Vacant Post – Environmental Officer

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 25 August 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

This position is responsible for the development, implementation and management of the SARAO and its stakeholders’ Environmental policies and procedures that will ensure compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements and ISO accreditation in the Karoo.

Key Responsibilities:
* Implementation of environmental management system and establish overall environmental process and practices.
* Establish environmental management plan and monitor environmental activities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and government mandates.
* Conduct and participate in internal and external inspections and audits.
* Implement measures to minimize air, water, and soil pollution. Monitor emissions, runoff, and noise levels, ensuring they remain within legal thresholds.
* Coordinate and participate in Water Use License (WUL) application and monitor compliance.
* Safeguard local ecosystems by preventing habitat destruction, protecting flora/fauna, and ensuring rehabilitation plans are followed.
* Oversee proper disposal, recycling, and segregation of construction waste. Prevent illegal dumping and ensure hazardous materials are handled safely.
* Support all SARAO projects from planning to commissioning phase.
* Record and report environmental incidents (spills, leaks, non-compliance). Investigate causes and implement corrective/preventive measures
* Promote environmental awareness and demonstrate the importance of the environment.
* Promote sustainable use of resources (water, energy, raw materials). Encourage eco-friendly practices such as reusing materials and reducing consumption.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* National Diploma (NQF level 6) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management or equivalent
* Five (5) years’ relevant experience in environmental management within construction, infrastructure, industrial or operational environments.
* Registration or eligibility for registration with SACNASP and/or EAPASA (Compulsory)
* Valid driver’s license

Experience:
* Proven experience implementing Environmental Management Plans (EMPs/EMPrs).
* Environmental compliance monitoring, auditing, working with contractors on construction and operational sites.
* Implementing and maintaining ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
* Conducting environmental inspections, incident investigations and compliance reporting.
* Coordinating environmental authorisations, permits and regulatory compliance.
* Working on multi-disciplinary infrastructure or engineering projects will be advantageous.

Knowledge:
* National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and associated Specific Environmental Management Acts.
* Environmental Authorisations, Water Use Licences and environmental permitting requirements.
* ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
* Environmental auditing principles and Environmental monitoring techniques.
* Environmental risk assessment and environmental aspect identification.
* Construction environmental management, Waste management and pollution prevention.
* Biodiversity conservation and ecological management.
* Sustainability principles and environmental best practice.
* Microsoft Office Suite and environmental data management systems

Additional Notes:
* Willingness to travel frequently between SARAO facilities throughout South Africa.
* Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
* Willingness to occasionally work in remote locations where operational requirements dictate
* Report writing
* Passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability.
* Results-driven and proactive.
* Strong attention to detail.
* Self-motivated and resilient.
* Ethical and professional.
* Customer and stakeholder focused.
* Committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 25 August 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.
The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only