Senior Environmental Consultant

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development allowance

Retirement fund

Flexible working hours

Remote-first team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Environmental Consultant to lead EIAs, EMPs and environmental projects remotely for clients across South Africa, including Polokwane, Limpopo. The role requires deep knowledge of SA environmental legislation, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership.

You will mentor junior staff, manage budgets and timelines, contribute to client relations and business development, and stay current with NEMA regulations in a remote-first, flexible-work environment.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting in South Africa.
• Professional affiliation with a relevant body (e.g., EAPASA registration) is essential.
• Proven experience in managing EIAs, EMPs, and legal compliance projects.
• In-depth knowledge of SA environmental legislation including NEMA and its regulations.
• Strong understanding of mining, energy, infrastructure, and property development sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; reports must be clear and concise.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in GIS software and other relevant environmental modeling tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning, execution, and reporting of EIAs and Basic Assessments.
• Develop and implement Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Monitoring Programmes.
• Conduct site sensitivity mapping, risk assessments, and waste management planning.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, clients, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare comprehensive environmental reports, applications, and presentations.
• Provide expert environmental advice and guidance to clients and project teams.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure successful delivery.
• Stay abreast of current environmental legislation, policies, and best practices in SA.
• Mentor and guide junior environmental scientists and consultants.
• Contribute to business development through proposals and client relationship management.
• Conduct environmental training sessions for project teams as required.

Skills

EIA management

EMP development

Regulatory knowledge

GIS software

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

GIS software

Environmental modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental and engineering consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Environmental Consultant to join their growing remote team. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to lead environmental impact assessments (EIAs), environmental management plans (EMPs), and other environmental projects from a remote location, serving clients across South Africa, including those in the Polokwane, Limpopo region. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of South African environmental legislation, permitting processes, and stakeholder engagement strategies. You will be responsible for managing projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality environmental solutions. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual environment. We are looking for a self-starter with a proven track record in environmental consulting and a passion for sustainable development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning, execution, and reporting of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Basic Assessments across various sectors.
• Develop and implement Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Monitoring Programmes.
• Conduct site sensitivity mapping, risk assessments, and waste management planning.
• Liaise effectively with regulatory authorities (e.g., DEFF, provincial departments), clients, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare comprehensive environmental reports, applications, and presentations.
• Provide expert environmental advice and guidance to clients and project teams.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources efficiently to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay abreast of current environmental legislation, policies, and best practices in South Africa.
• Mentor and guide junior environmental scientists and consultants.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client relationship management.
• Conduct environmental training sessions for project teams as required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting in South Africa.
• Professional affiliation with a relevant body (e.g., EAPASA registration) is essential.
• Proven experience in managing EIAs, EMPs, and legal compliance projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation, including the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and its associated regulations.
• Strong understanding of various industry sectors (e.g., mining, energy, infrastructure, property development).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in GIS software and other relevant environmental modeling tools is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and remote work benefits.
• Opportunity to work on a wide range of impactful environmental projects across South Africa.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous professional development allowance for training, conferences, and certifications.
• Flexible working hours and the autonomy of a remote-first role.
• Contribution to a retirement fund.
• Supportive team environment with regular virtual collaboration.