Lead Environmental Scientist - Mine Rehabilitation

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid coverage

Retirement fund

Annual performance bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Environmental Scientist to head mine rehabilitation and closure planning in Benoni, Gauteng. This senior role focuses on minimizing environmental impacts and restoring post-mining landforms to eco-friendly states.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s or PhD in a related field with at least 9 years in environmental management, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven leadership of rehabilitation projects and teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Environmental Science or related field.
• Minimum 9 years in environmental management with a focus on mine rehabilitation and closure planning.
• Proven experience delivering rehabilitation projects.
• Strong knowledge of SA environmental legislation (NEMA, MPRDA) and ICMM guidelines.
• Expertise in ecological restoration, geochemistry, hydrology, and biodiversity assessment.
• Excellent project management, data analysis, and reporting skills.
• Experience engaging with government, communities and industry bodies.
• Experience leading environmental teams or external consultants.
• Willingness to work from Benoni, SA with site visits as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage integrated mine rehabilitation and closure plans.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and risk analyses related to mining operations and closure.
• Oversee and interpret environmental monitoring data (water quality, soil, biodiversity, air).
• Design and implement rehabilitation programs, including progressive rehabilitation and final closure landscaping.
• Manage the geochemical characterization of mine waste materials and assess their long-term stability.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, communities, and other stakeholders on environmental matters.
• Provide expert advice on environmental management, compliance, and sustainability initiatives.
• Manage environmental consultants and contractors engaged for rehabilitation projects.
• Develop and implement environmental management systems and training programmes for site personnel.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in mine rehabilitation and closure science.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Environmental Science / Ecology / Geology or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant mining operator with diverse interests, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Environmental Scientist to spearhead their mine rehabilitation and closure planning initiatives in the Benoni, Gauteng region. This senior role is crucial for ensuring that environmental impacts are minimized, and that post-mining landforms are restored to a sustainable and ecologically sound state. The Lead Environmental Scientist will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation strategies, managing environmental monitoring programs, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and company policies. This position requires a deep understanding of environmental science, ecology, geochemistry, and regulatory frameworks, coupled with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage integrated mine rehabilitation and closure plans in accordance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and risk analyses related to mining operations and closure.
• Oversee and interpret environmental monitoring data (water quality, soil, biodiversity, air quality).
• Design and implement rehabilitation programs, including progressive rehabilitation and final closure landscaping.
• Manage the geochemical characterization of mine waste materials and assess their long-term stability.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, communities, and other stakeholders on environmental matters.
• Provide expert advice on environmental management, compliance, and sustainability initiatives.
• Manage environmental consultants and contractors engaged for specific rehabilitation projects.
• Develop and implement environmental management systems and training programmes for site personnel.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in mine rehabilitation and closure science.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in environmental management, with a significant specialization in mine rehabilitation and closure planning.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful rehabilitation projects.
• Strong knowledge of South African environmental legislation (NEMA, MPRDA, etc.) and ICMM guidelines.
• Expertise in ecological restoration, geochemistry, hydrology, and biodiversity assessment.
• Excellent project management, data analysis, and report writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with government agencies, communities, and industry bodies.
• Experience managing environmental teams or external consultants.
• Must be willing to work from the Benoni, Gauteng office, with occasional site visits.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to mine sites are required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with an annual performance bonus.
• The comprehensive benefits include excellent medical aid coverage, a robust retirement fund, and generous leave allowances.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending international conferences, and contributing to industry best practices are provided.
• The company prioritizes employee well‑being and offers a dynamic work environment.
• Relocation assistance to the Benoni area may be considered.