Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites suitably qualified South Africans to apply for various vacancies listed in DPSA Circular 21 of 2026.
Vacancy Application Closing Date: 06 July 2026 at 16:00
Vacancy Location: Pretoria, Gough Island, Cape Town and Kimberley, South Africa
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published several vacancies under DPSA Circular 21 of 2026.
The available posts include opportunities in fire management, communications engineering, diesel mechanics, electrical work, medical support, fisheries management, legal administration and occupational health and safety.
Applicants must submit applications using the new signed Z83 application form and a recent detailed CV.
Available Vacancies
The following vacancies are available:
Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management.
Communications / Electronics Engineer: Gough Island.
Diesel Mechanic: Gough Island.
Electrician: Gough Island.
Medical Orderly: Gough Island.
Assistant Director: Line Net, Invertebrates and Seaweed Management.
Legal Administration Officer MR5: Appeals and Legal Review.
Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Officer.
Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management
Reference Number: FOM22/2026
Salary: R1 101 468 per annum
Centre: Pretoria
Requirements
Applicants must have a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Forestry or a relevant qualification.
Applicants must have at least five years of experience in a forestry-related field.
Three years of the experience must be at entry or junior managerial level, such as Assistant Director level or equivalent.
Applicants must have knowledge of forestry legislation, veldfire management, disaster management, public finance management and stakeholder relations.
Duties
The successful candidate will manage the development and amendment of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act and relevant policy instruments.
The candidate will oversee the development of policies, legislation, strategies, action plans, guidelines, norms and standards.
Other duties include managing veldfire risk profiles, supporting Fire Protection Associations, coordinating cooperative governance processes and collecting veldfire-related statistics.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026 by submitting your application to the correct email address.
Email: FOM22-2026@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr TC Ndou
Tel: 066 019 1221
Communications / Electronics Engineer: Gough Island
Reference Number: OC10/2026
Contract Duration: Approximately 15 months
Salary: R932 292 per annum, all-inclusive package
Centre: Gough Island
Requirements
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering Light Current, IT Engineering or an equivalent related qualification.
Applicants must have at least three years of post-qualification experience.
Applicants must be competent in electronic maintenance, diagnostics and repairs.
Experience in V-Sat satellite systems, Linux servers, radio equipment, telephone systems, VOIP, GPS, fire detection systems and general electronic repairs will be advantageous.
Duties
The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding and repair of communication services and equipment at the Antarctic base.
This includes satellite, radio, IT, GPS, alarm and telephone systems.
The candidate will also prepare reports, conduct stock takes and perform other base-related duties.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Communications / Electronics Engineer: Gough Island 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr Willem Boshoff
Tel: 021 493 7379
Diesel Mechanic: Gough Island
Reference Number: OC11/2026
Contract Duration: Approximately 15 months
Salary: R487 197 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Centre: Gough Island
Requirements
Applicants must have a National NTC 3 certificate or equivalent qualification in a related field.
Applicants must have at least three years of post-trade experience.
Applicants must be competent in diesel engine and generator maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and overhaul.
Experience with earthmoving and material handling equipment will be an advantage.
Duties
The successful candidate will maintain and operate power generators and related equipment.
Duties will also include maintenance and repairs of air-conditioning, refrigeration, water reticulation and wastewater systems.
The candidate will also maintain forklifts, cranes, portable generators, transfer pumps, field huts and field equipment.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Diesel Mechanic: Gough Island 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr Willem Boshoff
Tel: 021 493 7379
Electrician: Gough Island
Reference Number: OC12/2026
Contract Duration: Approximately 15 months
Salary: R487 197 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Centre: Gough Island
Requirements
Applicants must be qualified Electricians with a passed trade test or equivalent qualification in a related field.
Applicants must have at least three years of post-trade experience.
A wireman’s licence, at least as a three-phase tester, will be beneficial.
Applicants must be competent in low-voltage and three-phase electrical plant maintenance, diagnostics and repairs.
Duties
The successful candidate will maintain, fault-find and repair electrical services and equipment at the Gough Island base.
This includes electrical systems for power generators, air-conditioning, refrigeration, water reticulation, wastewater systems and cargo handling equipment.
The candidate may also be required to lead and manage the technical group at the base.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Electrician: Gough Island 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr Willem Boshoff
Tel: 021 493 7379
Medical Orderly: Gough Island
Reference Number: OC13/2026
Contract Duration: Approximately 15 months
Salary: R487 197 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Centre: Gough Island
Requirements
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing, a Certificate in Operational Emergency Care Practitioner or a relevant qualification.
