Remote Lead Mine Environmental Scientist

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical aid & retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Mine Environmental Scientist to provide expert environmental management and strategic guidance for mining operations across locations. You will develop and implement robust EMPs, ensure compliance with SA and international regulations, and drive sustainability initiatives.

The role leads a dispersed team of environmental professionals, offering remote collaboration, strong leadership, and a focus on monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement of

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in environmental management in mining/resources.
• EMPs and EIAs development experience.
• Knowledge of SA environmental legislation (NEMA) and international best practices.
• Strong monitoring, data analysis, and reporting.
• Leadership and remote team management experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Environmental modeling and GIS proficiency advantageous.
• Ability to work independently in a dispersed team.
• Commitment to sustainability and CSR.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee EMPs for mining operations.
• Conduct EIAs and risk analyses for new and existing projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental laws and company policies.
• Manage water quality, air emissions, waste management, and rehabilitation.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of environmental professionals.
• Develop monitoring, reporting, and performance improvement strategies.
• Advise on mitigation and rehabilitation best practices.
• Engage with regulators, stakeholders, and communities.
• Stay updated on environmental trends and regulatory changes.
• Promote environmental stewardship across the organization.

Skills

Environmental management

EMP development

EIA experience

Stakeholder engagement

Remote team leadership

Communication

GIS awareness

Independent work

Sustainability/CSR

Education

Master's or PhD in Environmental Science/Environmental Management/Earth Sciences

Tools

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking mining conglomerate, is seeking a dedicated Lead Mine Environmental Scientist to join our innovative, fully remote workforce. This pivotal role involves providing expert environmental management and strategic guidance for mining operations across various locations. You will be responsible for developing and implementing robust environmental management plans, ensuring compliance with all national and international regulations, and driving sustainability initiatives. The Lead Mine Environmental Scientist will play a key role in assessing environmental impacts, managing waste streams, promoting biodiversity conservation, and contributing to the company's commitment to responsible mining practices. This position requires a proactive individual with a strong scientific background and exceptional leadership skills to guide a dispersed team and influence environmental performance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for mining operations.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and risk analyses for new and existing projects.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental legislation, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage and monitor key environmental aspects, including water quality, air emissions, waste management, and rehabilitation.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of environmental professionals and specialists.
• Develop and implement strategies for environmental monitoring, reporting, and performance improvement.
• Advise on best practices for environmental mitigation and rehabilitation of mine sites.
• Engage with regulatory authorities, stakeholders, and communities on environmental matters.
• Stay abreast of emerging environmental trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in the mining industry.
• Promote a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability throughout the organization.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in environmental management, specifically within the mining or resources sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing EMPs and conducting EIAs.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation (e.g., NEMA) and international best practices.
• Strong understanding of environmental monitoring techniques, data analysis, and reporting.
• Proven leadership and team management experience, ideally in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in environmental modeling and GIS software is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and collaborate with a distributed team.
• Commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a generous retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects that promote sustainable mining practices globally.
• Our client invests in advanced remote work technologies and fosters a strong virtual team culture.
• This role provides the flexibility to contribute significantly to environmental excellence from anywhere, promoting a healthy work-life balance.