Remote Principal Environmental Scientist - Mining Compliance

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits

Generous bonus structure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Principal Environmental Scientist to set strategic direction for environmental management across global mining operations. This senior role emphasizes regulatory compliance, EIAs, and cross-functional leadership in a fully remote setting.

The role demands 12+ years in environmental management within mining, strong stakeholder engagement, and a track record of driving sustainable environmental performance. Rich opportunities for global impact and leadership await.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or closely related field.
• 12+ years in environmental management, with mining experience.
• Global regs, permitting, impact assessment, and compliance expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement environmental strategies, policies and management systems for global mining operations.
• Ensure compliance with international, national, and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Lead environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and develop mitigation and management plans.
• Oversee water management, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and rehabilitation programs.
• Provide guidance and technical support to site-based environmental teams.
• Engage with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and communities on environmental matters.
• Monitor and report on KPIs and sustainability metrics.
• Conduct environmental audits and drive corrective actions.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities and develop proactive strategies.
• Contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Mentor and develop environmental professionals across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Environmental strategy

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-cultural teamwork

Education

PhD or MSc in Environmental Science/Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the Mining sector, is looking for a highly experienced and strategic Remote Principal Environmental Scientist to join their sustainability and compliance team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while driving environmental stewardship across our client's international operations. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for environmental management, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory frameworks, and leading initiatives to minimize the environmental footprint of mining activities. This is a senior role for an expert with a deep understanding of environmental science, mining impacts, and regulatory affairs, who can influence policy and practice at the highest levels. We are seeking a visionary leader passionate about sustainable mining and capable of guiding global teams toward best-in-class environmental performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching environmental strategies, policies, and management systems for global mining operations.
• Ensure compliance with international, national, and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Lead environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and develop mitigation and management plans.
• Oversee water management, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and rehabilitation programs.
• Provide expert guidance and technical support to site-based environmental teams.
• Engage with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and communities on environmental matters.
• Monitor and report on key environmental performance indicators (KPIs) and sustainability metrics.
• Conduct environmental audits and ensure the implementation of corrective actions.
• Identify emerging environmental risks and opportunities, and develop proactive strategies.
• Contribute to the company's climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Mentor and develop environmental professionals across the organization.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of extensive experience in environmental management, with a significant portion focused on the Mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in environmental regulations, permitting, impact assessment, and compliance assurance globally.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful environmental strategies and management systems.
• Experience in managing large-scale environmental projects and programs.
• Strong understanding of key environmental issues in mining, including water resources, biodiversity, waste, and rehabilitation.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Superior analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, cross-cultural, and multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a generous bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and scope of the position.
• The primary benefit is the complete flexibility of a fully remote role, allowing you to integrate work and life seamlessly.
• You will have the opportunity to shape environmental practices at a global scale, work with leading experts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Mining industry.
• Join a company committed to environmental excellence and innovation, operating from wherever you are based.