Principal Environmental Consultant - Energy Sector

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) seeks a Principal Environmental Consultant to lead EIAs and Environmental Authorisations for energy projects across South Africa, including solar, wind, and transmission lines.

You will develop EMPs, manage budgets and timelines, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with NEMA while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement with authorities, clients, and communities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, or related discipline.
• Minimum 9 years of progressive environmental consulting experience.
• Proven track record delivering EIAs and Environmental Authorisations.
• Strong knowledge of SA environmental legislation and NEMA.
• Excellent report writing, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead lifecycle of EIAs and EA processes for energy projects.
• Develop and implement EMPs and monitoring programs.
• Engage with government authorities, clients, and communities.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Mentor junior environmental scientists.
• Contribute to environmental strategies for clients in energy sector.
• Stay updated on evolving environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental reporting

Project management

EIA/NEMA knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science / Environmental Management / Geography

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental and sustainability consultancy, is looking for a highly experienced Principal Environmental Consultant to join their team in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape. This senior role will focus on providing expert environmental advisory services to clients within the energy sector, including renewable energy developers, IPPs, and traditional energy providers. You will lead the preparation and management of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), and related environmental applications for a diverse portfolio of energy projects across South Africa . The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of South African environmental legislation, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a proven track record in managing complex environmental projects. This is a key opportunity to influence sustainable development practices in the growing energy sector from our Gqeberha base.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Authorisation (EA) processes for energy projects (e.g., solar farms, wind farms, transmission lines, power plants).
• Develop and implement Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and monitoring programs during construction and operational phases.
• Conduct specialist environmental studies, including biodiversity assessments, noise impact assessments, visual impact assessments, and waste management plans.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national, provincial, and local environmental legislation and policies, including the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
• Engage effectively with key stakeholders, including government authorities (DEA, provincial DEAT, municipalities), clients, and affected communities.
• Provide expert environmental risk assessment and mitigation advice to clients.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources for environmental consulting services.
• Mentor and guide junior environmental scientists and consultants within the team.
• Contribute to the development of environmental strategies and policies for clients in the energy sector.
• Stay updated on evolving environmental regulations and best practices relevant to the energy industry in South Africa .

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting, with a significant focus on the energy sector.
• Proven experience managing and delivering complex EIAs and Environmental Authorisations.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation, EIA process, and NEMA requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with stakeholder engagement and public participation processes.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to manage and mentor a team.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills, essential for working within the Gqeberha region and beyond.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., EAPASA) is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, exposure to high-profile projects, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development in the energy sector. Based in beautiful Eastern Cape, this is an excellent career opportunity for a dedicated environmental professional.