Environmental Restoration Planner
Environmental restoration planners collaborate with field and biology staff to supervise the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. They process and synthesise complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management..
Environmental planners can be involved in all aspects of environmental restoration or protection projects, from cost and scope estimation, to design and implementation, including supervision of people and budgets. Their projects may focus on restoring the environment or mitigating the negative environmental impacts of other projects or facilities. Whatever the project, their aim is to create a comprehensive plan for the effective environmental management of an area.
Environmental planners collect and analyse data to determine specific environmental conditions and restoration needs. They then develop natural resource management plans using their knowledge of environmental planning as well as government environmental regulations. Sometimes they may also supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field.
Environmental planners may also create diagrams to communicate plans, often with geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD) programs, or other mapping or diagramming software. They might also conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change on a specific area.
They may develop environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, fuel refineries, geothermal plants, wind farms or solar farms.
New environmental awareness has resulted in a greater focus on waste minimization, resource recovery, pollution prevention and consideration being given to the environmental effects during product development. This shift in focus to preventive management will provide many new opportunities for environmental scientists in consulting roles.
Satisfying Aspects
- protecting the environment by preserving and encouraging healthy ecosystems.
- challenges and variety of work
- working outdoors some of the time
Demanding aspects
- frustration when recommendations are not followed
-annoyance with the lack of awareness and concern of the general public
Requirements
- pay attention to detail
- have good observation skills
- have the ability to integrate data from many sources and test hypotheses rigorously
- have an open and inquiring mind
- have good oral and written communication skills
- enjoy synthesizing information, analysing data, developing models and finding innovative solutions to problems
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution hase its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Geography
Training
A BSc degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related field.
Employer
- government
- research organisations
Contact
Peace Parks Foundation
11 Termo Road
Techno Park
Stellenbosch, 7600
P O Box 12743
Die Boord
Stellenbosch, 7613
Tel: (021) 880-5100 Fax: (021) 880-1173
www.peaceparks.org.za
www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/env/salinks.htm