About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a diligent Environmental Officer (Production Grade A – C) based in Kugompo, South Africa. This important role focuses on the compliance monitoring of water users, including various sectors such as mining, agriculture, and municipal services. As an Environmental Officer, your efforts will directly contribute to the protection of South Africa’s vital water resources, ensuring that all users adhere to regulatory requirements. Your work will play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and safeguarding the health of communities across the nation.
In this position, you will be responsible for conducting audits, investigating non-compliance issues, and communicating findings to water users. Your proactive approach will help enforce regulations and protect our natural resources. This role not only holds the potential for professional growth but also offers you the chance to make a real difference in environmental conservation and public service.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is dedicated to the sustainable management of the country’s water resources. Its mission is to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation services for all South Africans while promoting integrated water resource management. Working within this department means contributing to vital initiatives that support environmental health and community well-being, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor compliance of water users across multiple sectors.
- Conduct audits and compile reports through the National Compliance and Monitoring Information System (NCIMS).
- Notify water users of audit findings and follow up on compliance.
- Investigate cases of non-compliance, including queries and pollution incidents.
- Issue notices and directives to enforce administrative compliance.
- Conduct follow-up inspections on sites issued with compliance notices.
- Facilitate action plan reviews on non-compliant cases and attend relevant committee meetings.
- Ensure all submissions adhere to established deadlines and standard operating procedures.
What You’ll Need
- A National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences.
- Practical experience in compliance monitoring and enforcement is an advantage.
- A valid unexpired driver’s license.
- Strong computer literacy and proficient writing skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Knowledge of relevant water legislation and environmental laws.
- An understanding of various industry processes, including mining and agriculture.
- Familiarity with compliance monitoring and principles of Integrated Water Resource Management.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work irregular hours.
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.Practical experience in the field of compliance monitoring and enforcement will serve as an added advantage.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
Good computer literacy and writing skills.
Good communication skills both written and verbal.
Knowledge and understanding of water sector relevant 111 legislation (National Water Act 1998, Water Services Act 1997 and related Environmental legislation e.
g.
NEMA, Waste Act).
Knowledge of Industrial, agricultural, afforestation, municipal and mining processes.
Knowledge of compliance monitoring and enforcement with an understanding of prevailing principles of Integrated Water Resource Management, water resource protection and Catchment Management.
Knowledge of GIS.
Willingness to travel extensively and work irregular hours.
Job Duties
Compliance monitoring of water users across all sectors (Mines, Afforestation, Municipal, Industry, Agro processing) against issued authorizations and other regulatory requirements.Notification of audit to water user.
Compilation of audit report through NCIMS.
Communicate audit findings to water users.
Investigation of non-compliant cases (Queries, complaints, pollution incidents, etc).
Ensure administrative enforcement by issuing Notices/ Directives/ Follow- ups on notices/ directives issued.
Monitor compliance on sites issued with notices/ directives by conducting follow-up site inspections.
– Institute legal actions where legal notices do not achieve the desired outcome.
Compilation of investigation reports through the ECMS.
Facilitate representation/ action plan review on non-compliant cases/ sites and attend Representation committee meetings.
Adherence to deadlines on submissions as per the Standard Operating Procedures.
