Lead Environmental Scientist – Mine Closure & Rehabilitation

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Environmental Scientist in Polokwane, Limpopo to spearhead mine closure and rehabilitation programs. You will develop closure plans, oversee EIAs, and ensure regulatory compliance while guiding multidisciplinary teams.

The role focuses on post-mining land restoration, environmental impact mitigation, and long-term site stewardship. You will oversee assessments, budgets, liaise with agencies and communities, and drive sustainable mining practices in the Polokwane

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in environmental management with mine closure and rehabilitation specialization.
• Proven track record in developing and executing mine closure plans.
• Strong knowledge of South African environmental legislation for mining.
• Experience with environmental modeling and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites from Polokwane.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement mine closure and rehabilitation plans.
• Conduct EIAs and baseline studies.
• Oversee remediation of contaminated sites and land restoration.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and permitting requirements.
• Manage environmental monitoring programs (water, soil, biodiversity).
• Develop and manage budgets for closure projects.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and communities.
• Provide technical guidance to environmental teams.
• Prepare environmental reports and closure plans.

Skills

Mine closure planning

Project management

Environmental assessments

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS

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Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable leader in environmental management within the mining sector, is seeking a proactive and experienced Lead Environmental Scientist to manage mine closure and rehabilitation projects. This pivotal role, based in Polokwane, Limpopo , will focus on developing and implementing strategies for post-mining land restoration, environmental impact mitigation, and long-term site stewardship. You will be responsible for overseeing environmental assessments, developing closure plans, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in environmental science, ecology, or a related field, coupled with extensive experience in mine closure planning and execution. This position requires excellent project management skills, a deep understanding of environmental regulations, and the ability to lead and collaborate with diverse teams. You will contribute significantly to the company's commitment to sustainable mining practices and responsible resource development in the Polokwane region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive mine closure and rehabilitation plans.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and baseline studies.
• Oversee the remediation of contaminated sites and the restoration of disturbed land.
• Ensure compliance with all national and provincial environmental legislation and permitting requirements.
• Manage environmental monitoring programs, including water, soil, and biodiversity assessments.
• Develop and manage budgets for closure and rehabilitation projects.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and communities.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to environmental teams.
• Prepare detailed environmental reports, closure plans, and post-closure monitoring reports.
• Stay abreast of best practices in mine closure, progressive rehabilitation, and environmental management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in environmental management, with a strong specialization in mine closure and rehabilitation .
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful mine closure plans.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation pertaining to mining.
• Experience with environmental modeling and monitoring techniques.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a technical team.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as needed from Polokwane .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A collaborative work environment with experienced professionals.
• The chance to work on impactful environmental restoration projects.