A large-scale, nationally significant infrastructure development programme is seeking a Site Environmental Compliance Officer to oversee environmental compliance across construction activities within a remote, high-impact development environment.
The successful candidate will ensure adherence to approved Environmental Management Plans (EMP/EMPr), construction licences, and applicable South African environmental legislation. This role requires strong on-site presence, contractor engagement, and proactive monitoring to ensure environmental performance and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor contractor compliance with approved Environmental Management Plans and licence conditions
- Conduct and document regular environmental inspections, audits, and compliance reviews
- Maintain environmental incident logs, complaints registers, and aspect registers
- Coordinate environmental matters between internal project teams, contractors, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders
- Track corrective actions and ensure timely close-out of non-compliances and incidents
- Support environmental compliance reporting to internal governance structures and oversight bodies
- Deliver environmental awareness training and toolbox talks where required
Minimum RequirementsQualifications
- National Diploma in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or equivalent
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within a construction site environment
- Professional registration (or eligibility for registration) with a recognised environmental body advantageous
Experience & Technical Competencies
- Proven working knowledge of South African environmental legislation (including NEMA and related regulations)
- Practical implementation of Environmental Management Plans (EMP/EMPr) during construction
- Environmental risk identification and hazard assessment processes
- Environmental incident investigation and reporting
- Environmental auditing and inspection experience
- Experience working closely with contractors in construction environments
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 quality management systems
- Working knowledge of construction industry environmental compliance requirements
- Valid driver’s licence
- Willingness to reside on-site and travel within the Northern Cape as required
Technical & Practical SkillsEssential:
- Environmental inspections and auditing
- Strong report writing and documentation skills
- Use of digital compliance and reporting platforms
- Basic environmental monitoring (waste, water, erosion, heritage)
- Use of mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth or similar)
- Construction site environmental compliance experience
Advantageous:
- Knowledge of sustainability initiatives (energy, waste, water efficiency)
- Understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and natural resource management
Behavioural Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
- Conflict resolution and practical problem-solving ability
- Ability to operate independently in remote site conditions
- Adaptable and resilient under pressure
- Professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- Commitment to ethical conduct and accountability
