Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Environmental Officer is responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing all environmental aspects of the company’s construction projects to ensure full compliance with Malaysian environmental laws, regulations, and project-specific requirements. This role involves developing and implementing environmental management plans, monitoring environmental performance, and providing guidance to project teams on best practices to minimize environmental impact.As the primary environmental representative on site, the Senior Environmental Officer works closely with project managers, site engineers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory authorities to ensure that all environmental risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated proactively. The role requires a high level of independence, initiative, and attention to detail to enforce environmental standards, conduct audits, and ensure the organization maintains its commitment to sustainable and responsible construction practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.0 Regulatory Compliance

1.1 Ensure compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974, and other relevant Malaysian laws and guidelines.

1.2 Liaise with the Department of Environment (DOE) for approvals, inspections, and reporting

1.3 Manage licenses, permits, and submissions including EIA/EMP reports and scheduled waste documents.

1.4 Monitor and review project activities to ensure adherence to environmental permit conditions and statutory requirements.

1.5 Conduct regular environmental audits and inspections to identify potential non-compliance or risks.

1.6 Prepare and submit environmental reports to management, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders as required.

1.7 Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in environmental regulations and advise the project team on implications.

1.8 Coordinate with contractors and subcontractors to ensure their operations comply with environmental regulations and company standards.

2.0 Site Monitoring & Reporting

2.1 Conduct regular monitoring of dust, noise, water quality, vibration, and scheduled waste.

2.2 Keep accurate environmental monitoring records and prepare monthly and quarterly environmental reports for clients and authorities.

2.3 Inspect construction activities to ensure compliance with approved Environmental Management Plans (EMP) and mitigation measures.

2.4 Identify potential environmental risks or hazards on site and implement immediate corrective actions. 

2.5 Coordinate with site engineers and contractors to ensure environmental monitoring equipment is correctly installed and maintained.

2.6 Report environmental incidents or near-misses promptly and support investigations to prevent recurrence.

 

3.0 Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC)

3.1 Monitor and inspect erosion and sediment control structures, particularly during earthworks and rainy seasons.

3.2 Recommend and supervise corrective actions to protect water bodies from pollution.

3.3 Ensure proper installation and maintenance of silt fences, sediment traps, and other erosion control measures.

3.4 Coordinate with site teams to plan earthworks and drainage to minimize soil erosion.

3.5 Conduct site inspections after heavy rain or significant construction activities to verify effectiveness of ESC measures.

3.6 Prepare ESC compliance reports and submit findings to project management and regulatory authorities.

4.0 Waste Management

4.1 Oversee scheduled waste management in accordance with Malaysian regulations.

4.2 Ensure proper waste storage, labelling, documentation (e.g. consignment notes), and disposal procedures are followed.

4.3 Conduct regular inspections of waste storage areas to ensure compliance and prevent contamination.

4.4 Coordinate with licensed waste contractors for safe collection, transport, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

4.5 Maintain accurate records of waste generation, handling, and disposal for reporting and audits.

4.6 Provide training and guidance to site personnel on proper waste segregation, handling, and disposal procedures.

 

5.0 Incident Management

5.1 Investigate environmental incidents or complaints, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

5.2 Maintain incident logs and escalate issues when necessary.

5.3 Coordinate with project teams to ensure immediate containment and mitigation of environmental incidents.

5.4 Prepare detailed incident reports for internal review, clients, and regulatory authorities.

5.5 Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and follow up to prevent recurrence.

5.6 Provide guidance to site personnel on reporting procedures for environmental incidents or near misses.

6.0 Training & Awareness:

6.1 Conduct environmental inductions, toolbox talks, and refresher briefings for workers and subcontractors.

6.2 Foster a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility on site.

6.3 Develop and update training materials and manuals to reflect current environmental regulations and company policies.

6.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and implement improvements where necessary.

6.5 Provide specialized training on handling hazardous materials, scheduled waste, and emergency spill response.

6.6 Mentor and coach site personnel on best environmental practices and sustainable construction methods.

7.0 Stakeholder Engagement:

7.1 Coordinate with consultants, subcontractors, and clients to ensure environmental obligations are clearly understood and met.

7.2 Respond to community or authority concerns related to environmental impacts.

7.3 Participate in site meetings and briefings to provide updates on environmental performance and compliance.

7.4 Collaborate with regulatory authorities during inspections, audits, or investigations.

7.5 Prepare and submit timely environmental reports, notifications, and documentation to clients and authorities.

7.6 Facilitate communication between internal teams and external stakeholders regarding environmental improvements or mitigation measures.

7.7 Advise project management on potential environmental risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

8.0 Anti-Bribery Compliance

8.1 Understand, apply, and comply to anti-bribery & corruption management system

and policies.

8.2 Report any violation to anti-bribery & corruption policy through whistleblowing

channels.

9.0 Continuous Improvement

9.1 Identify opportunities to enhance environmental performance, reduce impact, and improve compliance across projects.

9.2 Recommend and implement new processes, technologies, or best practices to minimize waste, emissions, and resource consumption.

9.3 Review past incidents and environmental monitoring data to identify trends and preventive measures.

9.4 Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement among site teams regarding environmental management.

9.5 Benchmark project practices against industry standards and update procedures accordingly.

Job Requirements

(a) Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

(b) Registered Environmental Officer with the Department of Environment (DOE) is preferred.

(c) ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification is an advantage.

(d) Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the construction industry.

(e) Hands-on experience handling EIA/EMP implementation, environmental monitoring, and DOE submissions.

(f) Strong knowledge of Malaysian environmental legislation, regulations, and guidelines, including Environmental Quality Act 1974.

(g) Experience in erosion and sediment control, waste management, and pollution prevention measures.

Proficient in preparing environmental reports, audits, and documentation for regulatory authorities and clients. 

Skills