Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Environment
- Closing Date: 2026-09-05
Key Responsibilities
- Developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Biodiversity Offset Management Plan (BOMP) in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy.
- Conducting landscape-level assessments to identify ecologically suitable offset sites that provide equivalent or greater biodiversity value than impacted habitats.
- Identifying critical habitats, priority species and sensitive ecosystems within the mine’s area of influence and offset landscapes.
- Developing species-specific conservation action plans for threatened, endemic or priority species identified in baseline assessments.
- Analysing monitoring data to evaluate offset performance against no net loss and net gain targets.
- Applying adaptive management principles to adjust offset strategies, restoration techniques, and conservation interventions based on monitoring outcomes.
- Maintaining biodiversity databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to track spatial and temporal trends in habitat condition and species populations.
- Facilitating community participation in biodiversity offset and conservation initiatives, including community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes.
- Utilising GIS platforms and remote sensing technologies to map habitats, track land-use change, and support spatial planning.
- Supporting the integration of biodiversity data into the company’s environmental management information system (ENVIZI & IBAT).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management, Zoology, Botany or a closely related field
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience on any of the above fields
- A postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters) in Biodiversity Conservation, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Management, or a related disciplines would be an added advantage
- Experience in the mining environment would be an added advantage
- Certification in ISO 14001:2015 EMS
- Advanced knowledge of Excel and other Data Analysis tools
How to Apply
About the Company
Khoemacau Copper Mining operates a significant underground copper and silver mine situated within Botswana's rich Kalahari Copperbelt. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cupric Canyon Capital, the company is a pivotal contributor to the nation's burgeoning mining sector. It has developed the multi-billion dollar Zone 5 project, utilizing advanced mining techniques to extract valuable base metals efficiently. Khoemacau is deeply committed to sustainable operations, fostering community engagement, and providing substantial employment opportunities for citizens across Botswana. Its ongoing activities bolster Botswana's standing as a key player in the global copper and silver markets.
Unearthing Botswana's Copper and Silver Riches Responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Biodiversity Officer role in Botswana?
A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field is usually essential; many employers prefer candidates with a postgraduate qualification or professional certification such as the CEnv (Chartered Environmentalist) or membership in the Botswana Society of Environmental Professionals. Relevant field experience in biodiversity assessments, EIA support, or protected area management in southern Africa — especially within Botswana’s ecosystems like the Kalahari or Okavango Delta — is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for a Biodiversity Officer working with a mining company in Botswana?
Daily tasks often include conducting field surveys (e.g., vegetation mapping, fauna monitoring), updating biodiversity management plans in line with Botswana’s Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act, and liaising with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) and local communities. You’ll also prepare reports for compliance with the Environmental Assessment Act and support mine closure planning by integrating ecological restoration targets specific to Botswana’s arid and semi-arid environments.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for environmental roles in Botswana compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, strong interpersonal communication, and cultural awareness — particularly regarding community engagement with Basarwa (San) and other local groups — are central to effective practice in Botswana. Employers expect adaptability to remote site conditions, fluency in English (and ideally Setswana), and adherence to national environmental legislation, with emphasis on collaborative problem-solving over rigid individualism.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Biodiversity Officer in Botswana’s mining or environmental sector?
With experience, officers often advance to Senior Biodiversity Specialist, Environmental Manager, or Head of Sustainability roles within mining firms or consultancies operating in Botswana. Some transition into advisory positions with government agencies like the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, or join regional conservation NGOs — though progression typically requires proven track record in local regulatory compliance and community-based conservation initiatives.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) are commonly offered to environmental professionals in Botswana’s private sector?
Standard benefits include 22–30 days annual leave, medical aid coverage through providers like Medshield or BONF, and mandatory pension contributions under the Botswana National Pension Scheme (BNPS). Mining companies may offer additional allowances such as housing, transport, or hazard pay, but these vary by employer and are subject to collective bargaining agreements where applicable.
How should I apply for a Biodiversity Officer role in Botswana, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted via company portals or email with a CV, cover letter, and certified academic/professional certificates — always referencing the job advertisement number and including proof of Botswana work eligibility if non-citizen. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience in Botswana-specific biodiversity issues (e.g., dryland species, invasive alien plants), familiarity with national frameworks like the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and evidence of stakeholder engagement with local communities and government authorities.