Wade Draper
Al Khobar,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Senior Environmental Consultant with over six years of international experience leading environmental approvals and technical studies for major infrastructure, mining, and industrial developments.
Adept at navigating evolving regulatory frameworks across the Middle East, Africa, and the United Kingdom, including Royal Commission, NCEC, LAQM and IFC-compliant permitting with a consistent track record of securing critical approvals under tight deadlines. Known for exceptional work ethic, service line development, commercial acumen, interpersonal relationships and high energy.
Combines strong technical leadership with a deep understanding of project lifecycle pressures, procurement routes, and stakeholder dynamics. Frequently supports bid preparation, client engagement, and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure deliverables not only meet regulatory thresholds but also advance broader project objectives. Recognised for mentoring junior staff, standardising internal QA/QC processes, and enhancing operational resilience during periods of significant organisational change.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6056
6056
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Environmental Consultant
WKC Arabia for Environmental Consulting LLC
Khobar, Saudi Arabia
10.2024 - 07.2025
- Led transformative environmental consulting projects for over 5 major infrastructure developments in Saudi Arabia.
- Managed delivery of Environmental Impact Assessments and Permit Application Packages, securing critical approvals.
- Conducted advanced air quality assessments for significant polluters, including a study for the world's largest integrated aluminium production facility.
- Aligned technical outputs with regulatory requirements to facilitate successful project permitting.
- Coordinated with engineering teams and stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
- Served as technical lead and mentor, enhancing capabilities across emerging service lines.
- Secured new contracts during organisational restructuring to maintain project momentum.
- Operated independently in complex jurisdictions, consistently meeting deadlines while ensuring regulatory adherence.
Senior Environmental Consultant
WKC Group
Ballito, South Africa
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Provided technical leadership for air quality, noise, and permitting assignments across Middle East, Southern Africa, and UK.
- Conducted air dispersion modelling studies using AERMOD, CALPUFF, and SCREEN3 for industrial clients.
- Directed EIA chapters, emissions inventories, and BAT assessments in line with NCEC, RC and international regulations.
- Managed stakeholder engagement and client liaison to minimise regulatory risks during permitting.
- Facilitated permitting processes for urban and industrial facilities with high environmental impact.
- Mentored junior staff while reinforcing internal quality control processes for consistency.
- Adapted technical outputs to meet evolving policy contexts and national objectives.
Environmental Consultant
WKC Group
Ballito, South Africa
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Advanced to trusted technical lead for high-profile environmental permitting and modelling studies across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Southern Africa.
- Engineered over 20 complex air dispersion modelling assessments, facilitating permit approvals for major industrial projects.
- Delivered essential EIA components for megaprojects, translating site data into clear outputs aligned with regulatory standards.
- Managed critical deliverables for FIV/AIV assessments, collaborating effectively with FEED and EPIC teams.
- Developed cross-functional expertise in noise and vibration assessments, ensuring compliance with regional and international guidelines.
- Consistently selected by senior management to address urgent modelling and QA challenges, noted for clarity in communication.
- Mentored junior consultants while standardising internal QC protocols, establishing a foundation for promotion to senior consultancy role.
Graduate Environmental Engineer
WKC Group
Ballito, South Africa
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Facilitated environmental assessments for infrastructure projects across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and South Africa.
- Produced regulator-aligned deliverables for high-impact projects, including Zarqa Fourth Refinery Expansion Project with over 100 emission sources.
- Contributed to air dispersion modelling studies and emissions inventories under complex permitting frameworks.
- Supported noise and vibration assessments.
- Developed expertise in AERMOD, CALPUFF, GIS, QA/QC, and technical reporting to enhance team capabilities.
- Delivered high-quality outputs, earning trust of senior staff and achieving promotion to consultancy role.
Education
M.Sc. Eng. - Civil Engineering
University of KwaZulu Natal
Durban, South AfricaB.Sc. Eng. - Civil Engineering
University of KwaZulu Natal
Durban, South AfricaAdvanced Carbon Footprinting - GHG Accounting, Carbon Management and Carbon Reporting
Northumbria University
Northeast EnglandSkills
- Environmental permitting expertise
- Permit acquisition under pressure
- Advanced air dispersion modelling
- Regulatory compliance navigation
- Technical leadership and integration
- High-impact report writing
- Client liaison and diplomacy
- Mentorship and quality oversight
- Business continuity acumen
Languages
English
Native
Afrikaans
Advanced
isiZulu
Intermediate
Custom
- AMIAQM - Associate Member of Institute of Air Quality Management
- AMIES - Associate Member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences
Accomplishments
Conducted a detailed comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on several seawater desalination pre-treatment systems and published findings in Water SA.
Certification
Associate Member
Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) Issued Apr 2024
Credential ID 77883
Associate Member
Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) Issued Apr 2024
Credential ID 77883
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Environmental Consultant
WKC Arabia for Environmental Consulting LLC
10.2024 - 07.2025
Senior Environmental Consultant
WKC Group
01.2023 - 01.2024
Environmental Consultant
WKC Group
01.2020 - 01.2023
Graduate Environmental Engineer
WKC Group
01.2019 - 01.2020
M.Sc. Eng. - Civil Engineering
University of KwaZulu Natal
B.Sc. Eng. - Civil Engineering
University of KwaZulu Natal
Advanced Carbon Footprinting - GHG Accounting, Carbon Management and Carbon Reporting
Northumbria University
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