Zama Shandu
Environmental Officer Specialised Production, Compliance And Enforcement
Mthatha
Summary
Experienced leader with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, consistently driving success through teamwork and dedication to quality outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2018
2018
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Environmental Officer Specialised Production
DEDEAT
04.2023 - Current
- Conduct enforcement promotion awareness processes in the district.
- Plan, coordinate, and render compliance monitoring.
- Participating in compliance enforcement operations.
- Conducting investigations of environmental crime.
- Performing civil, criminal, and administrative enforcement.
- Verifying adherence to environmental requirements.
- Compiling and handling comprehensive dockets with admissible evidence for prosecution.
- Perform and manage administrative and related functions.
- Attending to public complaints.
- Managing good relationships with internal and external stakeholders, NGOs, and civil society, and review of information and data.
- Complying with public service prescripts.
- Enhanced staff awareness of environmental issues by providing comprehensive training programs and resources.
- Reduced environmental risks by conducting thorough site assessments and implementing corrective actions.
- Improved company''s compliance with environmental regulations through regular monitoring and reporting activities.
- Developed and implemented effective waste management strategies, reducing disposal costs and minimizing environmental impact.
- Optimized resource usage within the organization through careful analysis and implementation of best practices for material conservation.
- Reduced city waste by streamlining OR tambo recycling program.
- Reduced city waste by streamlining OR Tambo recycling program.
- Evaluated potential environmental impacts of new projects, ensuring adherence to sustainability principles throughout planning stages.
- Researched marine fisheries, compiled data, and made action recommendations based on findings.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions to address concerns about the company''s environmental practices while fostering positive relationships within the community.
- Conducted rigorous audits on environmental permits, identifying areas for improvement and addressing non-compliance issues swiftly.
- Met with environmental agencies to discuss compliance and sustainability initiatives.
- Performed statistical analysis of environmental data.
Section Ranger
Golden Gate National Park
11.2021 - 03.2023
- Providing leadership by cultivating a culture of Environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.
- Developing and implementing robust systems and procedures to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct among Rangers and contractors providing conservation services.
- Environmental Monitoring and Law Enforcement in the Park.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and legislation related to Environmental Monitoring and Law Enforcement in the Section.
- Ensuring on-time reporting and administration of all activities for the Section.
- Ensuring accurate and timely Law Enforcement reporting.
- Monitoring and enforcement of applicable Environmental laws and SANParks policies, regulations, and rules.
- Ensure effective patrolling within the section and execute Law Enforcement operations, through deployments, observation posts, camping deployments, and Field patrols.
- Implementing all Conservation Management actions in the section in line with SANParks plans.
- Managing the section’s infrastructure, roads, firebreaks, fences, servicing and maintenance of equipment, maintenance, and management of artificial water points and equipment to ensure the reliable provision of water for control burns.
- Overseeing the human resources of the section by implementing discipline and conflict resolution strategies, mentoring, and coaching.
- Foster teamwork and collaboration to cultivate a loyal and productive team.
- Ensuring good and effective relationships with relevant stakeholders.
- Ensuring effective firearms control and management.
- Facilitated emergency response drills, increasing team readiness for natural disasters.
- Developed strong relationships with local communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the preservation of natural spaces.
- Performed regular facility inspections to maintain compliance with safety regulations and identify areas for improvement or repair.
- Preserved natural resources by implementing sustainable practices and monitoring wildlife habitats.
- Enforced park rules and regulations fairly and consistently, educating visitors about responsible recreation practices when necessary.
- Managed park budget, optimizing resource allocation for maintenance and conservation projects.
- Collaborated with other rangers to develop effective patrol strategies, ensuring overall park safety and security.
- Supervised junior rangers, providing mentorship and guidance for career development.
- Assisted researchers in collecting data or conducting studies related to the park's ecological systems or cultural history.
- Oversaw volunteers and seasonal workers on assigned projects and inspected work for quality control, proper use of equipment and participant safety.
- Provided mutual aid to local law enforcement agencies as dispatched to combat crime and promote safe neighborhoods for citizens.
- Maintained hiking trails and campgrounds to ensure visitor safety and satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough trail maintenance to ensure accessibility for all visitors while minimizing environmental impact.
- Engaged with community through educational programs to raise awareness about conservation efforts.
- Enhanced park safety by conducting regular patrols and monitoring wildlife activity.
- Coordinated with local law enforcement to reduce incidents of poaching and vandalism.
- Responded to wildland fires and performed fire suppression duties using specialized firefighting equipment and tools.
- Investigated, documented and submitted incident reports for violations and code of conduct infringements.
Section Ranger
Camdeboo National Park
08.2018 - 10.2021
- Providing leadership by cultivating a culture of Environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.
- Developing and implementing robust systems and procedures to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct among Rangers and contractors providing conservation services.
- Environmental Monitoring and Law Enforcement in the Park.
- Ensuring timely reporting and efficient administration of the Park’s operational activities.
- Maintaining accurate and prompt Law Enforcement reporting.
- Monitoring and enforcement of applicable Environmental laws and SANParks policies, regulations, and rules.
- Ensure effective patrolling within the park and execute Law Enforcement operations through deployments, observation posts, camping deployments, and field patrols.
- Executing all Conservation Management actions in the park in accordance with SANParks' plans.
