environment careers

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies: Apply by 1 December 2025

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The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting experienced professionals to apply for a range of senior and specialist vacancies across South Africa. If you are passionate about environmental management, forestry, marine conservation, local government support and waste management, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to sustainable development at national level. Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form with a detailed CV before the closing date.

Vacancy Overview

Employer:Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Closing Date:01 December 2025 at 16:00
Location:KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Pretoria, Cape Town – South Africa

Deputy Director: Woodlands and Indigenous Forest Management

Reference Number: BC31/2025
Salary: R1 059 105 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Centre: KwaZulu-Natal

Requirements

  • Degree / National Diploma (NQF 6) in:
    • Forestry, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a related field
  • Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience, of which:
    • 3 years must be at entry/junior management level (Assistant Director or equivalent)
  • Extensive knowledge of:
    • Woodlands, Indigenous Forests and Commercial Forestry
    • National Forests Act (NFA), National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA)
    • NEMA, NEMBA, Public Service Act, PFMA, Labour Relations Act and related environmental legislation
  • Proven project management experience
  • Skills:
    • Planning and organising
    • Policy development and analysis
    • People management and leadership
    • Facilitation and negotiation
    • Excellent communication (verbal, presentation, reporting and awareness-raising)
    • Problem-solving
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure
  • Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel

Duties

  • Manage and develop policies, norms, standards, tools and procedures for sustainable management of indigenous forests and woodlands
  • Oversee conservation planning and ensure compliance with national and international biodiversity management frameworks
  • Identify priority forests for protection and rehabilitation and assess conservation and socio-economic values of forest patches
  • Ensure ecological forest monitoring and conduct national PCI&S (Principles, Criteria, Indicators and Standards) audits
  • Oversee site inspections and integrated environmental planning for indigenous forest resources (physical, human and financial resources)
  • Analyse the impact of environmental assessments and ensure compliance with NFA, NVFFA and other environmental legislation
  • Manage achievement of the Regional Annual Plan of Operation
  • Develop and provide forest management guidelines, norms and best practices for the KZN region
  • Evaluate, monitor and appraise staff performance and manage discipline in the sub-directorate

Applications

  • Email: BC31-2025@dffe.gov.za
  • Quote BC31/2025 in the email subject line and attach a signed new Z83 and detailed CV as one PDF document.

Control Environmental Officer Grade A: Local Government Support (X2 Posts)

Centres and References:

  • ZF Mgcawu District Municipality – Ref No: EP31/2025
  • Garden Route District Municipality – Ref No: EP32/2025
    Salary: R612 480 per annum

Requirements

  • Four-year degree in Environmental or Natural Science, or relevant equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA
  • At least 6 years’ post-qualification experience in a related field
  • Sound knowledge of:
    • Local Government and Environmental Management
    • EPWP, strategic planning and departmental policies
  • Ability to:
    • Manage and plan activities, projects and policy matters
    • Develop, interpret and apply policies, strategies and legislation
    • Manage budgets and HR practices
    • Deal with legal issues, negotiations and conflict resolution
  • Strong computer skills and use of relevant software
  • Core skills:
    • Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
    • Strategic capability and leadership
    • Programme and project management
    • Financial management and change management
    • Service delivery innovation, client orientation and customer focus
    • Information gathering, policy development, teamwork and conflict resolution
  • Personal attributes: creativity, honesty, responsibility and loyalty

Duties

  • Facilitate the integration of environmental sustainability into municipal IDPs across all environmental themes
  • Conduct IDP analyses for district and local municipalities and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement
  • Screen municipal projects for Environmental Impact Assessment requirements
  • Participate in IDP development processes and support the development of environmental chapters where necessary
  • Conduct environmental capacity analysis and facilitate capacity-building initiatives for municipalities
  • Support environmental planning and management, including development and review of municipal environmental sector plans and by-laws
  • Improve environmental governance systems by establishing and coordinating municipal environmental forums
  • Facilitate environmental awareness, advocacy and campaigns (clean-up events, environmental calendar days, community and school programmes)
  • Support planning and implementation of environmental management programmes and projects in municipalities
  • Consolidate and update inventories of environmental projects and support project proposals funded by DFFE, municipalities and other funders
  • Monitor and report on environmental projects and participate in provincial forums

Applications

Attach a signed new Z83 and detailed CV as one PDF per application and quote the correct reference in the subject line.

