Senior Wetland Ecologist

WSP; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP, a leading diversified consulting firm, is seeking a Senior Wetland Ecologist to join their Johannesburg office. This role involves project management, technical direction on biodiversity projects, and collaboration with internal and external clients. Ideal candidates will have strong consulting experience and a focus on wetland ecology, committed to delivering high-quality environmental assessments and strategies.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years practical experience in wetland ecology.
• Full Pr.Sci.Nat. registration with SACNASP.
• Experience in environmental impact assessments.

Responsibilities

• Scoping biodiversity aspects of EIA projects.
• Conducting wetland species and ecosystem studies.
• Delivering wetland offset strategies aligned with regulations.

Skills

Wetland ecology

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

BSc (Hons) Degree

Higher degree

Tools

ArcGIS

Google Earth

Job description

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa. To further our strategic business execution plan, we are seeking leaders that share our guiding principles – we value our people and our reputation; we are locally dedicated with international scale; we are future focused and challenge the status quo; we foster collaboration in everything we do, and we have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable. We are committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment.

Key Role:

The consultant will join the Biodiversity team within the Earth and Environment business unit, working in close liaison with the South African and international permitting and environmental impact assessment (EIA) teams, as well as the mine water, rehabilitation and closure teams. The role will be based in our Johannesburg office and will include opportunities to work on technically challenging projects - primarily in South Africa, and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

The role will be ideally suited to an established consulting professional with a high level of technical knowledge, who enjoys working in a close-knit team with international reach and has a demonstrable track record as an established ecologist with consulting experience, and with strong project management skills, and good client relationships.

As a senior wetland ecologist, you will provide technical direction and support on a wide variety of proposals and projects, both in support of South African permitting processes, as well as for international lender requirements (ESIA, and lender due diligence). You will contribute to the growth of people within the team through mentoring, oversight of deliverables, and display good project and financial management - with an ability to win work and deliver on time, and within budget. The role will be office-based with opportunities to work from home and will also require periods of working away from home whilst on site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scoping and costing biodiversity aspects of complex EIA projects both domestic and international.
• Conducting focused wetland species and ecosystem studies to characterise site level project impacts and identify mitigation opportunities.
• Deliver wetland offset strategies in support of Water Use License Applications.
• Conduct Critical Habitat assessments and Ecosystem Services studies, to satisfy IFC Performance Standard 6 requirements.
• Write accurate and concise baseline reports, impact and risk assessments, management plans, and offset strategies to a high standard, for submission in support of Environmental Authorisations, Water Use License Applications, and International Lender requirements.
• Oversee and manage a variety of projects in accordance with sound project management principles, including invoicing, subcontractor coordination and management, and client relationship management.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external clients through project delivery.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to the junior Biodiversity team.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.

Health and Safety:

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behavior consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Relevant BSc (Hons) Degree preferred, Higher degree advantageous.
• Must have full Pr.Sci.Nat. i.e. a paid-up registered member of SACNASP, within a relevant ecology discipline.
• 5-7 years practical experience in a similar role, with a strong focus on wetland ecology, including:
• Demonstrable experience in the following:
• Delineating wetland habitats through application of the DWAF wetland and riparian delineation manual,
• Classification of wetland types,
• Assessment of wetland condition and functionality using the latest WET Series tools
• Determination of wetland buffers
• Development of wetland offsets aligned with the SANBI & DWS offset guidelines
• Application of the GN4167 risk assessment
• Demonstrable experience of applying lender requirements, particularly IFC Performance Standard 6, advantageous.
• Experience in project management
• Experience in managing/supervising individuals
• Membership of other relevant professional or voluntary organisation/s advantageous.
• High levels of flexibility and motivation.
• Full driving license and Valid Passport essential.

Key Competencies and Generic Skills:

• Strong knowledge of wetland ecology and application of the wetland delineation and assessment guideline/tools.
• Strong (proven) project management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills including strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to deliver work on time.
• Ability to manage personal time and productivity under pressure, understanding personal fiscal responsibility and productivity in a consulting environment.
• Strong understanding of the Microsoft software suite. Other software literacy beneficial (e.g. ArcGIS, Google Earth).
• Strong knowledge of the South African environmental legislation.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

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