Environmental Officer Specialised Production (2 POSTS) Western Cape

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-

The Environmental Officer - Specialised Production is responsible for regulating the discharge of effluent into estuaries and coastal waters, providing technical support to compliance and enforcement processes, and representing the Directorate's interests in Environmental Impact Assessment processes. To be successful, applicants must possess a strong educational background in Natural or Environmental Management/Sciences, a minimum of three years of experience in a related field, and extensive knowledge of South African coast management, marine and coastal pollution, and national and international coastal policies and legislation. The ideal candidate should have strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to navigate complex policy and legislative frameworks.

**Job Title:** Environmental Officer - Specialised Production (2 Posts)

**Company:** Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

**Requirements & Qualifications:**

To be successful in this role, applicants must possess a strong educational background in Natural or Environmental Management/Sciences, holding a minimum of an Honours Degree (NQF Level 6) or a relevant qualification as recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Additionally, applicants should have a minimum of three years of experience in a related field.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of the South African coast, including marine and coastal pollution management, integrated coastal management, coastal processes, and coastal management principles. They should also be familiar with national and international coastal policies and legislation. Furthermore, a solid understanding of marine water quality and environmental monitoring techniques, as well as data and information management, is essential.

Effective interpretation and application of coastal and related legislation, including the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEM: ICMA), National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEM: WA), National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM: BA) Regulations, National Water Act, and Minerals Act, is crucial. Additionally, knowledge of international treaties and conventions, national and provincial laws, and departmental protocols is necessary.

The ability to understand and explain the functioning of coastal ecosystems and the impacts of human activity on these systems is also required. Familiarity with integrated environmental management, environmental impact assessments, UNEP commitments, the GPA programme, Regional Seas Conventions, and related projects is essential.

Applicants should also possess a solid understanding of government administration and financial procedures, project management, public service regulation, and departmental procedures and prescripts. A background in Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Environmental Sciences is desirable. Strong organizing and planning skills, project management experience, effective communication, analytical thinking, scientific writing and reporting, and computer literacy are also necessary.

In addition to the above, the following skills are essential:

• Effective communication (written, oral, and graphic) * Willingness and ability to travel (at times on short notice) * Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with telephonic enquiries from members of the public * Ability to work within a team and individually * Ability to collect and analyze data and information * Good interpersonal skills * Proactive and honest approach * Conflict resolution skills

**Duties:**

The incumbent will be responsible for regulating the discharge of effluent into estuaries and coastal waters. They will provide support to Departmental coastal pollution initiatives and other related projects. Additionally, they will represent the Directorate's interests in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, relevant consultative forums, and other relevant structures to ensure good governance. They will also provide technical support to compliance and enforcement processes with a specific focus on land-based sources of marine pollution.

**Candidate Profile:**

The ideal candidate should possess a unique blend of technical expertise, communication skills, and interpersonal skills. They should be able to navigate complex policy and legislative frameworks, think critically and analytically, and provide effective solutions to complex problems. A proactive and honest approach, coupled with good interpersonal skills, is essential for success in this role.