Senior Wetland Ecologist

Overview

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa. We value our people and our reputation, are locally dedicated with international scale, future focused, challenge the status quo, foster collaboration, and have an empowering culture while holding ourselves accountable. We are committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment.

The consultant will join the Biodiversity team within the Earth and Environment business unit, working closely with the South African and international permitting and environmental impact assessment (EIA) teams, as well as the mine water, rehabilitation and closure teams. The role will be based in our Johannesburg office, with opportunities to work on technically challenging projects primarily in South Africa and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Ideally suited to an established consulting professional with high technical knowledge, strong project management skills, and good client relationships. As a senior wetland ecologist, you will provide technical direction and support on a wide variety of proposals and projects, both in support of South African permitting processes and for international lender requirements (ESIA, lender due diligence). You will contribute to the growth of people within the team through mentoring, oversight of deliverables, and display good project and financial management – capable of winning work and delivering on time, within budget.

The role is office-based with opportunities to work from home and will require periods of working away from home on site.

• Scoping and costing biodiversity aspects of complex EIA projects both domestic and international.
• Conducting focused wetland species and ecosystem studies to characterise site-level project impacts and identify mitigation opportunities.
• Delivering wetland offset strategies in support of Water Use License Applications.
• Conducting Critical Habitat assessments and Ecosystem Services studies to satisfy IFC Performance Standard 6 requirements.
• Writing accurate and concise baseline reports, impact and risk assessments, management plans, and offset strategies for submission in support of Environmental Authorisations, Water Use License Applications, and International Lender requirements.
• Overseeing and managing a variety of projects in accordance with sound project management principles, including invoicing, subcontractor coordination and management, and client relationship management.
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external clients through project delivery.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to the junior Biodiversity team.
• Contributing to a positive work environment.

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies.
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm.
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times.

• Relevant BSc (Hons) Degree preferred; higher degree advantageous.
• Must be a paid-up registered member of SACNASP (Pr.Sci.
  
  Nat.) within a relevant ecology discipline.
• 5–7 years practical experience in a similar role, strong focus on wetland ecology.
• Demonstrable experience in wetland delineation, classification, condition assessment, buffer determination, offset development aligned with SANBI & DWS guidelines, application of GN4167 risk assessment.
• Experience applying lender requirements, particularly IFC Performance Standard 6, is advantageous.
• Experience in project management, managing/supervising individuals.
• Membership of other relevant professional or voluntary organisations advantageous.
• High levels of flexibility and motivation.
• Full driving licence and valid passport essential.

• Strong knowledge of wetland ecology and application of wetland delineation and assessment guidelines/tools.
• Strong proven project management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong…