Wetlands and Soils Specialist

Digby Wells Environmental is seeking a Wetlands and Soils Specialist in Gauteng, South Africa. The role involves conducting field surveys, managing wetland and soil assessments, and compiling scientific reports. Candidates should have a BSc degree, preferably with experience in wetlands studies and hydropedology. Knowledge of wetland classification and environmental management principles is advantageous. This is a full-time position requiring fieldwork.
We are looking for a dynamic Wetland and Soil Specialist to join our team. The perfect candidate will be required to provide advice and assistance in managing and compiling reports relating to wetland and soil assessments.

•Independently plan and conduct scientifically defendable national and international field surveys for data collection in support of specialist studies.•Apply WET-Services Series and employ habitat survey techniques GPS, aerial photography, sonar images, and maps etc.;•Identify and delineate soils using the South African Soil Classification System of 2018 (Soil Classification Working Group, 2018);
• Carry out field work under strenuous conditions.
• Identify and delineate wetlands in accordance with the South African Practical Field Procedure for Identification and Delineation of Wetlands and Riparian Areas (DWAF, 2005);
• Conduct and manage wetland- and soil- impact assessments as part of a project.
• Sensitivity analysis and recommendations.
• Compile and review scientific reports for submission to clients and/or legal authorities.
• Conduct wetland- and soil type- delineations; and
• Complete Land Use, Land Capability and Agricultural assessments

Qualifications
• BSc. degree (Honours/MSc preferred) in Environmental Sciences/ Soil Science;
• Accredited wetland courses would be advantageous such as WET-Health method described by Macfarlane et al., (2020);
• Hydropedology background and vegetation identification is preferred

Experience
• Registered as a Professional Scientist (preferred).
• The candidate must have at least three or more years of experience in wetlands studies, hydropedology, soil and wetland delineations and assessments.

Skills and Knowledge
• Specialist knowledge of international wetland and soil classification would be advantageous;
• Identifying and delineating wetlands in accordance with the ‘United States’ Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USEPA, 2010) will be advantageous;
• Identifying and delineating soils using the FAO (2014) International Soil Classification system will be advantageous;
• Knowledge of general Environmental Management principles;
• Detailed understanding and application of research methodologies.
• Knowledge of Project Management (Financial Management);
• Detailed understanding and application of national and international environmental legislation and GIIP;
• Knowledge of vegetation, AIP management and rehabilitation would be advantageous;
• Knowledge of Hydropedology would be advantageous;
• Knowledge of Wetland Offsetting; and
• Knowledge of Agricultural Compliance Statements, Land Use and Land Capability Assessments.