Nyiko Mutileni

I am a dynamic Ecologist who brings significant expertise in planning, executing, and managing environmental-focused projects with valuable experience in both South African and European regulatory and compliance standards. I am passionate about sustainable resource utilization and my commitment to conservation has previously manifested in the form of volunteering my time with local and national conservation organizations. Currently working as an Environmental Scientist for ZZ2, I have successfully initiated and steered biodiversity monitoring projects and implemented various environmental protocols resulting in sustainable utilization of natural resources.

My name is Nyiko Gift Mutileni and I have experience working in the following sectors: commercial agriculture, higher institutions, and conservation NGOs.  Because of my experience working in these sectors, I have developed a strong knowledge of environmental regulation and compliance. Working as an environmental scientist in a commercial agricultural company, I serve as an advisor on environmental policies to maintain regulatory compliance. I have also worked with international accreditation and compliance organizations such as Rainforest Alliance, SIZA Environmental, and Global Gap.  In addition, I volunteer in both local and national conservation organizations, which allows me to be up to date with environmental regulations and compliance. 

I have four years experience of post-qualification experience undertaking ecological surveys

• 2019 - present: Environmental scientist at ZZ2, working on environmental-related projects including ecological assessment and monitoring programs 
• 2016 - present: volunteer as a citizen scientist for Custodian of Rare and Endangered Wildlife (CREW), a citizen science initiative that involves members of the South African public in the surveying, monitoring, and conservation of plan.

I also have experience working as an independent subcontractor

• Veld Condition Assessment (VCA) for PPS cement slurry mine, Northwest province
• Veld Condition Assessment (VCA) for La’WiiDa Lodge, Gauteng province
   
• Served as plant specialist in a Basic Assessment Reporting (BAR) project for  PTN 87 of the farm Miam 732, Limpopo province
   
• Written a constructive phase Terrestrial Ecological Plan and Biosecurity control plan for the Bash wind farm, Republic of Uzbekistan

I can identify and collaborate with various stakeholders across multiple disciplines and ethnicities. In ZZ2, I have partnered as well as collaborated with external stakeholders on various environmental-related projects and led a discussion regarding the management of remnant natural vegetation. Organized the 2022 City Nature Challenge in Limpopo province in collaboration with the University of Venda, the University of Limpopo, and the South Africa National Biodiversity Institution.  
 

As an ecologist, I have the following analytical skills:

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills  
• Data sorting and manipulation using Excel and Statical Package (R and SAS)  
• Mapping biodiversity data on GIS software and Google Earth
• Google Colab

Working as a researcher I have acquired both analytical and critical thinking skills. Establishing protocols in a farm requires clear communication and understanding between the researcher, management, and shareholders, therefore, I can break down and clearly explain complex topics verbally and in writing for a diverse audience. 

[2021]

Master of Science in Botany: University of Limpopo

Research topic: An Investigation into the Use and Availability of Natural Resources by the Ka-Homu People, Giyani, Limpopo, South Africa

[2016]

Bachelor of Science Honors in Botany: University of Limpopo

Research topic: Veld Management Strategies for the Endangered Woodbush Granite Grassland, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

[2015]

Bachelor of Science: University of Limpopo

Major Subject: Botany and Zoology

[2012]

Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate): Mafumani Secondary School