Terrestrial Ecologist

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to exciting and meaningful projects, and connect with talented professionals across a range of disciplines. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that values new ideas, different perspectives and collaboration, while developing a career that is as unique as you are.

As a Junior Terrestrial Ecologist, you’ll join our Biodiversity team in Johannesburg, working on projects across South Africa and, where opportunities arise, elsewhere in Africa.

You’ll gain hands-on experience across a diverse range of biodiversity projects, developing your terrestrial ecology, fieldwork and environmental consulting skills while working alongside experienced environmental professionals.

With us, you can.

A little more about your role

Your primary focus will be on terrestrial ecosystems, supporting habitat, flora and fauna assessments and associated biodiversity studies.

While terrestrial ecology will be your core discipline, you’ll also have opportunities to support other biodiversity-related disciplines where appropriate, allowing you to broaden your technical experience and understanding.

The role will involve a combination of fieldwork, data processing, technical reporting and project support. Given the nature of our work, you should be comfortable travelling and spending extended periods in the field when projects require it.

You will be involved in:

• Preparing for and undertaking terrestrial ecology field surveys, including habitat, flora and fauna assessments.
• Supporting biodiversity specialists across other disciplines where required and within your capabilities.
• Processing, managing and formatting ecological field data.
• Preparing baseline biodiversity and site sensitivity reports.
• Supporting the preparation of ecological and biodiversity impact assessment reports.
• Preparing terrestrial ecology monitoring reports covering habitats, fauna and flora.
• Supporting the wider WSP Environment & Energy business on multidisciplinary projects.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, clients and other technical specialists.
• Meeting WSP and client health, safety, environmental and quality requirements throughout project delivery.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

You’ll have a genuine enthusiasm for ecology and biodiversity, combined with a willingness to learn, develop your technical expertise and contribute positively to multidisciplinary project teams.

Qualifications and experience

• Minimum 3-year relevant degree/BSc Honours in:
  • Ecology
    • Botany
    • Environmental Science
    • Biodiversity Conservation
    • Natural Resource Management
    • Related discipline
  • Minimum of 2-years’ experience in the environmental field, with demonstratable experience undertaking field surveys and compiling relevant reports.
  • Familiarity and experience with standard terrestrial ecology survey techniques in both fauna (mammal, amphibian, reptile, avifauna) and flora required, and a broad understanding of aquatic and wetland sampling techniques, advantageous. Willingness to spend extended time in the field, as required.
  • SACNASP candidacy or higher required. 
  • Valid South African Passport required.
  • Valid driver’s license and capability to operate manual transmission 4x4 vehicles required, 4x4 offroad experience is preferable. 
  • Previous consulting experience is beneficial.

Key Competencies and Generic Skills:

• Technical report writing skills including the ability to produce professional reports in fluent English.
• Computer literate, inclusive of a strong understanding of the Microsoft software suite. 
• Experience in use of GIS software (ESRI, QGIS, or similar) advantageous. 
• Technical:
• Habitat assessment.
• Vegetation classification.
• Biodiversity screening.
• Ecological impact assessment.
• Data management and analysis.
• Spatial analysis.
• Professional:
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under, and manage, pressure.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field.
• Problem-solving mindset.
• Client-focused approach.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

Your knowledge of the regulatory environment

You should have a working knowledge and developing understanding of relevant South African environmental and biodiversity legislation and planning frameworks, including:

• National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
• NEMBA Threatened or Protected Species Regulations
• National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act
• Biodiversity Sector Plans
• Provincial biodiversity conservation plans

What we’d like you to bring

• Curious and enthusiastic about terrestrial ecology and biodiversity.
• Comfortable working independently in the field as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Detail-oriented and committed to producing high-quality work.
• A clear and confident written and verbal communicator.
• Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Calm and solutions-focused when working under pressure.
• Client-focused and professional.
• Keen to learn and continue developing their ecological consulting career.

Health, safety and wellbeing

You will actively contribute to WSP's commitment to health, safety, environmental and quality performance by:

• Demonstrating safe and responsible working practices.
• Identifying and appropriately managing SHEQ risks.
• Supporting our commitment to Zero Harm.
• Promoting WSP's values and contributing to a safe working environment, both in the office and in the field.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all

WSP is one of the most diverse professional services consulting firms in Africa, combining local knowledge with international scale.

You'll have the opportunity to work with specialists across disciplines, contribute to projects across South Africa and potentially elsewhere in Africa, and build your experience within an international organisation.

We value our people and our reputation, are locally dedicated with international scale, challenge the status quo, foster collaboration and create an empowering culture where we hold ourselves accountable.

Think bigger. Build deeper expertise. Make an impact. With us, you can.