Reference: NES028446-Siphe-1
Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Environmentalist to join their Risk Management team. This role will play a critical part in ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, with a strong focus on Water Use Licences (WULs), General Authorisations, water quality management, and environmental risk compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental professional who thrives in a compliance-driven environment and wants to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable resource management across multiple operational facilities.
Duties & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Water Use Licensing & Compliance
- Drive and manage Water Use Licence (WUL) applications, renewals, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure all outstanding water authorisations are obtained and maintained in accordance with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the National Water Act.
- Monitor compliance with water-related legislation and authorisation conditions.
- Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations on water-related environmental risks.
- Track water usage data and ensure adherence to licence conditions.
- Provide technical guidance on water conservation, wastewater management, and sustainable water-use practices.
Environmental Risk & Compliance
- Develop and maintain Environmental Risk & Compliance Programmes across multiple facilities.
- Monitor legislative developments and update policies and procedures accordingly.
- Assist with environmental authorisations for new projects, expansions, and operational changes.
- Ensure compliance with environmental legislation relating to waste management, pollution control, and environmental authorisations.
Auditing & Environmental Monitoring
- Conduct internal environmental audits and inspections.
- Coordinate external environmental audits and consultants.
- Identify compliance gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain environmental registers and compliance records.
Water Quality Monitoring
- Oversee water sampling, testing, and analysis programmes.
- Interpret laboratory reports and recommend corrective actions where required.
- Monitor wastewater treatment processes and ensure compliance with legal discharge requirements.
- Implement preventative measures to mitigate contamination risks.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with regulatory authorities, environmental consultants, and key stakeholders.
- Represent the organisation during public participation processes.
- Facilitate environmental awareness and compliance training initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
- BTech or Bachelor's Degree (NQF equivalent) advantageous.
Experience
- 3-5 years' experience within environmental compliance, environmental management, or water resource management.
- Proven experience with:
- Water Use Licences (WULs)
- General Authorisations
- Environmental compliance programmes
- Regulatory engagement
- Environmental auditing
- Water quality monitoring and reporting
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of:
- National Water Act
- Water Use Licensing processes
- NEMA
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
- Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)
- Waste Management legislation
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
- Experience with GIS systems will be advantageous.
- Strong report-writing and risk-assessment capabilities.