

Professional growth

Mission-driven organization

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Environmental Sustainability Officer in George, Western Cape. The role leads strategic initiatives for environmental stewardship, engaging communities and guiding conservation projects across the region.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in a relevant field and 5+ years’ leadership experience, with strong policy knowledge and GIS skills for data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in environmental management or conservation leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of South Africa environmental legislation and policy.
• Experience managing complex projects including budgeting and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication, public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in community engagement and environmental education.
• Proficiency with GIS software and environmental modeling tools is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team in George and the Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute sustainability programs and projects focused on conservation in George.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Research and analyze environmental data to inform policy and program development.
• Engage with local communities, businesses, and government to promote sustainable practices.
• Organize educational workshops and awareness campaigns in the Western Cape.
• Monitor progress and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate on grant writing and fundraising for environmental projects.
• Advocate for sound environmental policies at local and regional levels.
• Stay updated on regulations, best practices and emerging sustainability tech.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient resource use in George.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental education

GIS knowledge

Environmental modeling

Education

Master's degree

Tools

GIS software

Environmental modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental conservation NPO based in the beautiful coastal city of **George**, Western Cape, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Environmental Sustainability Officer. This critical role will lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices within the region. The successful candidate will be responsible for researching, advocating for, and overseeing projects that protect local ecosystems, reduce environmental impact, and foster community engagement in conservation efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to preserving the natural heritage of the **Western Cape** and to work at the forefront of environmental advocacy. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of environmental science, policy, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute sustainability programs and projects focused on conservation and environmental protection in **George**.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Research and analyze environmental data to inform policy recommendations and program development.
• Engage with local communities, businesses, and government bodies to promote sustainable practices and build support for conservation initiatives.
• Organize and lead educational workshops and awareness campaigns on environmental issues relevant to the **Western Cape**.
• Monitor the progress and effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on grant writing and fundraising for environmental projects.
• Advocate for sound environmental policies at local and regional levels.
• Stay updated on environmental regulations, best practices, and emerging technologies in sustainability.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient use of resources for environmental programs in **George**.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in environmental management, sustainability consulting, or conservation project leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation, policy, and best practices in South Africa.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion, including budgeting and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and environmental education.
• Proficiency in GIS software and environmental modeling tools is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in the **George** area.
• A passion for environmental conservation and a commitment to sustainable development in the **Western Cape**.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and experience.
• The chance to lead impactful environmental initiatives in a stunning natural setting.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development in the field of sustainability.
• Work in a collaborative and mission-driven organization dedicated to environmental preservation in **George**.
• Contribute directly to the ecological health and resilience of the **Western Cape**.