Environmental Specialist
Listing reference: b2gld_000182
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 14 August 2024
Position summary
Industry: Mining & Quarrying
Job category: Environmental
Location: Otjiwarongo
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: N/A
EE position: No
Introduction
The Environmental Specialist is responsible for providing support services in implementing the environmental management system (EMS), providing technical/scientific expertise to B2Gold Otjikoto Mine to reduce the environmental impact of operational activities, and coordinating the planning and administration of operational delivery and performance on all environmental programs.
Job description
Environmental Compliance
- Ensure compliance with national legislation requirements and other obligations (Licence to operate/Mine).
- Ensure compliance with relevant regional and international legislation, corporate requirements, and best practice standards.
- Keep abreast of environmental legislation, monitor compliance and provide management with recommendations to ensure compliance.
- Ensure that all permit conditions and other statutory obligations are communicated to the relevant personnel for implementation.
Environmental Management System
- Implement, maintain, and continually improve the Otjikoto Mine’s HSE Management System, particularly its environmental aspects.
- Coordinate the identification and management of environmental risks/impacts of the Otjikoto Mine operation.
- Identify and recommend environmental improvement plans for resources, management systems, statutory non-compliances, policy commitments, risks, stakeholder concerns and key performance indicators.
- Develop procedures and management plans for significant environmental risks to ensure that operational controls are integrated with the HSE management system.
- Lead the development of environmental procedures and provide technical review and guidance.
- Evaluate performance and promote continuous improvement to concerning activities that can have significant risks.
- Plan and coordinate routine inspections of work areas and related activities and provide effective feedback for improvement.
- Schedule and conduct internal environmental audits to evaluate the management of significant risks against the B2Gold standards and other applicable statutory requirements.
Environmental Performance
- Implement the B2Gold Environmental and Biodiversity Performance standards and ensure the responsible departments understand all the requirements.
- Coordinate environmental monitoring, measurement and results tracking.
- Manage the environmental databases, including QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control).
- Coordinate operations of the Bio-remediation treatment and landfill sites to ensure optimum performance of facilities.
- Manage the energy and climate change programme for Otjikoto mine.
- Promote environmental awareness to the Otjikoto mine employees, contractors and visitors.
- Compile monthly and other applicable reports.
Closure and Rehabilitation
- Coordinate implementing all rehabilitation activities as per the Closure and rehabilitation plan.
- Assist with closure and rehabilitation planning process reviews and updates.
- Assist with Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) closure estimates of the operations.
- Liaise with relevant consultants and institutions on research opportunities on mine rehabilitation.
Climate Change-Maintaining Otjikoto Mine greenhouse gas emissions inventories
- Coordinating with different departments to ensure the compilation of data required for the annual compilation of GHG emission inventories.
- Liaising with external consultants for Quality Assurance/Quality Control emission results.
- Compiling , greenhouse gas (GHG) emission information for the annual Responsible Mining Report with the support of the Environment Manager
- Researching and reporting on industry and peer climate-related trends (e.g., industry practices, targets); regulatory requirements/projected requirements, carbon price regulations and projections; and carbon offsets.
Administration and Budget
- Assist with budgeting requirements for the Department.
- Ensure departmental supplies are adequate and well-controlled (operate within the departmental budget).
- Ensure conformance to budget.
Staff Management / Supervisory
- Monitor the performance of staff to ensure KPI’s are achieved.
- Review staff performance, provide positive feedback and guide rectifying behaviour, as necessary.
- Assist each staff member in compiling a Personal Development Plan [PDP] and ensure on-the-job coaching or other appropriate training interventions.
Safety, Health and Environment
- Ensure compliance with all B2Gold Safety, Health and Environmental policies and procedures.
- Comply with the Namibian Mining Act (Labour Act, Ordinance, Minerals Act, and Explosives Act) and Regulation clauses applicable to the work area.
- Actively participate in safety and/or toolbox meetings and conduct a monthly safety. Inspection of the work area based on the schedule set by Management.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum B.Sc. Degree in Environmental Management (NQF 7).
- A minimum of 5 years’ environmental management experience of which at least 2 years must be operational experience in the mining industry running an Environmental Management System and supervising a team.
- Valid code B driver’s licence.
- Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO14001:2015 will be an advantage.
- Women and persons from marginalised communities are encouraged to apply.