Manager: Terrestrial Biodiversity

NexChapter Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a skilled professional to manage a global team of ecologists in Johannesburg. The role involves overseeing ecological assessments, mentoring staff, and maintaining high-quality deliverables. Candidates should hold an M.Sc. in Zoology and have significant experience in ecology. This position requires strong report-writing skills and a valid driver's license, with frequent travel expected throughout Africa.

Qualifications

• Six or more years’ experience in ecology, preferably in consulting.
• At least five years conducting specialist studies.
• Two or more years’ experience managing a team preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a global team of terrestrial and botany ecologists.
• Undertake ecological and vegetation assessments.
• Compile and write reports for submission.

Skills

Strong technical expertise in faunal assessments

Excellent report writing skills

Ability to manage a small team

Familiarity with biodiversity offset principles

Experience in ecological assessments

Education

M.Sc. degree in Zoology or similar field

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for someone who will be responsible for managing and developing a global team of terrestrial and botany ecologists, delivering high-quality services to clients and relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements

Undertake ecological assessments to inform development planning and meet environmental authorisation requirements.

Undertake vegetation assessments, including veld condition assessments and alien plant surveys, to inform planning.

Demonstrate familiarity with biodiversity offset principles, both within the local context and global best practices.

Provide technical expertise and support to the team and clients in identifying potential offset entities and appropriate metrics to measure success.

Compile and review specialist reports as well as project proposals.

Maintain awareness of country-specific legislation and the potential impact on various projects.

Collaborate closely with specialists from other disciplines.

Coordinate and carry out fieldwork under strenuous conditions.

Liaise with clients and relevant authorities.

Compile and write reports for submission to clients and authorities.

Ensure the team maintains a high-quality standard and produces defensible deliverables.

Continuously improve and develop services offered within the department, including species-specific monitoring programmes.

Department Management

Manage the recruitment and selection process for the department in line with workforce planning.

Facilitate appropriate onboarding for all new employees.

Manage performance management and probation processes.

Provide mentorship and development opportunities for the team.

Report on departmental performance at various levels.

Manage departmental financial expenditure against the budget.

Oversee effective workload and resource management.

Ensure revenue targets are achieved.

Business Development and Marketing

Develop a business plan for the department, including service offerings and sales opportunities.

Act as a key account manager where required, identifying business opportunities and maintaining a client-centric approach.

Identify leads and coordinate proposals, tracking progress and outcomes.

Qualifications

M.Sc. degree in Zoology or a similar field.

Work Experience

Six or more years’ experience in the relevant field, preferably within a consulting environment.

At least five years conducting specialist studies.

At least five years in the resources industry.

International experience beneficial, particularly for endemic species identification and ecological condition assessment.

Two or more years’ experience managing a small team preferred.

Strong technical expertise in faunal assessments (e.g., herpetofauna, mammals, avifauna).

Professional registration advantageous (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat.).

Valid driver’s license required.

Excellent report writing skills.

Willingness to travel throughout Africa and internationally as required.