Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C

Requirements

• A National Diploma in Environmental Management or related Natural Sciences field.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in water use authorisations will serve as an added advantage.
• The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s licence.
• Sound knowledge of Integrated water resource management and water use authorisation processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of the water sector and relevant legislation, including the National Water Act (NWA), National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), together with associated regulations and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Willingness to work under pressure, outside normal working hours, and to travel extensively.
• Proven liaison and networking skills, particularly in stakeholder engagement.

Duties

• Process water use authorisation applications in line with applicable legislation, policies, and guidelines;
• Conduct site inspections to verify information submitted and assess environmental conditions;
• Liaise with applicants, consultants, and relevant stakeholders to obtain outstanding information required for assessments;
• Coordinate and request specialist scientific input within the Department using prescribed templates and procedures;
• Assess and evaluate hydrological, environmental, and technical information related to water use authorisation applications;
• Integrate inputs from internal specialists and external stakeholders into final application assessments;
• Compile and draft Records of Recommendation (RoRs) and decision documents for approval;
• Review and provide comments on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessment Reports (BARs), and other environmental reports;
• Respond to queries and provide guidance to internal and external clients regarding water use authorisation processes;
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and contribute to sound water resource management practices.

How to apply

New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.

Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Other related documentation such as copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s license etc need not to accompany the application when applying for a post as such documentation must only be produced by shortlisted candidates during the interview date in line with DPSA circular 19 of 2022.
• With reference to applicants bearing professional or occupational registration, fields provided in Part B on the online Z83 must be completed as these fields are regarded as compulsory.
• Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.
• No late applications will be accepted.
• Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks (SAQA verification, reference checks criminal and credit checks).
• SAQA evaluation certificate must accompany foreign qualifications (only when shortlisted).
• Applications that do not comply with the above- mentioned requirements will not be considered.
• All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
• One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
• Candidates will be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance.
• Foreigners or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from country of origin (only when shortlisted).
• The Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency and Mzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency are Public Water Resource Management Agency, established in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act no 36 of 1998) (NWA) and National Water Policy for South Africa.
• It is an entity of the National Department of Water and Sanitation.
• Employees appointed in the CMA have similar employment terms and conditions as those of employees appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, though not employed in terms of the Public Service Act.
• If you do not hear from us within three (3) months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
• Faxed applications will not be considered.
• The agency reserves the right not to fill these positions.
• Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Targets.