Specialised Environmental Officer: Pollution and Chemicals Management, Ref No. EADP 08/2024 at Western Cape Government

Job Purpose

• The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape Government has an opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual to support the development, implementation and management of water resource rehabilitation and nature-based bioremediation initiatives and interventions to prevent/mitigate pollution and to assist with pollution investigations and regulatory interventions.

Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate Honours Degree in Physical/Natural/Environmental Sciences/Management or Chemical/Environmental Engineering or related; 
• A valid (Code B) driving license.

Recommendation

• Relevant environmental management experience (including integrated water resource and pollution management); 
• Working knowledge and experience in the following: Project management; 
• Environmental legislation, policies and regulations, including integrated pollution management and water resource management; 
• Environmental management, Environmental Impact Management, and Pollution and Chemicals Management; 
• Riparian rehabilitation, water sensitive design and/or nature-based solutions. 

Key Performance Areas

• Support the promotion, development and implementation of riprian rehabilitation initiatives and interventions in the respective catchments; 
• Liaise with stakeholders to strengthen partnerships in order to promote, co-ordinate and upscale riparian rehabilitation interventions, water sensitive design and nature-based solutions; 
• Provide specialist and technical comment, advice and guidance on environmental and water resource management matters including policy and technical reports (e.g. impact assessment reports) to organs of state and other stakeholders regarding pollution and chemicals management; 
• Conduct compliance monitoring and enforcement to improve environmental quality; 
• Conduct compliance monitoring and enforcement with regard to pollution investigations and management to improve environmental quality; 
• Assist with financial and general office management. 

Competencies
Knowledge of the following: 

• Environmental legislation (e.g. NEMA); Environmental Management (that includes integrated environmental management and pollution management); 
• Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, with respect to statutory obligations (e.g. NEMA); 
• Interpretation and analysis of water quality data and pollution information; 
• Chemicals management and international conventions;
• Sampling procedures and protocols; Principles of water sensitive design, nature-based solutions and/or riparian rehabilitation). 

Skills in the following: 

• Computer literacy in MS Office Package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); 
• GIS skills favourable; 
• Excellent research and report writing skills which include technical/scientific reports as well as submissions for approval; 
• Excellent and diverse communication and report writing skills at all levels; 
• General office administration; Ability to work independently and as part of a team.