Environmental Officer

Purpose of the Role

The Environmental Officer reports to the Head of Sustainability and supports the Sustainability Manager in implementing Teraco’s Environmental Management Programme, maintaining the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and coordinating environmental compliance activities across operational sites.

Main Functions of the Job

Environmental Management System and Compliance
• Conduct and coordinate environmental inspections and audits across Teraco sites in line with monitoring and auditing plans.
• Track environmental non-conformances and corrective actions, collect closure evidence and submit completed actions for verification and escalate significant risks or overdue actions to the

Sustainability Manager.
• Maintain environmental records, procedures, registers and supporting evidence under the guidance of the Sustainability Manager.
• Maintain the environmental aspects and impacts register, including when new sites, equipment or activities are introduced.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing the relevant evidence and following up on findings.
• Track progress against environmental objectives and targets and compile input for the ISO 14001 management review.
• Assist operational and infrastructure development teams with implementing environmental requirements, including monitoring compliance with Environmental Authorisation conditions and

Environmental Management Programmes (EMPr) during construction and liaising with appointed Environmental Control Officers (ECOs).
• Investigate environmental incidents and accidents promptly, identify corrective and preventive actions, and prepare the associated investigation reports. 
• Maintain a register of environmental permits, licences and authorisations; monitor renewal dates and escalate upcoming requirements to the Sustainability Manager.
• Support the maintenance of environmental legal register, track changes to applicable legislation, regulations and municipal by-laws, and support the periodic evaluation of compliance.
• Coordinate environmental emergency drills with site teams, document attendance and outcomes, and track resulting actions to closure.
• Maintain environmental complaints register (e.g. noise, emissions or spills), support responses and liaise with regulatory authorities on routine matters under the direction of the Sustainability Manager.

Waste and Water Programme Support
• Support the implementation of Teraco’s Zero Waste to Landfill programme and maintain certification evidence.
• Monitor waste segregation, storage, collection and recycling practices at site level.
• Monitor the storage and handling of diesel, oils and other hazardous substances, including bunding, spill kits and stormwater controls, and track remedial actions to closure.
• Collect and verify waste records, including collection slips, safe disposal certificates and recycling reports.
• Liaise with waste service providers to resolve missing records and routine service issues.
• Collect water consumption data, investigate discrepancies with site teams and track required water efficiency actions.
• Support site teams in implementing waste reduction and water conservation initiatives.

Environmental and Sustainability Data Support
• Collect, consolidate and verify environmental data, including energy and diesel consumption, generator run-hours, refrigerant top-ups and leaks, waste and water, to support greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality reporting.
• Maintain environmental data tracker and supporting records, flagging gaps, unusual trends and discrepancies for review.
• Prepare routine environmental and sustainability data summaries, reports, and supporting documentation to support reporting requirements.
• Compile evidence for client information requests, surveys, sustainability assessments and reporting submissions for review by the [Sustainability Manager].

Meetings, Training and Administration
• Attend environmental meetings, record minutes and maintain action trackers.
• Prepare draft monthly environmental reports covering performance indicators, inspections, incidents, audit findings and outstanding actions.
• Coordinate required contractor documentation and track outstanding information.
• Support environmental campaigns, prepare routine presentations and awareness material and maintain training records.
• Deliver environmental inductions and toolbox talks to employees and contractors.
• Attend relevant site Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) meetings, providing environmental updates and escalating matters where required.

Skill Requirements
• High attention to detail and ability to check data accuracy.
• Strong organising, administration and follow-up skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Practical problem-solving skills and ability to identify and escalate risks.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with site teams, contractors and service providers.
• Ability to work independently & a positive team player.
• Professional conduct and commitment to continuous learning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data management and analysis.

Qualifications and Experience
• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Preferably 2–4 years’ experience in environmental compliance, environmental management systems or a similar operational role.
• Working knowledge of ISO 14001 and experience supporting inspections, audits and corrective action tracking.
• Working knowledge of South African environmental legislation, including NEMA and the Specific Environmental Management Acts (e.g. Waste, Air Quality) and the National Water Act.
• ISO 14001 Internal Auditor training would be advantageous.
• Practical experience in waste management, environmental data collection and reporting.
• Basic understanding of energy, water, emissions and sustainability reporting.
• Experience in data centres, construction or industrial facilities would be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to Teraco’s national operational facilities.