The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for a range of posts across South Africa. If you’re passionate about conservation, environmental governance, GIS, finance, HR, legal services, or project delivery, don’t miss this opportunity—apply before 10 November 2025.
Vacancy Snapshot (Quick Facts)
| Employer: | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) |
|---|---|
| Closing Date: | 10 November 2025 |
| Location: | Cape Town (WC), Pietermaritzburg (KZN), Bloemfontein (FS), George (WC); plus National/Regional addresses as specified |
Post: Estate Manager: Woodlands & Indigenous Forest Management
Ref: BC23/2025 • Centre: KZN (Nkwezela State Forest) • Salary: R468 459 p.a.
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Forestry or equivalent, 3+ years relevant experience in Indigenous Forest management.
- Knowledge of NFA (Act 84 of 1998), NVFFA (Act 101 of 1998), NEMA, NEMPA, OHS, PFMA, Treasury Regulations.
- People & financial management; programme/project management; leadership; facilitation & negotiation; valid driver’s licence; computer literacy.
Key Duties
- Preserve forest biodiversity; rehabilitate degraded forests, wetlands and riparian zones.
- Implement National Forest Act & National Veld & Forest Fire Act; audit forests and implement corrective actions (PCIS framework).
- Manage woodlots, roads, buildings, tourism facilities, boundary beacons/fences.
- Lead environmental awareness, stakeholder relations, PFM committees; promote indigenous tree planting & Arbor Week.
- Risk & security management; patrols; permits & licences; reporting; develop Operational Plan; HR management.
Enquiries: Dr TV Ramatshimbila (012) 309 5716
Applications (Email): BC23-2025@dffe.gov.za
Post: Assistant Director – Recruitment, Selection & Service Benefits and Conditions
Ref: CMS21/2025 • Centre: Cape Town • Salary: R468 459 p.a.
Requirements
- Degree/National Diploma (NQF 6) in HRM/HRD or relevant field; 3+ years HRM experience; supervisory exposure.
- Knowledge: PSA, Public Service Regulations, EEA, BCEA, PFMA, HR policies, retention strategies.
- Strong communication (verbal/written), research, analytics, stakeholder liaison, project & people management.
Key Duties
- Lead team of Recruitment Officers; oversee Recruitment & Service Conditions/Benefits (leave, PILIR, pensions, resettlement, medical assistance, overtime, SMS disclosures).
- Drive retention strategies; coordinate recruitment, shortlisting & interviews; ensure Personnel Suitability Checks and PERSAL placements.
- Policy advice on recruitment, selection & benefits.
Enquiries: Ms S Nzwane (021) 493 7223
Applications (Email): CMS21-2025@dffe.gov.za
Post: Assistant Director – Credit, Travel & Subsistence
Ref: CFO20/2025 • Centre: Cape Town • Salary: R468 459 p.a.
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Cost & Management Accounting or related; 3+ years in Financial Management.
- Extensive experience on BAS, LOGIS, PERSAL; knowledge of PFMA, SCM, logistics; valid driver’s licence; advanced financial and supervisory skills.
Key Duties
- Ensure accurate, compliant processing of BAS/LOGIS/Travel & Subsistence claims; monthly/quarterly financial inputs.
- Verify suppliers and registrations; supervise cashier/petty cash; exercise document control; provide financial guidance to managers; staff supervision.
Enquiries: Mr N Essack (021) 493 7165
Applications (Email): CFO20-2025@dffe.gov.za
Post: GIS Technician Production Grade A
Ref: EP28/2025 • Centre: Bloemfontein • Salary: R391 671 p.a.
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in GIS/Cartography; 3 years post-qualification technical GIS experience.
- PLATO registration as GISc Technician (compulsory).
- Skills: programme/project management; legal/operational compliance; DB management; geo-database design, spatial analysis; valid driver’s licence.
Key Duties
- Source, capture, clean and project spatial data; perform spatial analysis for GIS projects.
- Maintain GIS effectiveness: software/tool updates, licence renewals, user workshops & requirements analysis, gap analyses, software customisation; supervise team KPAs.
Enquiries: Mr Rofhiwa Mathivha (051) 430 7243
Applications (Email): EP28-2025@dffe.gov.za
Post: Project Coordinator – EP Non-Infrastructure Programmes
Ref: EP24/2025 • Centre: George, Western Cape • Salary: R397 116 p.a.
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Natural/Environmental Science or related; 2 years project coordination experience.
- Knowledge of alien vegetation control, project/financial administration, departmental prescripts; strong coordination, communication & computer literacy.
Key Duties
- Develop project/APP and training plan; stakeholder engagement; deliver work opportunities & FTEs.
- Site monitoring, OHS incident reporting, KPI reporting; vehicle authorisations; cash-flow monitoring; verification tasks; close-out inspections & reports.
Enquiries: Mr Nceba Ngcobo 083 451 2154
Applications (Email): EP24-2025@dffe.gov.za
Post: Legal Administration Officer (MR2) – Corporate Legal Support & Litigation
Ref: RCSM09/2025 • Centre: Cape Town • Salary: R233 712 p.a. (OSD)
Requirements
- LLB with 1+ year post-qualification legal/litigation experience.
- Knowledge: Environmental Law, Mining Law, Constitutional & Administrative Law; legal drafting; research; valid driver’s licence; ability to travel & meet deadlines.
Key Duties
- Draft contracts/international instruments; ensure legal formalities and prescripts.
- Provide legal opinions/advice; conduct training on contract manual & templates, PAIA, POPIA, PAJA; ensure PAIA requests are handled within statutory timeframes.
Enquiries: Ms L Tsegarie (021) 441 2719
Applications (Email): RCSM09/2025@dffe.gov.za
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted on a signed Z83 (obtainable from any Public Service Department) with a recent detailed CV only (no certificates at application stage).
By Post (Cape Town, Western Cape; Eastern Cape; Bloemfontein):
Director-General, DFFE, The Director: Integrated Human Resource Management, Private Bag X4390, Cape Town, 8000
Hand-deliver (Cape Town): 63 Strand Street, Cape Town
Hand-deliver (KwaZulu-Natal): 185 Langalibalele Street, Old Mutual Building, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Email submissions: Use the per-post email addresses listed above, and quote the reference number in the email subject line.
To apply and for more details, visit the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment official website: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Important Notes
- Closing date: 10 November 2025.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear back within the stipulated period, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- DFFE is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given in line with employment equity.
- Willingness to travel and to work extended hours may be required for some roles.