Senior Environmental Scientist - Energy Project Development

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Travel allowances

Flexible working arrangements where Fe

Position based in East London, Eastern

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist to lead EIAs and EMPs for energy projects in East London, Eastern Cape. This role requires extensive fieldwork, regulatory liaison, and expert environmental guidance across project lifecycles.

You will coordinate baseline studies, ensure regulatory compliance, and develop robust environmental management plans while staying abreast of evolving SA environmental regulations and sector best practices.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in environmental consulting or management with energy projects.
• Proven experience with EIAs and EMPs in South Africa.
• Knowledge of SA environmental legislation (NEMA, EIA Regulations) and permitting.
• Experience with ecological surveys and data analysis.
• Strong project management and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork around East London.
• Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., EAPASA) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead EIAs and Basic Assessments for energy projects.
• Develop Environmental Management Plans and guidelines.
• Carry out baseline ecological surveys and water quality/noise monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with national and provincial environmental laws.
• Liaise with regulators, clients, and stakeholders.
• Identify risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Oversee environmental monitoring during construction and operation.
• Prepare high-quality environmental reports and plans.
• Provide expert advice to project teams and management.
• Stay updated on environmental science developments in energy.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading firm in sustainable energy development, is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Scientist to join their dedicated team in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. This vital role involves conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs), developing environmental management plans (EMPs), and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations for a variety of energy projects, including renewable installations and infrastructure development. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing environmental risks, coordinating field studies, and liaising with regulatory authorities and stakeholders. This position requires a thorough understanding of environmental science, impact assessment processes, and the specific environmental challenges within the energy sector in the East London region. Extensive fieldwork and site-based activities will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the execution of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Basic Assessments for energy projects.
• Develop comprehensive Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and operational guidelines.
• Conduct baseline environmental studies, including ecological surveys, water quality assessments, and noise monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with all national and provincial environmental legislation and permitting requirements.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies (e.g., DEA, provincial departments), clients, and other stakeholders throughout the assessment and approval process.
• Identify potential environmental risks and propose mitigation measures for project activities.
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs during project construction and operation phases.
• Prepare high-quality environmental reports, impact statements, and management plans.
• Provide expert environmental advice to project teams, management, and clients.
• Stay updated on environmental science advancements, regulations, and best practices in the energy sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental consulting or management, with a focus on energy projects (renewables, power generation, transmission).
• Proven experience in conducting EIAs and developing EMPs in South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation (NEMA, EIA Regulations) and permitting processes.
• Experience with ecological survey methodologies and environmental data analysis.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to work independently, manage project timelines, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and conduct fieldwork in and around East London.
• Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., EAPASA) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical aid
• Retirement fund contributions
• Performance bonuses
• Travel allowances
• Flexible working arrangements where feasible
• Position based in East London, Eastern Cape
• Collaborative work environment and support continuous learning