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Principal Consultant Ecologist (Mid-Senior Level)

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ERM: Environmental Resources Management

Jan 31, 2025

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Research & Development
  • Johannesburg
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need a Bachelor’s in Ecology/Botany, 10+ years in ecological consulting, SACNASP registration, strong skills in GIS, client interaction, regulatory knowledge, and excellent communication.
  • You will lead biodiversity projects, conduct assessments, analyze data, supervise staff, engage stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulations while developing management plans and reports.

Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Ecology / Botany, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in ecological consulting (ESIA’s, gap assessments and ESDD’s), biodiversity assessment, and management, with specific expertise in IFC PS6 and Equator Principle implementation.
  • Professional Registration: SACNASP registration is required.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in ecological survey methodologies, GIS applications, and biodiversity assessment tools. Strong conceptual and analytical skills – both quantitative and qualitative. Familiarity with relevant software (e.g., R, ArcGIS) is an advantage.
  • Client Interactions: Track record in selling and delivering consulting services to senior client representatives.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of biodiversity conservation policies, environmental regulations, and ecological frameworks, especially IFC PS6.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong teamwork and leadership abilities, with experience in managing teams and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
  • Additional Requirements: Frequent travel by airplane or car as necessary to perform work at other locations. Flexibility and responsiveness in managing multiple projects simultaneously (sometimes under pressured conditions).

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee biodiversity-related projects, ensuring compliance with IFC PS6 and other relevant environmental regulations and standards.
  • Develop and implement project plans, timelines, and budgets, and ensure successful project delivery within allocated resources.
  • Supervise junior ecologists and support their professional development.
  • Understanding the inter-relationships between ERM services and policies and how these are applied within the clients’ business model.
  • Conduct comprehensive biodiversity assessments, including ecological surveys, habitat assessments, and species inventories to identify potential impacts of projects.
  • Analyse ecological data to inform project planning, decision-making, and mitigation strategies.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, and NGOs, to promote biodiversity conservation initiatives and ensure the inclusion of local knowledge and perspectives.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to clients and stakeholders on biodiversity management strategies.
  • Contributing to our key local, regional and global clients and supporting the solutions ERM delivers for their Environmental and Social Governance and related challenges.
  • Making use of effective working relationships within the business unit and participate in global technical communities to ensure strong network of resources.
  • Establishing strong working relationships with clients through project delivery.
  • Understanding how work of the project team and or practice community contributes to ERM’s success.
  • Develop and implement effective biodiversity management plans and monitoring programs that align with industry best practices and IFC guidelines.
  • Identify and propose mitigation measures for potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems associated with projects.
  • Stay updated on latest research trends, regulatory changes, and best practices related to biodiversity and ecology.
  • Contribute to the development of innovative approaches and methodologies for assessing and managing biodiversity impacts.
  • Sharing expertise and knowledge within the business unit and/or global practice area.
  • Prepare technical reports, proposals and documents for regulatory compliance, stakeholder communication, and project evaluations.
  • Ensure all documentation meets required quality standards and reflects the objectives and outcomes of biodiversity assessments.
  • Applying client/sector knowledge when carrying out tasks associated with drafting project deliverables and/or proposals.
  • Adhering to all ERM and client requirements, specifically those related to H&S and governance.
  • Supervising subcontractors during fieldwork, ensuring they comply with ERM's Health & Safety policies and ABC code, and work is completed in line with project scope.

FAQs

What is the primary focus of the Principal Consultant Ecologist role?

The primary focus of the role is to oversee biodiversity-related projects, ensuring compliance with international standards such as the IFC PS6 and Equator Principles while promoting sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity across sub-Saharan Africa.

What level of experience is required for this position?

A minimum of 10 years of experience in ecological consulting, biodiversity assessment, and management is required for this position.

Is a Master’s degree preferred for the role?

Yes, a Master’s degree is preferred, although a Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Botany, or a related field is required.

What types of projects will the Principal Consultant Ecologist be managing?

The Principal Consultant will manage biodiversity-related projects that include ecological surveys, habitat assessments, and species inventories, along with developing and implementing biodiversity management plans.

Will the role involve supervising other staff members?

Yes, the Principal Consultant will supervise junior ecologists and support their professional development.

Is there a need for frequent travel in this position?

Yes, the position requires frequent travel by airplane or car to perform work at various locations.

What software proficiency is expected for this role?

Proficiency in ecological survey methodologies, GIS applications, and biodiversity assessment tools is expected. Familiarity with software such as R and ArcGIS is considered an advantage.

Are excellent communication skills necessary?

Yes, excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

What is a key requirement regarding professional registration?

SACNASP registration is required for this position.

Does the role require experience in stakeholder engagement?

Yes, the role involves collaborating with stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, and NGOs, to promote biodiversity conservation initiatives.

What kind of projects do you see as part of 'Capital projects across Africa'?

Capital projects across Africa typically involve infrastructure development and other initiatives that necessitate a thorough understanding of environmental and biodiversity impacts within the region.

What key attributes does ERM seek in candidates for this position?

ERM seeks candidates with strong teamwork and leadership abilities, a solid understanding of biodiversity conservation policies, and a track record of delivering consulting services to senior client representatives.

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ERM: Environmental Resources Management

The business of sustainability

Consulting
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

At ERM, sustainability is our business. As the largest pure-play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. Our clients are at the center of everything we do – whether building business resilience, supporting their transition to a low-carbon future, or enabling progress on environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level. Together with the world’s leading organizations, we are shaping a more sustainable future.