Principal Ecologist at WSP in Africa

About the Job

Job Description

• 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 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 a terrestrial or aquatic ecology discipline lead, with strong project management skills, and good client relationships.
• As a principal 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 commercial awareness - 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:

• Designing, costing and conducting focussed species/ecosystem studies in relevant field of specialism to inform biodiversity impact assessments, management plans and offsetting plans.
• Write accurate and concise baseline reports, impact 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 revenue reporting and invoicing, subcontractor coordination and management, and client relationship management.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external clients through project delivery.
• Grow team technical capacity through mentorship.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.

Health and Safety:

• Display behaviour 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 always maintained.

Qualifications

• Relevant BSc (Hons) Degree; Higher degree advantageous.
• Must be a Pr.Sci.Nat. registered member of SACNASP, within a relevant ecology discipline. Membership of other relevant professional or voluntary organisation/s advantageous.
• High levels of flexibility and motivation.
• Full driving licence. 
• 6+ years practical experience in a similar role.
• Published academic papers would be advantageous.

Key Competencies and generic skills:

• Subject matter expert in South African terrestrial (flora/fauna) or aquatic (rivers) ecology.
• 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)