Sustainability Officer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Professional development opportunities

Green campus initiatives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Sustainability Officer for a leading educational institution in Nelspruit to develop and manage campus environmental initiatives. You will oversee energy conservation, waste reduction, water management and sustainable procurement policies across operations.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field, with a Master’s preferred, and at least 5 years in sustainability program management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sustainability program management or environmental management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive institutional sustainability plan.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics, including energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage.
• Identify opportunities for environmental impact reduction and cost savings.
• Lead initiatives related to waste management, recycling, composting, and pollution prevention.
• Oversee energy efficiency projects and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
• Develop and deliver sustainability training and awareness programs for staff, students, and faculty.
• Collaborate with campus facilities and operations teams to implement sustainable practices.
• Stay abreast of environmental regulations and sustainability best practices.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including government agencies and community groups, on sustainability matters.
• Manage sustainability-related budgets and seek external funding opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Sustainability/Environmental Management

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading educational institution committed to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, is seeking a dedicated Sustainability Officer to join their team in Nelspruit. This crucial role will involve developing, implementing, and managing initiatives to enhance the institution's environmental performance across campus operations. The Sustainability Officer will oversee energy conservation, waste reduction, water management, and the promotion of sustainable procurement policies. We are looking for a passionate advocate for sustainability with a strong understanding of environmental science, policy, and project management. The successful candidate will collaborate with various departments, faculty, staff, and students to foster a campus-wide culture of sustainability. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on environmental stewardship within the Mpumalanga region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive institutional sustainability plan.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics, including energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage.
• Identify opportunities for environmental impact reduction and cost savings.
• Lead initiatives related to waste management, recycling, composting, and pollution prevention.
• Oversee energy efficiency projects and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
• Develop and deliver sustainability training and awareness programs for staff, students, and faculty.
• Collaborate with campus facilities and operations teams to implement sustainable practices.
• Stay abreast of environmental regulations and sustainability best practices.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including government agencies and community groups, on sustainability matters.
• Manage sustainability-related budgets and seek external funding opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sustainability program management or environmental management.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful sustainability initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of environmental principles, policies, and best practices.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in data collection and analysis for environmental reporting.
• Familiarity with campus operations and the educational sector is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to drive impactful sustainability initiatives within a key institution.
• Contribute to a greener future for the Mpumalanga region.
• Professional development and training opportunities in the sustainability field.
• Work in a collaborative and environmentally conscious campus environment in Nelspruit.
• Access to resources and networks in the sustainability sector.
• Potential for involvement in research and innovation projects.