ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER
Thakadu, Orkney, Free State
At Scatec, you get to work on something that matters. We develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy solutions that accelerate access to reliable and affordable clean energy. As part of a global and agile organisation, you will work with skilled colleagues across functions and geographies, take real ownership, and contribute to a company driven by the vision of improving our future. At the heart of everything we do is our belief that we bring the energy - the energy for change, connection, and growth. It shapes how we collaborate, innovate, and create impact together. If you are looking for a role where your contribution is visible, your development matters, and your work supports a more sustainable future, Scatec may be the right place for you.
Ready to make an impact?
Why this role matters
As an Environmental Officer, you will play an important role in supporting the Thakadu Solar Power Plant project. To support the Thakadu Solar Power Plant project by facilitating the implementation, monitoring, compliance, and continual improvement of the project's environmental management systems. You will ensure that construction activities are executed in strict accordance with the Environmental Authorization (EA), Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), Water Use License (WUL), South African environmental legislation, and Scatec's operating standards. This is a role for someone who wants to combine environmental compliance, practical on-site problem-solving, and renewable energy construction experience with purpose, learn in a fast-moving international business, and build experience in one of the world’s most relevant industries.
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you will:
- In collaboration with project management and the site HSSE team, ensure full site compliance with all applicable South African environmental legislation, permits, and licenses.
- Conduct daily on-site environmental inspections and monitoring of construction activities to identify and mitigate environmental risks (e.g., soil erosion, waste management, spills, and biodiversity impacts).
- Maintain, update, and ensure the proper implementation of the site Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) and related documentation.
- Keep detailed and organized site environmental records, including inspection checklists, incident registers, waste manifests, and water consumption logs.
- Report environmental accomplishments, incidents, non-conformances, and deficiencies promptly to the HSSE Manager and Project Management with recommendations for corrective and preventive actions.
- Deliver site environmental inductions, toolbox talks, and awareness training to all site personnel and subcontractors.
- Monitor and audit Principal Contractor and contractors compliance with project environmental specifications.
- Establish and manage an efficient site waste management system, ensuring proper segregation, storage, and legal disposal of hazardous and general waste.
- Respond immediately to environmental incidents (e.g., hydrocarbon spills), ensuring containment, clean-up, reporting, and thorough root-cause analysis.
- Assist with internal and external environmental audits and ensure audit findings and recommendations are effectively closed out.
- Assist with reviewing all Environmental Documents on the Document Management System.
- Liaise professionally with environmental authorities, the independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO), and local community stakeholders regarding environmental matters as directed by management.
- Ensure strict adherence to South African national regulations including NEMA (National Environmental Management Act), the National Water Act, and National Environmental Management: Waste Act.
- Manage local footprint constraints and environmental sensitivities specific to the Klerksdorp/Viljoenskroon construction region (e.g., dust control, protected flora/fauna relocation, and community grievance reporting).
Your work will support real decisions, real assets, and real operational outcomes.
What you’ll gain
- Professional growth through ownership, exposure, and meaningful contribution from day one
- Hands-on experience in a role where the challenge is energising, fast-moving, meaningful, and built on learning through doing.
- Hands-on experience applying environmental legislation, permits, licences, the EMPr, and Scatec operating standards on a utility-scale Solar PV construction project.
- Practical exposure to environmental inspections, audits, incident response, contractor compliance, stakeholder liaison, and site environmental management.
What you’ll bring
- Education: University Degree or National Diploma in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or an equivalent valid qualification.
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as an Environmental Officer on large-scale infrastructure or renewable energy (Solar PV) construction projects.
- Registration or eligibility for registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) or EAPASA is highly advantageous.
- In-depth understanding of South African Environmental Legislation (NEMA, NWA, NEM:WA, NEM:BA).
- Language: Fluent both in written and spoken English.
- Strong knowledge of international environmental standards (i.e., ISO 14001) and IFC Performance Standards is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, make objective decisions on-site, and enforce environmental compliance firmly but professionally.
- Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced construction environment with shifting timelines.
- Highly detail-oriented with excellent report writing, data collection, and record-keeping skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for delivering training and presenting findings to diverse site teams.
- Proactive problem-solving mindset with a focus on implementing immediate, practical environmental mitigation measures.
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions on an active construction site.
- Must be able to work extended hours or over weekends when project demands require.
- Must have a valid South African driver’s licence.
What it’s like to work at Scatec
At Scatec, we combine purpose with performance. We value responsibility, clarity, and collaboration and we encourage people to challenge existing ways of working, contribute ideas, and keep developing. You can expect an environment where people work together across disciplines and geographies, where good performance matters, and where you are trusted to take ownership without unnecessary hierarchy.
If you are motivated by environmental stewardship, on-site compliance, practical problem-solving, and contributing to renewable energy construction, this could be a strong next step in your career.
What we offer
At Scatec, you will be part of a company with a clear and ambitious purpose, working on renewable energy solutions that make a lasting difference. You will gain responsibility early, learn from experienced colleagues, and build your capabilities in a business that offers global exposure, strong development opportunities, and meaningful work in the energy transition. We are continuously evolving as a digital and data-driven organisation, leveraging technology and AI to improve how we work and create value for our teams
Scatec is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, competence, and business needs.
We review applications on an ongoing basis.