Applicants must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa or the South African Nursing Council.
Applicants must have three to five years of relevant experience.
Duties
The successful candidate will provide medical treatment to all team members during the expedition.
The candidate will undertake minor dental and X-ray support when required.
Other duties include preparing reports, stock takes of food and medicines, ordering equipment and assisting with rescue, evacuation and emergency procedures.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Medical Orderly: Gough Island 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr R Hlophe
Tel: 021 493 7067
Important Note for Gough Island Posts
Successful applicants for Gough Island posts will spend a full year at Gough Island from September 2026 to October 2027.
There will be no option to return to South Africa before October 2027.
Candidates must be able to work and live with small groups of people and must be physically fit, mentally strong and self-motivated.
Appointments are subject to medical examinations, psychometric assessments, screening and security vetting.
Assistant Director: Line Net, Invertebrates and Seaweed Management
Reference Number: FIM18/2026
Salary: R487 197 per annum
Centre: Cape Town, Foretrust Building
Requirements
Applicants must have a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or higher in Fisheries Management, Natural Science, Environmental Science or a relevant qualification.
Applicants must have three years of experience in Natural Resources Management or a relevant field.
Applicants must have knowledge of the Marine Living Resources Act, PAIA, PAJA, PFMA, policy development and fisheries management.
A valid driver’s licence is required.
Duties
The successful candidate will regulate management processes for commercial inshore fishing sectors.
These sectors include Abalone, Oyster, White Mussels, Seaweed, Traditional Linefish, Netfish and Squid.
Duties include reviewing permit conditions, supporting permit approvals, managing fisheries data, participating in legal proceedings and coordinating stakeholder communication.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Assistant Director: Line Net, Invertebrates and Seaweed Management 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: FIM18-2026@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr O Dubula
Tel: 066 471 1611
Legal Administration Officer MR5: Appeals and Legal Review
Reference Number: RCSM-CPT03/2026
Salary: R483 219 per annum, OSD
Centre: Cape Town
Requirements
Applicants must have an LLB, Legal Administration Degree or relevant qualification recognised by SAQA.
Applicants must have at least eight years of post-qualification experience in the relevant field.
Applicants must have knowledge of legislative administration, environmental law, administrative law, public service procedures, business planning and policy development.
Duties
The successful candidate will coordinate and administer appeals submitted to the Department.
The appeals relate to the Marine Living Resources Act, National Forestry Act and Promotion of Access to Information Act.
The candidate will draft ministerial submissions, appeal decisions, briefing notes, presentations and responses relating to appeals.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Legal Administration Officer MR5: Appeals and Legal Review 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: RCSMCPT03-2026@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Ms S Rawat
Tel: 021 402 3349
Email: srawat@dffe.gov.za
Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Officer
Reference Number: EP-CT/04/2026
Salary: R397 116 per annum
Centre: Kimberley
Requirements
Applicants must have a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Occupational Health and Safety or a relevant qualification.
Applicants must have at least two years of experience in a relevant field.
Applicants must have knowledge of health and safety legislation, environmental management, PFMA, COIDA and project management.
A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are required.
Registration with SACPCMP and experience in ISO 45001 will be an added advantage.
Duties
The successful candidate will conduct compliance assessments within Environmental Programmes to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Duties include inspections, audits, incident investigations, implementation of ISO standards, capacity building and occupational health and safety training support.
How to apply
Click here to apply for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Officer 2026 by emailing your application to:
Email: EPCT04-2026@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr M Talip
Tel: 072 632 5382
Email: mtalip@dffe.gov.za
General Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted on the new signed Z83 application form.
Applicants must attach a recent detailed Curriculum Vitae only.
For online applications, the Z83 form and CV must be combined into one PDF document.
Applicants must indicate the correct job title and reference number in the subject line of the email.
JPEG picture or snapshot applications will not be accepted.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, identity document and driver’s licence on or before the day of the interview.
Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.
Application Address
Applications for Gough Island, Kimberley and Cape Town posts may be submitted to:
The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
The Director: Integrated Human Resource Management
Private Bag X4390
Cape Town
8000
Or hand deliver to:
No. 63 Strand Street
Cape Town
Pretoria applications must be submitted using the correct email address listed for the post.
Closing Date
The closing date for Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment vacancies is 06 July 2026 at 16:00.
No late applications will be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment vacancies listed in DPSA Circular 21 of 2026 provide career opportunities in environmental management, forestry, fisheries, engineering, legal services, health and safety, and technical support.
Applicants should carefully check the requirements for each post, use the correct reference number and submit applications before 06 July 2026 at 16:00.