Environmental Management jobs in South Africa

Senior Ecologist (Avifaunal & Bat Focus) - Leading Environmental Group

Location: Cape Town (Hybrid / National Fieldwork Required). Position Type: Full-Time Permanent.

One of our esteemed clients, one of South Africa’s leading environmental consultancies delivering high-impact Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), ecological studies, environmental management and sustainability services across the renewable energy infrastructure and urban development sectors, is expanding their Ecology Team and seeking a highly capable and motivated Senior Ecologist with a strong avian and bat ecology background to lead bird and bat monitoring programmes and coordinate field ecological assessments across multiple renewable energy projects.

This position calls for a technically excellent, organised and leadership‑driven professional who thrives in managing teams, schedules and deliverables while maintaining scientific integrity and regulatory compliance.

The Senior Ecologist (Avifaunal & Bat Focus) will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of bird and bat monitoring and ecological assessment programmes across the renewable energy portfolio, managing all aspects of project delivery from methodology design and field team coordination to data integrity, client communication and on‑time report submission.

• Design plan and lead bird and bat monitoring programmes for wind and solar projects (pre‑ and post‑construction).
• Manage and QA/QC all field monitoring (carcass searching, visibility point surveys, acoustic and bat detector deployment).
• Analyse data and produce authoritative reports compliant with DFFE and BirdLife South Africa guidelines.
• Develop evidence‑based mitigation strategies (e.g., curtailment plans, layout optimisation, operational risk management).
• Provide technical ecological inputs into EIAs, Basic Assessments and EMPrs ensuring scientific accuracy and regulatory readiness.
• Serve as the main client interface for bird and bat workstreams, providing updates, technical guidance and progress tracking.

• Take full ownership of project planning, scheduling and delivery, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met on time and within scope.
• Coordinate and supervise field teams, subcontractors and data analysts across multiple active sites.
• Oversee budgets, logistics and resource allocation for ecological fieldwork and reporting tasks.
• Maintain close coordination with our EIA, Environmental Management and Operations teams for integrated project execution.
• Implement and enforce internal QA/QC systems, data protocols and safety procedures in the field.
• Prepare project briefs, progress updates and post‑project evaluations to ensure continuous improvement.

• Lead ecological field assessments and surveys, particularly avifaunal and bat‑related components.
• Mentor and train junior ecologists, interns and field assistants in best‑practice monitoring and reporting techniques.
• Contribute to refining our internal SOPs, methodologies and field data templates.

• MSc in Ecology, Zoology or Environmental Science (specialisation in ornithology or chiropterology advantageous).
• Registered with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist (Ecological Science category) – mandatory.
• 58 years of professional experience in ecological consulting with clear evidence of leading avifaunal and/or bat monitoring projects.
• Proven project management and team coordination experience, including planning, budgeting, scheduling and delivery across multiple sites (non‑negotiable).
• Strong report‑writing and data analysis skills with a record of regulator‑ready submissions.
• Excellent knowledge of South African environmental and biodiversity legislation (NEMA, NEMBA, NWA, NHRA).
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally for fieldwork.

• In‑depth knowledge of South African bird and bat monitoring guidelines (DFFE / BirdLife SA).
• Familiarity with wind farm post‑construction monitoring, curtailment studies and collision‑risk mitigation.
• Experience supervising junior ecologists and field technicians in remote or multi‑site conditions.
• Proficiency with GIS (QGIS / ArcGIS) and ecological data management platforms.
• Experience with automated monitoring technologies (e.g., Bioseco ASDOD / OLSDOD NRG systems).

• Technically rigorous with deep field and analytical expertise.
• Organised and accountable, capable of managing complex projects and teams simultaneously.
• Calm under pressure with strong time‑management and prioritisation abilities.
• Collaborative and communicative, able to coordinate effectively across disciplines and stakeholders.
• Passionate about conservation and renewable energy, committed to high standards and meaningful outcomes.

• Take a lead role in South Africa’s renewable energy ecology landscape.
• Deliver projects that combine scientific excellence and real‑world impact.
• Collaborate with high‑performing environmental and sustainability professionals.
• Competitive remuneration and clear growth path within our expanding Ecology Team.

Highly competitive remuneration will be on offer and will be negotiable depending on numerous factors such as experience, qualifications, current earnings, etc. All eligible candidates are encouraged to send their updated CVs to the designated contact.