Environmental Management jobs in South Africa

Join us as an Environmental Superintendent on a 11 Month Fixed Term Contract and take on the responsibility to ensure that environmental processes and systems are effectively implemented ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental legal and other requirements as well as retaining ISO14001 certification at the operation.

Be part of the team. The team that makes it happen.

Thungela Resources [Thungela means “to ignite” in isiZulu] is a leading South African thermal coal business, focused exclusively on thermal coal production. It is one of the largest pure‑play producers and exporters of thermal coal in South Africa based on aggregate coal reserves and marketable coal production. Thungela focuses on exporting its thermal coal portfolio mainly to the Indian, Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East and North African markets.

You will oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the environmental systems through implementing and maintaining the ISO 14001 management system. While ensuring the mines retain the ISO 14001 certificate for the year and champion the environmental audits so that Operations are legally compliant.

• Assisting with the designing of Operations with closure in mind and the effects on the environment as well as ensure EMPR and ISO14001 compliance
• Overseeing and obtaining environmental permits/ licences at operation on time to allow project implementation as well as participating in accurate and mature legal compliance audits and ensuring no issues with the media and regulation on Thungela’s resources affecting the environment
• Implementing, communicating, and monitoring environmental performance to ensure that the mine is reducing and minimising operational impacts on the environment which involves the designing of Operations with closure in mind
• Validating environmental inspections at sites to identify significant environmental impacts such as Air Quality; Water Management; Waste Management; Land and Biodiversity management and that action plans to address the gaps or findings are addressed by different stakeholders
• Providing governance and assurance to Operations Management and Centre of Environmental Excellence on environmental issues such as Air Quality; Water Management; Waste Management; Land and Biodiversity management
• Overseeing environmental assessments process, reports and advise operations on environmental risk identification and management which includes proactively advising the Head of Environment and relevant Operational Head of Department on environmental challenges identified on site as well as analyzing and investigating environmental incidents and risks
• Attending and providing input into the external Environmental Committee such Energy Committee; SACESHA; Olifants River Forum; NACA as well as engage with relevant environmental research and development committees
• Identification of Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) projects and facilitate reporting through footprint models
• Effective project management of environmental projects within area of expertise through development of project plan together with Head of Environment / relevant Operational Head of Department
• Identify any opportunities for improved cost and commercial management and propose with applicable action plans

• Degree in Environmental Management or a related field (NQF level 7)
• Management Development Programme and Project Management (advantageous)

• Minimum 5+ years’ operational experience of managing environmental issues preferably within mining operational environment
• Proficient experience in Water, Land, Air, Waste, Biodiversity, Environmental Management systems and Stakeholder Management.
• In depth experience in ISO14001 EMS system
• Proficient experience in the use and development Enablon and or Isometrix environmental management modules

• Proficient knowledge of mining and other relevant legislation applicable to Thungela Resources
• Extensive experience in the environmental field (preferably) in the mining industry
• Experience in Water, Land, Air, Environmental Management systems and Stakeholder Management will be an inherent requirement of the role
• Basic supervisory experience

We’re a company that promotes an environment that inspires innovation and where people have a shared sense of purpose. Skills, experience, creativity, and agility underpin our ability to grow and thrive. This means building a diverse team of high-performing individuals who operate our sites safely, effectively and cost efficiently. Our people focus is centred on acquiring, developing and retaining the talent we need to take our business forward, safely and sustainably.

When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But people want more out of their jobs than financial benefit alone. Being able to work with thought leaders, opportunities for development, strong values and a sound organisational culture all contribute significantly to a compelling employee value proposition.

True diversity is about more than being an equal opportunities employer. It is about bringing out the best in people for the good of our business, its partners, and especially our employees. We’re committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where people are valued and respected for who they are and know exactly what value they bring to the table.

Closing Date: 15 January 2026