The Occupational Hygienist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining occupational hygiene, health and wellness, food safety, and camp hygiene programmes in accordance with legislative requirements and company standards.
Job Summary
- Employer: Sandfire Motheo
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Ghanzi, Botswana
- Category: HSES
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate occupational hygiene risk assessments and ensure the implementation and effective management of occupational hygiene programmes and controls.
- Facilitate occupational hygiene monitoring and exposure assessments, analyse results, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions to minimise health risks.
- Develop, implement, and review occupational hygiene management plans, procedures, standards, and monitoring schedules to ensure compliance with legal, corporate, and industry requirements.
- Develop, implement, and coordinate occupational health and wellness programmes aimed at promoting employee wellbeing and preventing occupational illness.
- Advise and support management, employees, and contractors on occupational hygiene, occupational health, and wellness matters.
- Participate in the development and maintenance of Occupational Risk Profiles and Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs).
- Provide occupational hygiene input into projects, plant modifications, equipment selection, and workplace design to ensure health risks are adequately controlled.
- Develop and deliver occupational hygiene, health, wellness, and food safety training and awareness programmes.
- Conduct occupational hygiene, food safety, and camp hygiene inspections and audits, monitor the effectiveness of controls, and ensure timely close-out of corrective actions.
- Manage occupational hygiene data, prepare technical and statutory reports, and support regulatory and corporate reporting requirements.
- Oversee food safety and camp hygiene programmes, including contractor compliance, inspections, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in occupational Hygiene, Occupational Health, Environmental Health, or related field.
- SAIOH registration (or legibility for registration) will be an advantage.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ occupational hygiene experience in a mining, heavy industrial, or similar environment.
- Experience in occupational hygiene monitoring, exposure assessment, risk management, and compliance reporting.
- Experience in implementing occupational hygiene programmes and conducting occupational hygiene investigations.
- Supervisory experience will be an advantage.
How to Apply
REF Code: Ref 340
About the Company
Sandfire Motheo is a copper mining company operating in Botswana, specifically developing the Motheo Copper Project in the Kalahari Copper Belt near Ghanzi. The company is a subsidiary of Sandfire Resources, an Australian-listed mining group, and focuses on bringing the Motheo mine into production as a significant new copper operation in the country. The project represents a major investment in Botswana's mining sector, with the potential to become a substantial employer and contributor to the national economy through copper concentrate exports. Sandfire Motheo's operations in Botswana include open-pit mining and processing facilities designed to extract copper and silver from the region's sediment-hosted mineral deposits.
Developing Botswana's next generation of copper production
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications do I need to become an Occupational Hygienist in Botswana?
You typically need a degree in Occupational Health, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a related field. Professional certification from BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) or AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) is highly valued. Registration with the Botswana Health Professions Council may also be required for certain roles.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Occupational Hygienist at a mining operation?
You will conduct workplace exposure assessments for dust, noise, chemicals, and biological hazards. Daily tasks include air sampling, equipment calibration, data analysis, and preparing reports for management. You will also train workers on hazard controls and ensure compliance with Botswana's Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ in Botswana compared to other countries?
Botswana employers value respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making with local communities. Punctuality is important, but flexibility around cultural events and family obligations is often understood. Building trust with Setswana-speaking workers through basic language skills and cultural awareness strengthens your effectiveness.
What career progression opportunities exist for Occupational Hygienists in Botswana?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Hygienist, HSES Manager, or Regional Occupational Health roles across mining and industrial sectors. Some professionals transition into consultancy or government inspector positions with the Department of Labour. Further specialization in areas like ergonomics or radiation safety opens additional pathways.
What benefits are typically included in Occupational Hygienist positions in Botswana?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave of 20-25 days. Mining sector roles often provide housing allowances, transport, and performance bonuses. Remote site positions may offer rotational leave schedules and camp accommodation.
How should I apply for Occupational Hygienist roles in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize?
Apply through company career portals, local job boards like CareerPool Botswana, and LinkedIn. Employers prioritize practical field experience, knowledge of Botswana's regulatory framework, and demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments. Strong references from previous supervisors and a clear safety track record significantly strengthen your application.
