Environmental assessment practitioners usually have a background in the environmental sciences, or natural or social sciences, and may specialise in one or more areas.
They work as part of a team of other experts in conducting environmental impact assessments, to determine the effect that a new development is likely to have on both society and the environment. For example, if a forestry company wishes to extend their plantations into a new area, a team of environmental and social scientists would be asked to carry out an assessment and make recommendations on whether the development should go ahead or not. If the answer is yes, they may need to recommend measures the company should put in place to mitigate any negative effects. The assessment must take into account whether there are any wetlands in the area, and the existence of any rare, endangered or endemic plants, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, insects, bats or mammals. An environmental compliance officer is appointed to ensure that the recommendations are being followed
Environmental assessment practitioners must comply with the standards and regulations of the newly established Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa, which aims to keep standards high and ensure ethical conduct in this profession.
Their work is usually a stimulating combination of outdoor work involving the collection of information, desk work for studying other applicable research, policies and detailed development plans. A major part of their work involves the writing of reports. Many meetings have to be attended, both on and off site.