- Managing the Park’s infrastructure, roads, fences, servicing and maintenance of equipment, maintenance, and management of artificial water points and equipment to ensure the reliable provision of water for wild animals.
- Managing the human capital of the conservation department through re-training, instilling discipline, conflict resolution, and mentoring.
- Foster teamwork, collaboration, and build a productive team.
- Managing the budget for the conservation department and the daily financial administration of the section.
- Ensuring effective and sustainable firearm control and management in compliance with the Firearm Control Act and regulations.
Safety & Security Officer
Golden Gate National Park
08.2016 - 07.2018
- Ensuring compliance and enforcement of relevant safety and security-related legislation in the Park.
- Implementing approved SANParks safety and security policies.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the visitors and good behaviour.
- Implement human resource management policies.
- Building and maintaining relevant stakeholders’ liaison and participation.
- Representing the Park in Safety and Security cluster meetings.
- Managing equipment inventory and the unit assets, including firearms.
- Managing unit budget and performing other administrative duties, including monthly and quarterly reports.
- Enhanced workplace safety by conducting regular inspections and identifying potential hazards.
- Investigated incidents thoroughly, providing detailed reports and recommendations for corrective actions.
- Performed routine audits of company facilities to identify areas requiring additional attention or improvements related to physical security measures.
- Provided a secure environment for employees and visitors through proactive monitoring of premises and responding promptly to security concerns.
- Served as a liaison between employees and management regarding safety concerns or suggestions for improvement, creating open lines of communication that fostered trust within the organization.
- Improved security measures by implementing access control systems and surveillance equipment, deterring unauthorized access or theft.
- Communicated effectively with employees at all levels regarding safety expectations and performance standards, fostering a culture of accountability.
- Assisted in the development of contingency plans for potential natural disasters, ensuring that proper protocols were in place to minimize damage and protect employees.
- Conducted risk assessments on various work processes, leading to safer working conditions for all staff members.
- Reduced accident rates through the implementation of comprehensive safety training programs for employees.
- Assisted in emergency response planning, contributing to a well-prepared workforce and minimizing potential losses.
- Collaborated with management to develop and enforce safety policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Checked identification of persons entering and exiting facility to eliminate unauthorized visitors.
- Wrote detailed reports of all security breaches and investigations.
- Conducted training sessions for new security personnel to facilitate compliance with security protocols.
Field Ranger
Golden Gate National Park
09.2013 - 07.2016
- Monitoring compliance through field patrols.
- Ensuring law enforcement within the Park.
- Conducting searches, checking permits, arresting suspects, and issuing J534 fines.
- Recording, interpreting, and disseminating information.
- Assist in implementing firebreaks within the Park and surrounding farms.
- Participating in game counts, culling, and transference.
- Assisting with natural resources management.
- Assisting with community environmental education programs and initiatives.
- Led guided tours, providing informative and engaging experiences for park visitors.
- Conducted research on local flora and fauna, contributing to conservation strategies.
- Participated in search and rescue operations as needed, utilizing specialized skills such as tracking, rope work, or swift water rescue techniques.
- Performed facilities and structure construction and maintenance to conserve grounds and environment.
- Collected data on plant and animal populations to inform long-term conservation strategies within the park system.
- Addressed visitor inquiries and complaints, ensuring positive park experience.
- Assisted in wildfire prevention and containment efforts, protecting park resources and visitors from potential harm.
- Educated public on fire safety, prevention and protection techniques.
- Conducted daily patrols of park boundaries and remote areas to monitor resource conditions, report violations, and maintain a visible presence for visitor safety.
- Maintained hiking trails and campgrounds to ensure visitor safety and satisfaction.
- Enhanced park safety by conducting regular patrols and monitoring wildlife activity.
Education
BSc (Honours) - Environmental Geography
University of Free State
B-tech - Nature Conservation
Mangosuthu University of Technology
National Diploma - Nature Conservation
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Senior Certificate - undefined
Ongoye High School
DEA Basic Environmental Management Inspector Grade 2 - undefined
Field Ranger Law, Enforcement- Armed - undefined
Wildlife Poisoning – Incidence Investigation and Management - undefined
Environmental Management Inspector Grade 5 - undefined
Firearm competency - undefined
Skills
Effective team leadership
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 10/05/87
Training
- DEA Basic Environmental Management Inspector Grade 2 (Designated), 05/01/19
- Field Ranger Law, Enforcement- Armed, 02/01/18
- Wildlife Poisoning – Incidence Investigation and Management, 01/01/16
- Environmental Management Inspector Grade 5, 08/01/15
- Firearm competency, 01/01/18
Timeline
Environmental Officer Specialised Production
DEDEAT
04.2023 - Current
Section Ranger
Golden Gate National Park
11.2021 - 03.2023
Section Ranger
Camdeboo National Park
08.2018 - 10.2021
Safety & Security Officer
Golden Gate National Park
08.2016 - 07.2018
Field Ranger
Golden Gate National Park
09.2013 - 07.2016
B-tech - Nature Conservation
Mangosuthu University of Technology
National Diploma - Nature Conservation
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Senior Certificate - undefined
Ongoye High School
DEA Basic Environmental Management Inspector Grade 2 - undefined
Field Ranger Law, Enforcement- Armed - undefined
Wildlife Poisoning – Incidence Investigation and Management - undefined
Environmental Management Inspector Grade 5 - undefined
Firearm competency - undefined
BSc (Honours) - Environmental Geography
University of Free State
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