Senior Environmental Hygiene Specialist - Remote

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote-friendly

Professional development

Paid time off

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Environmental Hygiene Specialist for a fully remote role in South Africa. The candidate will lead sanitation strategy, protocols, and audits across diverse environments from a home office, collaborating with cross-functional teams online.

The role focuses on remote planning, risk assessment, and continuous improvement of hygiene programs, with strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and public health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Microbiology, Biology or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in environmental hygiene or public health.
• Knowledge of SANS standards, HACCP principles and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing remote teams and virtual collaboration tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to convey complex info clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sanitation and hygiene management plans across environments.
• Conduct remote risk assessments and audits; propose mitigation strategies.
• Advise on sanitation protocols, waste management, pest control, and disinfection.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate hygiene best practices into procedures and design.
• Train and mentor junior staff virtually; oversee program effectiveness.
• Monitor sanitation programs and drive data-informed improvements.
• Keep up with trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in environmental hygiene.
• Prepare detailed reports and present recommendations to management.
• Manage vendor relationships for sanitation services and supplies.
• Support environmental sustainability initiatives in all activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Excellent communication skills

Independent work

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health or related field

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Remote collaboration tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Environmental Hygiene Specialist to join their expanding team. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and the opportunity to contribute to critical health and safety initiatives across various sectors. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sanitation protocols, regulatory compliance, and best practices in maintaining hygienic environments. You will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and overseeing sanitation strategies that ensure public health and safety, particularly in the context of evolving environmental challenges. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and disease prevention, all managed from the comfort of your home office. The focus will be on strategic planning and remote oversight, making your ability to manage projects independently paramount. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a remote-first culture and can effectively communicate and collaborate with teams virtually.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive sanitation and hygiene management plans for diverse operational environments, ensuring compliance with all relevant national and international standards.
• Conduct remote risk assessments and audits to identify potential hygiene hazards and propose effective mitigation strategies.
• Provide expert guidance and consultation on sanitation protocols, waste management, pest control, and disinfection techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hygiene best practices into operational procedures and facility design.
• Train and mentor junior sanitation staff (virtually) on best practices and company policies.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of sanitation programs, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in environmental hygiene and public health.
• Prepare detailed reports and present findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage vendor relationships for sanitation-related services and supplies.
• Ensure that all sanitation activities align with the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and health.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field. A Master's degree is a significant advantage.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in environmental hygiene, sanitation management, or public health, with a proven track record in developing and implementing successful hygiene programs.
• In-depth knowledge of sanitation principles, infectious disease control, risk assessment methodologies, and relevant legislation (e.g., SANS standards, HACCP principles).
• Demonstrated experience in remote team management and virtual collaboration tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in using data analysis software and generating comprehensive reports.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Experience with environmental monitoring techniques and interpretation of results.
• Professional certifications in sanitation or public health are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• As this is a remote position, you will enjoy the significant benefit of working from anywhere within South Africa, eliminating commute times and expenses.
• We provide a robust digital infrastructure to support remote work, including access to essential software and communication platforms.
• Opportunities for professional development, including online courses and virtual conferences, are available to ensure continuous learning and career growth.
• You will be part of a dedicated and professional team that values innovation and collaboration.
• Our client also provides comprehensive health insurance coverage and paid time off, ensuring your well-being and work-life balance.
• This role offers the unique chance to make a tangible impact on public health and safety from a flexible, remote setting.