Environmental Officers at Department of Water and Sanitation

BRANCH: INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

CHIEF DIRECTORATE: WATER RESOURCE INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

SALARY: R 552 081.00 per annum (Level 10)

CENTRE: Pretoria

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be in possession of Diploma/ Degree in Natural/Environmental Sciences or relevant equivalent qualification.
• Must have at least six (6) years appropriate experience in the environmental management.
• Computer literacy.
• Extensive experience in integrated water resource management and water use authorizations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the water sector: relevant legislations (NWA, CARA and NEMA, MPRDA) together with the related policies, regulations, principles and guidelines, skills and experience in management of human resources.
• Excellent communication skills including verbal, report writing, presentation skills.
• Sound interpersonal skills, conflict, project management, problem solving, negotiation and facilitation skills as well as the ability to work in a multi disciplinary team.
• Willingness to work abnormal hours and under pressure as well as travel extensively.
• Proven liaison and networking skills especially as they relate to Corporative Governance and stakeholder engagement.
• The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.

DUTIES:

• The incumbent will conduct environmental screenings and baseline assessments for land parcels to evaluate the potential impact of land use on surrounding ecosystems and biodiversity.
• They will assist in identifying alien and invasive species, both flora and fauna, on state-owned land.
• Supporting the implementation of approved Resource Management Plans, the incumbent will ensure that proposed activities in lease applications align with these plans.
• They will develop recommendations to preserve or restore sensitive habitats and ensure compliance with biodiversity conservation standards and relevant environmental legislation.
• Additionally, the incumbent will assist in the development and submission of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), and other environmental compliance documentation.
• It is essential to ensure that environmental considerations are adequately addressed in all regulatory processes and planning decisions involving state land. The incumbent will collaborate closely with the GIS Specialist and technical teams to integrate environmental data into SAP and other planning or spatial information systems, supporting informed land management decisions.
• Working with the Land Rights Administration team, they will ensure that environmental factors are considered in the allocation, leasing, or conservation of land.
• The role also involves engaging with local municipalities, regulatory agencies, conservation authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate Classified as Confidential environmental management initiatives. Finally, the incumbent will contribute to training and awareness-raising activities to promote sustainable land use practices across the Department