Manager - Terrestrial Biodiversity

At Digby Wells Environmental, we are passionate about what we do and are extremely fortunate to be able to Make a Difference in the lives of our colleagues, our clients, the communities we work in and the environment.

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

• Undertake ecological assessments to inform development planning and to meet environmental authorization requirements.
• Undertake vegetation assessments including veld condition assessments and alien plant surveys to inform planning.
• Familiarity with biodiversity offset principles, both within the local context and global best-practice.
• Provide technical expertise and support to the team and our clients in recognizing potential offset entities and appropriate metrics to measure success.
• Compile and review specialist reports as well as project proposals.
• Maintain an awareness of country-specific legislation and the potential impact to the various projects.
• Work in close collaboration with specialists from other disciplines.
• Co-ordinate and carry out field work under strenuous conditions.
• Liaise with clients and authorities.
• Compile and write reports for submission to the client and necessary authorities.
• Ensure the team maintains a high-quality standard in the services provided and produces defensible deliverables.
• Continuously improve and develop the services offered within the Department, including species-species specific monitoring programmes.
• Carry out field work under strenuous conditions.

Department Management

• Manage the Recruitment and Selection process for the department in line with your workforce plan.
• Facilitate the appropriate onboarding process for all new employees.
• Manage the performance management and probation processes for the team.
• Provide mentorship to and develop the team.
• Report on departmental performance at various levels.
• Manage financial expenditure for the department against the budget.
• Effective workload and resource management for the department.
• Ensure that the department achieves revenue targets.

Business Development and Marketing

• Develop a business plan for the department which includes services and selling opportunities.
• Act as a key account manager where required, identifying business opportunities and ensure that a client centric approach is maintained.
• Identify leads within the department and organize, plan and track proposals in response.
• Co-ordinate and submit proposals.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in Zoology or similar field of study.

Work Experience

• Six or more years’ experience in the relevant field, preferably within the consulting environment would be beneficial.
• At least five years conducting specialist studies.
• At least five years working in the resources industry.
• International experience would be beneficial for endemic species identification and determination of ecological condition (or functional integrity).
• Two or more years’ experience managing a small team would be beneficial.

Other Requirements 

• Strong technical expertise faunal assessments e.g. herpetofauna, mammals, avifauna, etc.
• Professional registration would be beneficial. (e.g. Pr.Sci.Nat. with SACNASP).
• Must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.
• Must have excellent report writing skills.
• Willing to travel throughout Africa and elsewhere, as the need arises
• Passionate about the natural world and conservation efforts and synergies with protected areas.
• Time and budget management.
• Proven track record in terms of successful project management.
• Excellent knowledge in Environmental and Mining Legislation.
• Able to work in a team and independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills (build rapport etc.).
• Excellent communication skills (Both verbal and written).
• Strong customer orientation.