Environmentalist – Water Use Compliance & Risk Management

Reference: NES028446-Siphe-1

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Environmentalist to join their Risk Management team. This role will play a critical part in ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, with a strong focus on Water Use Licences (WULs), General Authorisations, water quality management, and environmental risk compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental professional who thrives in a compliance-driven environment and wants to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable resource management across multiple operational facilities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Water Use Licensing & Compliance

• Drive and manage Water Use Licence (WUL) applications, renewals, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure all outstanding water authorisations are obtained and maintained in accordance with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the National Water Act.
• Monitor compliance with water-related legislation and authorisation conditions.
• Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations on water-related environmental risks.
• Track water usage data and ensure adherence to licence conditions.
• Provide technical guidance on water conservation, wastewater management, and sustainable water-use practices.

Environmental Risk & Compliance

• Develop and maintain Environmental Risk & Compliance Programmes across multiple facilities.
• Monitor legislative developments and update policies and procedures accordingly.
• Assist with environmental authorisations for new projects, expansions, and operational changes.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation relating to waste management, pollution control, and environmental authorisations.

Auditing & Environmental Monitoring

• Conduct internal environmental audits and inspections.
• Coordinate external environmental audits and consultants.
• Identify compliance gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain environmental registers and compliance records.

Water Quality Monitoring

• Oversee water sampling, testing, and analysis programmes.
• Interpret laboratory reports and recommend corrective actions where required.
• Monitor wastewater treatment processes and ensure compliance with legal discharge requirements.
• Implement preventative measures to mitigate contamination risks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with regulatory authorities, environmental consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation during public participation processes.
• Facilitate environmental awareness and compliance training initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
• BTech or Bachelor's Degree (NQF equivalent) advantageous.

Experience

• 3-5 years' experience within environmental compliance, environmental management, or water resource management.
• Proven experience with:
  • Water Use Licences (WULs)
  • General Authorisations
  • Environmental compliance programmes
  • Regulatory engagement
  • Environmental auditing
  • Water quality monitoring and reporting

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:
  • National Water Act
  • Water Use Licensing processes
  • NEMA
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
  • Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)
  • Waste Management legislation
  • ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
• Experience with GIS systems will be advantageous.
• Strong report-writing and risk-assessment capabilities.

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