Depot Operations Specialist (18 Months Contract)

Reference Number: WB03/2025
Salary: R582 444 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Centre: Pretoria

Requirements

  • National Diploma (NQF 6) or higher in Environmental Sciences or relevant equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a relevant environmental field
  • Knowledge of:
    • Strategic planning and budgeting
    • Environmental management and waste-related operations
    • HR management practices, legal issues, conflict management
    • Public Service financial legislative frameworks and acquisition of services and assets
  • Skills:
    • Leadership and management
    • Organisational and planning
    • Programme and project management
    • Coordination and communication (oral and written)
    • Computer literacy, listening and writing skills
  • Ability to:
    • Work under pressure and for long hours where necessary
    • Work independently and in a team
    • Resolve conflict and deal with difficult stakeholders
    • Gather and analyse information, develop and apply policies and management plans
  • Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, accountability and loyalty
  • Valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage

Duties

  • Promote environmentally sound storage practices and operational efficiency at waste tyre depots
  • Ensure sites comply with environmental legislation and relevant standards
  • Facilitate and coordinate Memoranda of Agreement with stakeholders
  • Plan and coordinate training sessions for depot operators and implement training programmes
  • Monitor depot sites regularly and ensure compliance with relevant legislation
  • Engage depot operators and landlords to complete registration forms with the Competent Authority and Waste Bureau
  • Prepare inspection documentation, communicate audit plans, conduct compliance audits and compile reports
  • Share audit findings, track corrective actions and follow up on improvements
  • Ensure efficient operations at Waste Tyre Depots by analysing monthly reports and stock availability data
  • Draft collection and processor supply plans and consolidate monthly stock reports
  • Attend and resolve depot-related queries and conduct contract compliance and performance monitoring
  • Coordinate depot operations meetings, prepare agendas and action items
  • Process payments for Waste Bureau service providers by verifying invoices against monthly budgets and services rendered

Applications

Control Marine Conservation Inspector: Compliance

Reference Number: FIM10/2025
Salary: R468 459 per annum
Centre: Cape Town (Foretrust Building)

Requirements

  • National Diploma (NQF 6) in:
    • Natural Science, Nature Conservation, Environmental Law, Law and/or Law Enforcement or equivalent relevant qualification
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Law Enforcement or related field
  • Knowledge of:
    • Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), 1998 (Act 18 of 1998)
    • PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Act, Labour Relations Act
    • Criminal Procedure Act, Integrated Coastal Management Act, NEMBA
    • Departmental procedures and prescripts
  • Supervisory experience
  • Skills:
    • Good verbal and written communication
    • Computer literacy
    • Planning and organising
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours

Duties

  • Ensure compliance with port state measures and local policies through inspections
  • Implement operational plans to meet monitoring targets across all fisheries sectors
  • Manage issuing of fines and dockets
  • Ensure accurate information and knowledge management, including updated exhibits, equipment registers and transgression records
  • Compile monthly, quarterly and annual enforcement reports
  • Manage a database for the utilisation of firearms and ammunition
  • Strengthen enforcement efforts to improve compliance and follow up on all transgressions
  • Manage databases of exports and imports to monitor marine species
  • Conduct ad hoc inspections and spot checks in hotspot areas
  • Attend scientific and management working group meetings
  • Conduct awareness programmes in coastal communities and participate in cooperative governance structures

Applications

Note: Be prepared to work overtime, flexi-hours and shifts.

Chief Marine Conservation Inspector: Monitoring and Surveillance

Reference Number: FIM11/2025
Salary: R397 116 per annum
Centre: Cape Town (Foretrust Building)

Requirements

  • National Diploma (NQF 6) in:
    • Natural Science, Nature Conservation, Environmental Law, Law and/or Law Enforcement or equivalent relevant qualification
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Law Enforcement and investigations or related field
  • Knowledge of:
    • Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), 1998 (Act 18 of 1998)
    • PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Act, Labour Relations Act
    • Criminal Procedure Act, Integrated Coastal Management Act, NEMBA
    • Departmental procedures and prescripts
  • Skills:
    • Good verbal and written communication
    • Computer literacy
    • Planning and organising
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours

Duties

  • Conduct investigations in terms of the MLRA and verify rights/exemption/permit holders in key fishery sectors
  • Gather and analyse information on the processing, storing and marketing of marine resources to determine compliance
  • Plan and coordinate joint enforcement operations with SAPS, NRCS, other government departments, industry, NGOs and regional/international partners
  • Identify problems and challenges to be addressed through joint operations
  • Attend and report at monthly and quarterly compliance and enforcement meetings
  • Plan and conduct verifications at land, air and sea ports of entry and exit
  • Inspect export and import cargo for marine resources
  • Conduct awareness initiatives on MLRA requirements and species identification

Applications

Note: Be prepared to work overtime, flexi-hours and shifts.

How to Apply for Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies

  • Use the new signed Z83 form (obtainable from any Public Service Department) and attach a recent detailed CV only.
  • For email applications:
    • Combine the Z83 and CV into one PDF document.
    • Use the correct email address and quote the job title and reference number in the subject line.
    • JPEG or picture-based applications will not be accepted.
  • For postal/hand-delivered applications (where applicable):
    • Address to:
      • Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
        Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001
      • Or hand-deliver to: Environment House, Erf 1563 Arcadia Extension 6,
        Cnr Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, ID and driver’s licence.
  • Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
  • All shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting.
  • If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

For more information and any updates, visit the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment official website.