Vacant Position – SKA Mid- Site Environmental Officer

Contract type: Long Term Contract
Period of Contract: 5 years
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 18 February 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) (www.nrf.ac.za) 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) (www.sarao.ac.za) 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 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.

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally.

The SKA Mid Site Environmental Officer (EO) will form part of the SKA Mid Site Management Team reporting to the SKA Mid Environment Specialist. The SKA Mid Site Environmental Officer will be based on the SKA Mid Site in the town of Carnarvon on a full-time basis (The SKA Mid Site is 85km outside the town of Carnarvon in the Northern Cape). The SKA Mid Site Environmental Officer will be responsible for the implementation of SKA-Mid Integrated Environmental Management Plan (EMP), SKA-Mid Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and monitoring of Contractor Environmental Management Plans (EMP) and all construction licence compliance requirements during construction and operations.

Key Responsibilities:
* Ensuring contractor compliance to their EMP and the SKA Mid Integrated Environmental Management Plan, SKA Mid Environmental Management Plan and construction licences
* Conduct and document regular environmental inspections, monitoring and audits
* Ongoing environmental training & reporting and maintaining environmental aspect/incident report log & complaints register
* Coordinate environmental matters with internal SKA Mid teams, contractors, SARAO stakeholders, authorities and other stakeholders as required
* Monitor and track corrective actions to ensure timely closeout of findings, non-compliances and incidents
* Provide support to the SKA Mid Environment Specialist in terms of compliance reporting to SARAO and the SKAO

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
A recognised National Diploma in Environmental Science, Environmental Management or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years experience on a construction site;

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* A recognised National Diploma in Environmental Science, Environmental Management or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years experience on a construction site; and
* Registration or eligibility for registration with SACNASP or EAPASA is an advantageous

Experience:
* Proven knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and other construction related environmental regulations;
* Proven knowledge and implementation of environmental management plans (EMP/ EMPr) during construction;
* Proven knowledge of environmental aspect Hazard Identification and Risk Management Processes;
* Sound knowledge of environmental incident investigation processes and their causation phenomena;
* Environmental Auditing and inspection training;
* Experience in building strong people relationships, general management practices and experience in managing and leading contractor environmental teams;
* Valid driver’s licence;
* Ability and willingness to travel between various Northern Cape locations and be prepared to reside on site in a permanent basis.

Knowledge:
* Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills;
* A flexible team player who is adaptable to change;
* Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills;
* Familiarity with the formalism for, and requirements of, quality control environments such as ISO9001, 14001 and 45001;
* Knowledge of the South African construction industry legislation and regulations.
* Environment, (Health and Safety), Construction;
* Proven track record in working with contractors on construction sites;
* Environmental Risk Management;
* Quality management.
* Knowledge and experience of environmental auditing as per ISO 14001 standards;

Additional Notes:
Competency – Essential:
– Inspections, Audits, excellent reporting writing skills, use of software platforms
– Competency in using mapping tools such as Google Earth
– Competency in basic environmental monitoring (Waste, water, erosion, heritage etc.)
– Practical experience in construction site environmental compliance

Competency – Desirable:
– Understanding of sustainability initiatives (energy, waste, water efficiency)
– Knowledge of biodiversity, ecology and natural resource management principles

Skills:
– Solve problems and resolve conflict;
– Provide solutions that are practical and pragmatic;
– Ability to operate alone and within a team under pressure;
– Self-motivating with a positive attitude;
– Ability to learn new software packages used during construction

Organisational Values:
The SKA-Mid Site Environmental Officer will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instil those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South Africa.

SKAO’s values are:
1. Diversity and Inclusion
2. Excellence
3. Collaboration
4. Creativity and Innovation
5. Sustainability

SARAO’s values are:
1. Passion for Excellence
2. World-class service
3. People-centered
4. Respect
5. Integrity and Ethics
6. Accountability

Both SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring process.

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: 18 February 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