Job Description

SPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIODIVERSITY PLANNING)In compliance with international, national and provincial environmental legislation and policy, and in support of the eThekwini Municipalitys integrated Development Plan (IDP), prepare and implement biodiversity and related natural resource plans and implementation strategies for the city aimed at achieving sustainable development and protection of the Unit's environmental and specifically terrestrial biodiversity assets.SENIOR SPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIO PLAN)To prepare and implement biodiversity and related natural resource plans for the city aimed at the protection of eThekwini Municipality's biodiversity assets (terrestrial, freshwater and marine).This post reports to SENIOR MANAGER (BIODIVERSITY PLANNING)
Key Responsibility AreasSPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIODIVERSITY PLANNING)

• Contributes to the preparation and implementation of the Ethekwini Environmental Services Management Plan (EESMP).
• Contributes to the preparation and implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders and officials concerned with open space planning, natural resource conservation and management matters.
• Investigates queries related to the EESMP and biodiversity issues.
• Oversees the preparation of environmental plans for specific areas or issues.
• Oversees project implementation.
• Identifies strategic projects or research that need to be undertaken and prepares appropriate budget and action plans.
• Conceptualises and develops sustainable development indicators.
• Reviews the database in order to identify gaps and needs related to the development and monitoring of EMS and EESMP and to prepare action plans.
• Manipulates and manages information.
• Develops appropriate sectoral policies, laws and implementation of guidelines.
• Undertakes negotiations with other stakeholders around complex issues in order to assist in resolving the matter.
• Provides biodiversity planning input to development applications of varying complexity and scale.
• Contributes to the preparation of Environmental Managers environmental input into provincial environmental management and implementation plans.
• Advises committees in their deliberations where these may have an impact on the environmental management.
• Oversees, manages and directs work of junior, technical staff and consultants appointed to undertake work for the department.

SENIOR SPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIO PLAN)

• Contribute to the preparation, regular review, updating and publishing of the municipality's strategic Durban Metro Open Space System Plan (DMOSS) utilising scientific techniques.
• Contribute to the implementation of the DMOSS plan and lead projects relating to the management of critical biodiversity and ecological support areas.
• Develop and implement specific conservation plans aimed at dealing with threats to the natural environment in conjunction with other stakeholders like Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
• Provide advice to committees on decision making that may have an impact on the environmental management/quality of the city.
• Manage the appointment and work undertaken by consultants.
• Research and compile reports on environmental information and data.
• Oversee the work of junior technical staff.

Competencies

• Planning
• Organisational awareness.
• Attention to detail.
• Project management.
• Discipline specific skills.
• Data processing and analysis.
• Communication.
• Service delivery orientation.
• Action and outcome orientation.
• Resilience.
• Cognitive ability.
• Team orientation.

Essential RequirementsSPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIODIVERSITY PLANNING)

• Bachelors Degree (NQF Level 7) in Biological, Ecological or Conservation Sciences or any

other related and equivalent qualification. * Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as aProfessional Natural Scientist in a relevant field of practice. * Valid motor vehicle driving license.

• 4 Years relevant experience.

SENIOR SPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIO PLAN)

• Bachelors Degree (NQF Level 7) in Biological, Ecological or Conservation Sciences or any other related and equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist in a relevant field of practice.
• Valid motor vehicle driving license.
• 5 Years relevant experience.

Preferred RequirementsSPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIODIVERSITY PLANNING)

• Masters Degree (NQF Level 9) in Biological, Ecological or Conservation Sciences or any other related and equivalent qualification.
• 5 Years relevant experience.

SENIOR SPECIALIST ECOLOGIST (BIO PLAN)

• Masters Degree (NQF Level 9) in Biological, Ecological or Conservation Sciences or any other related and equivalent qualification.
• 6 Years relevant experience.

Housing Subsidy Yes
Leave Yes
Medical Aid Yes
Other Allowances Car allowance on both levels
Pension Fund Yes
Remuneration R945 416.00-R1 200 010.00 (T14) / R1 076 034.00-R1 369 582.00 (T15) PA
13th Cheque Yes
Contact Name Naidu T
Contact Telephone 0313113174

eThekwini Municipality