Manager; Terrestrial and Biodiversity

Allen & York Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Manager of Terrestrial Biodiversity in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves leading a team of ecologists in delivering expert-level ecological services for the mining sector, overseeing assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates will hold a postgraduate qualification in related natural sciences and possess a proven background in ecological assessments and team management. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and the chance to drive impactful biodiversity outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven background in terrestrial ecological assessments.
• Strong technical writing skills are essential.
• Comfortable managing diverse teams in client-facing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team to deliver ecological services.
• Oversee ecological assessments and biodiversity strategy planning.
• Drive business development activities and manage client accounts.

Skills

Ecological impact assessment

Leadership

Communication skills

Team management

Education

Postgraduate qualification (MSc or higher) in Zoology, Ecology, or Botany

Job description

Manager - Terrestrial Biodiversity (Environmental Consulting)
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Type: Permanent | Industry: Environmental Consulting / Mining & Resources

Are you a seasoned ecologist with a passion for biodiversity, ecological impact, and the consulting world? We're seeking a dynamic Manager of Terrestrial Biodiversity to lead a global team of terrestrial and botany specialists in delivering high-quality ecological services to clients across the mining and resources sector.

In this leadership role, you'll be responsible for advancing ecological consulting services, managing field programs, enhancing biodiversity offset strategies, and supporting international environmental compliance across diverse geographies. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong technical foundation, a commercial mindset, and a global perspective on biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of terrestrial ecologists and botanists to deliver expert-level services on a range of ecological assessments and biodiversity strategies.
• Oversee vegetation studies, veld condition assessments, alien plant surveys, and biodiversity offset planning aligned with both local legislation and international standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure successful integration of ecological insights into broader environmental and social performance strategies.
• Review technical reports, proposals, and specialist deliverables, ensuring quality, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct and coordinate fieldwork in challenging environments across Africa and beyond, when needed.
• Engage with clients and regulatory authorities, acting as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on biodiversity and conservation.
• Drive business development activities by identifying new opportunities, supporting proposal development, and managing key client accounts.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, resource planning, performance tracking, and team development initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• A postgraduate qualification (MSc or higher) in Zoology, Ecology, Botany, or related natural sciences.
• Proven background in conducting and leading terrestrial and faunal assessments in consulting, ideally within the mining or resources industry.
• Comfortable managing diverse teams and delivering results in deadline-driven, client-facing environments.
• Deep understanding of ecological fieldwork, offset metrics, species-specific monitoring programs, and environmental legislation.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel within Africa and internationally as project demands arise.
• Professional registration (e.g. Pr.Sci.Nat.) and a valid driver's license are advantageous.

Interested?

This role offers the chance to influence biodiversity outcomes on high-impact projects while building and shaping a high-performing team. If you're ready to lead from the front and contribute to sustainable development across the globe, we want to hear from you.

Apply now to make your mark.

Allen & York - delivering Sustainable Recruitment Solutions since 1993.

About us

Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all.

Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability.

Let us help build a better world, together.