Senior Environmental Scientist - Mining Compliance and Management

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Training and development opportunities

Environmental responsibility culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist in the Sandton area to lead environmental management for a major mining group. The role blends on-site assessments with remote data analysis and reporting.

The successful candidate will have 6–8 years’ mining/environmental experience, a Master’s degree, and strong knowledge of SA environmental law (NEMA, MPRDA). Travel to site locations is expected along with contractor management and regulatory liaison.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science or related field.
• 6–8 years in environmental management within mining/heavy industry.
• Knowledge of South African environmental legislation (NEMA, MPRDA).
• Experience with EIAs, EMPs and environmental auditing.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites; strong communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct EIAs and develop Environmental Management Plans (EMPs).
• Monitor and report on key environmental parameters (water quality, air emissions, biodiversity, waste).
• Ensure compliance with national and provincial environmental legislation and permitting requirements.
• Develop and implement rehabilitation and closure plans for mining sites.
• Conduct environmental audits and site inspections to identify risks and ensure best practices.
• Provide expert advice on environmental matters to project teams and senior management.
• Develop and deliver environmental training programs for site personnel.
• Investigate and manage environmental incidents and emergencies.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, stakeholders, and communities on environmental matters.
• Stay updated on environmental legislation, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
• Manage consultants and contractors involved in environmental studies and projects.
• Contribute to the development of the company's sustainability strategy and reporting.
• Support environmental permitting processes for new projects and expansions in the Sandton, Gauteng operational context.

Skills

EIAs & EMPs

Environmental auditing

Water management

Stakeholder engagement

Reporting & analysis

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science/Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading diversified mining group with significant operations in the Sandton, Gauteng region, is seeking a highly competent Senior Environmental Scientist to join their dedicated environmental management team. This role operates under a hybrid model, requiring both on-site visits to operational areas for assessments and audits, and remote work for data analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, developing and implementing environmental management plans, and promoting sustainable mining practices across the company's portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of environmental regulations, impact assessment methodologies, and remediation strategies within the mining context. This is a critical role for safeguarding the company's environmental performance and reputation. We are looking for a proactive and knowledgeable professional to guide our environmental initiatives in and around Sandton, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and develop Environmental Management Plans (EMPs).
• Monitor and report on key environmental parameters (water quality, air emissions, biodiversity, waste management).
• Ensure compliance with national and provincial environmental legislation and permitting requirements.
• Develop and implement rehabilitation and closure plans for mining sites.
• Conduct environmental audits and site inspections to identify risks and ensure best practices.
• Provide expert advice on environmental matters to project teams and senior management.
• Develop and deliver environmental training programs for site personnel.
• Investigate and manage environmental incidents and emergencies.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, stakeholders, and communities on environmental matters.
• Stay updated on environmental legislation, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
• Manage consultants and contractors involved in environmental studies and projects.
• Contribute to the development of the company's sustainability strategy and reporting.
• Support environmental permitting processes for new projects and expansions in the Sandton, Gauteng operational context.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of relevant experience in environmental management, specifically within the mining or heavy industry sector.
• In-depth knowledge of South African environmental legislation (e.g., NEMA, MPRDA).
• Proven experience in conducting EIAs, EMPs, and environmental auditing.
• Strong understanding of water management, air quality, waste management, and biodiversity conservation in a mining context.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, managing tasks both on-site and remotely.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites as required.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., EAPSA registration) is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with the environmental challenges specific to the Sandton, Gauteng mining landscape.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• performance-based incentives
• comprehensive medical aid
• a retirement savings plan
• This hybrid role provides flexibility and opportunities for professional growth through training and development.
• Our client is committed to sustainable operations and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and employee well-being.
• You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on environmental stewardship within a major mining organization in the Sandton, Gauteng region.