About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a dedicated Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C to join their team in Durban. This role is crucial as it directly impacts the management and protection of our water resources, ensuring that communities across South Africa have access to safe and sustainable water. As an Environmental Officer, you will be at the forefront of assessing water use license applications and conducting site inspections, which play a vital part in maintaining the ecological balance in our environment. Your work will not only serve the immediate needs of stakeholders but also contribute to the long-term health of our precious water resources.
This position is based in Durban, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. In this role, you will engage with various stakeholders, including clients and internal specialists, to ensure compliance with the National Water Act. Your contributions will help shape policies and guidelines that safeguard water usage, making a significant difference in the lives of many South Africans.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to sustainable water resource management and ensuring equitable access to water for all South Africans. It strives to implement policies that protect our environment while promoting responsible use of water resources. Working in this department means being part of a mission that is essential for public health, environmental conservation, and the overall well-being of communities across the nation. Your role here will empower you to influence change and contribute to a sustainable future.
What You’ll Do
- Assess the completeness of Water Use License Applications (WULAs) and perform site inspections.
- Liaise with clients and stakeholders to gather outstanding information during WULA assessments.
- Request scientific input within the department using specified templates.
- Access and evaluate hydrological and environmental information regarding license applications.
- Assist in developing policies and guidelines for the implementation of the National Water Act (NWA), 36 of 1998.
- Conduct final assessments of information submitted by Water Use License Applicants along with input from internal specialists.
- Draft records of recommendations (RoRs) and decision documents.
- Create license conditions to control and mitigate negative impacts of water usage.
- Respond to queries from clients both within and outside the department.
What You’ll Need
- A National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences.
- One year of working experience, including internship or experiential learning, is advantageous.
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license.
- Sound knowledge of integrated water resource management and water resource protection.
- Understanding of relevant legislation, including NWA, CARA, NEMA, and MPRDA.
- Excellent communication skills, including verbal, report writing, and presentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Willingness to work abnormal hours, under pressure, and travel throughout the country.
- Proven liaison and networking skills, particularly regarding corporate governance and stakeholder engagement.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
A National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences.One (1) year working experience including internship or experiential learning will serve as an added advantage.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
Sound knowledge of integrated water resource management and water resource protection.
Knowledge and understanding of the water sector: relevant legislations (NWA, CARA and NEMA, MPRDA) together with the related policies, regulations, principles, guidelines, tools and procedures; policy development, implementation and monitoring.
Skills and experience in management of human resources.
Excellent communication skills including verbal, report writing, presentation skills.
Sound interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Willingness to work abnormal hours and under pressure as well as travel country wide.
Proven liaison and networking skills especially as they relate to Corporative Governance and stakeholder engagement.
Job Duties
Assess completeness of WULAs and conduct site inspections.Liaise with clients and other stakeholders to obtain outstanding information during WULA assessments.
Requesting scientific input within the Department using the specified templates.
Access and evaluate Hydrological and Environmental information with regard to license applications.
Assist in development of policies and guidelines for the implementation of National Water Act (NWA), 36 of 1998, with regard to water use sector.
Final assessment of information submitted by Water Use License Applicants and input from internal specialists.
Drafting record of recommendations (RoRs) and resultant decision documents.
Draft license conditions to control/mitigate the negative impacts of water uses.
Assist on responding to queries from clients within and outside the department.
