About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a dedicated Control Environmental Officer Grade A, based in Durban. This pivotal role is crucial in implementing the National Water Act, focusing on Resource Directed Measures (RDM). The successful candidate will play a significant part in ensuring that our water resources are managed sustainably, benefiting local communities and the environment. Your work will directly influence projects like the Adopt-a-River Initiative, contributing to the health of our rivers and the well-being of the public in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
In this role, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including river health monitoring and managing technical reports that guide our water management strategies. By coordinating with both internal teams and external stakeholders, you’ll ensure that our initiatives align with national policies, making a positive impact on water resource management throughout the province. Your efforts will not only safeguard our water systems but also enhance the quality of life for those who depend on them.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is at the forefront of managing South Africa’s water resources, ensuring equitable access and sustainability. Its mission is to provide effective governance and management of the nation’s water resources, which is vital for economic growth, environmental protection, and public health. Working within this department means being part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of South Africans by safeguarding one of our most precious resources—water.
What You’ll Do
- Implement the National Water Act, focusing on Resource Directed Measures.
- Coordinate the Adopt-a-River Initiative and conduct river health monitoring in the Pongola-Mtamvuna Water Management Area.
- Organize field trips and assist in preparing technical information and reports.
- Liaise with the Department of Water and Sanitation on various initiatives, including reserve determination.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on RDM initiatives.
- Develop Terms of Reference and manage project service providers.
- Participate in capacity-building and mentorship programs for junior staff.
- Prepare and submit timely monthly and quarterly reports.
- Ensure effective financial planning for water resource management.
- Supervise staff in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
What You’ll Need
- A 4-year degree or relevant qualification in Natural or Environmental Sciences.
- Six years of post-qualification experience in a related field.
- Valid unexpired driver’s license.
- Knowledge of the National Water Act and relevant environmental legislation.
- Experience with Resource Directed Measures and Integrated Water Resource Management.
- Proven ability to write and interpret technical reports and manage projects.
- Strong management and negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with communities and stakeholders.
- Computer literacy and proficiency in report writing.
How to Apply
Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below.
Requirements
A 4-year Degree or relevant qualification in Natural or Environmental Sciences Six (6) years post-qualification experience.The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
Knowledge of the National Water Act and all water related and relevant Environmental Management legislation and policies.
Sound knowledge of all aspects and processes related to Resource Directed Measures and Integrated Water Resource Management.
Knowledge and experience on River Health Monitoring and indices.
Knowledge and understanding of the tools developed for Reserve determination.
Proven ability and experience to write and interpret technical and scientific reports and documents and assist with the management of projects.
Proven management and negotiation skills.
Ability to work productively in an environment consisting of multidisciplinary internal and external PUCMA staff and stakeholders.
Computer literacy.
Good written and verbal communication, presentation, and report writing skills.
Able to provide technical and scientific support to other PUCMA functions as well as the ability to capacitate and act as a mentor and supervisor to junior staff.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to interact with communities and stakeholder groups.
Job Duties
Implementation of the National Water Act 36 of 1998 with the focus on Resource Directed Measures (RDM).The implementation of the Reserve in the WMA.
Implementation and co-ordination of the Adopt-a-River Initiative (ARI).
River Health Monitoring in the Pongola-Mtamvuna Water Management Area, Conduct low confidence reserves, including running hydrology and other relevant models where necessary.
Organize field trips and assist with the preparation of the required supportive technical information as well as the writing of technical and other reports.
Liaise with the Department Water and Sanitation on Adopt-a-River initiatives, reserve determination and implementation, River Health Programme, and other programmes.
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders regarding RDM initiatives, especially ARI.
Integrate reserve determinations with other PUCMA functions such as water use license applications and provide general technical and scientific support and comments.
Develop ToR’s and manage PSPs.
Participate in capacity building programmes and mentorship programmes for junior staff.
Prepare monthly reports and quarterly reports.
Ensure adherence to deadlines on submissions as per the Standard Operating Procedures.
Manage and ensure effective financial planning for water resource management.
Supervise staff in accordance with PUCMA policies and procedures.
