Manager: Terrestrial Biodiversity

Job Description

We are looking for someone who will be responsible for managing and developing a global team of terrestrial and botany ecologists, delivering high-quality services to clients and relevant stakeholders.

• Undertake ecological assessments to inform development planning and meet environmental authorisation requirements.
• Undertake vegetation assessments, including veld condition assessments and alien plant surveys, to inform planning.
• Demonstrate familiarity with biodiversity offset principles, both within the local context and global best practices.
• Provide technical expertise and support to the team and clients in identifying potential offset entities and appropriate metrics to measure success.
• Compile and review specialist reports as well as project proposals.
• Maintain awareness of country-specific legislation and the potential impact on various projects.
• Collaborate closely with specialists from other disciplines.
• Coordinate and carry out fieldwork under strenuous conditions.
• Liaise with clients and relevant authorities.
• Compile and write reports for submission to clients and authorities.
• Ensure the team maintains a high-quality standard and produces defensible deliverables.
• Continuously improve and develop services offered within the department, including species-specific monitoring programmes.

• Manage the recruitment and selection process for the department in line with workforce planning.
• Facilitate appropriate onboarding for all new employees.
• Manage performance management and probation processes.
• Provide mentorship and development opportunities for the team.
• Report on departmental performance at various levels.
• Manage departmental financial expenditure against the budget.
• Oversee effective workload and resource management.
• Ensure revenue targets are achieved.

• Develop a business plan for the department, including service offerings and sales opportunities.
• Act as a key account manager where required, identifying business opportunities and maintaining a client-centric approach.
• Identify leads and coordinate proposals, tracking progress and outcomes.

• M.Sc. degree in Zoology or a similar field.

• Six or more years’ experience in the relevant field, preferably within a consulting environment.
• At least five years conducting specialist studies.
• At least five years in the resources industry.
• International experience beneficial, particularly for endemic species identification and ecological condition assessment.
• Two or more years’ experience managing a small team preferred.
• Strong technical expertise in faunal assessments (e.g., herpetofauna, mammals, avifauna).
• Professional registration advantageous (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat.).
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Willingness to travel throughout Africa and internationally as required.