DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT – 26 October 2026

The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative
action employer.

APPLICATIONS : All applications to be submitted online on the following link:
https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

CLOSING DATE : 09 November 2026, 16:00. No late applications will be accepted

NOTE : Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link.
Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and
attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references. Failure
to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the
applicant. No late applications will be accepted Shortlisted candidates will be
required to submit certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, identity
document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South
African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The National Department of Forestry,
Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action
employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the
underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be
limited to successful candidates only. Short-listed candidates will be subjected
to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment,
including but not limited to: Criminal records; Citizenship status; Credit
worthiness; Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification
verification. Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the
Department’s convenience. Entry level requirements for SMS posts: In terms
of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training
Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April
2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a
successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as
endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment.
The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into
SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link:
https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme.
Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful
completion of the course. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall
undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to
determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic
requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion
in the interview process. Following the interview and the technical exercise of
all SMS posts, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a
generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA
Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments. Persons
appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance
agreement and employment contract. The Department reserves the right not
to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within three 3 months
after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application
was unsuccessful. By submitting the employment application form, you agree
and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information
Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you
provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees,
agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in
accordance with the POPIA of 2013.

POST 38/140 : FIELD ASSISTANTS: SEABIRDS REF NO: 34/2026 (X2 POSTS)

(Approximately Fifteen Months Contract)
SALARY : R280 278 per annum, (plus 37% lieu in benefits)
CENTRE : Marion Island

REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or relevant qualification in Natural Science. 0–
1-year experience required in Marion Island. Knowledge of environmental
legislation. Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts.
Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and
management, bird’s identification & handling, disseminate information, report
writing and recording. Must have good attention to detail and be meticulous in
data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring
relating to seabirds to a high standard. Must be self-motivated and able to work
at a remote place away from family and friends with minimal supervision.

DUTIES : Undertake biological research, fieldwork and monitoring according to a
workplan as devised by the project managers. Make day-to-day decisions
about work priorities and fieldwork protocols. Maintain accurate records of the
work and computer databases of the work. Regularly report to and update the
project manager on progress of the project. The applicants must have
determination, physical fitness and the ability to work under harsh
environmental conditions subject to extremes of weather; a desire to work with
animals, including handling of seabird adults and chicks, which require
empathy for the birds. Successful applicants will spend a full year (April 2027
to May 2028) at Marion Island. Note that there is no option to return before the
end of the expedition, once you land at the island. The well-equipped new base
station has full e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities.

ENQUIRIES : Leshia Visagie at (082) 447 9302, Makhudu Masotla at (079) 220 8888,
Azwianewi Makhado at (082) 377 3088
NOTE : The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the
health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will
spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option
to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small
groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient
and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental wellbeing of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must
be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and
satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon
to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function.
Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to
determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is
subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric
assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

POST 38/139 : ASSISTANT METEOROLOGICAL TECHNICIAN REF NO: OC29/2026

(X2 Posts (Approximately 15 Months Contract)
SALARY : R280 278 per annum, (plus 37% lieu in benefits). Permanent SAWS employees
will have a different payment structure of benefits.
CENTRE : Marion Island

REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma in Natural Sciences or an equivalent relevant qualification
(NQF Level 6) recognised by SAQA, with 0–1 year of relevant experience; or
Grade 12 with a National Weather Certificate and two (2) years of experience
in weather observation. Knowledge of Automatic Weather Stations and
Automatic Rain Stations, Knowledge of South African Weather Service policies
and procedures, Knowledge of international standards such as WMO and
ICAO Technical Competencies: Communication and interpersonal skills etc.
Candidates must be willing to work shifts (both day and night shifts) and on
public holidays, in possible adverse weather conditions. Candidates must be
punctual, dedicated, precise and be willing to work in a team, as well as on
their own.

DUTIES : Assist and actively participate in the running of the surface meteorological and
atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS.
Perform surface meteorological observations, conduct upper-air balloon
releases and maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station of Marion
Island. Conduct quality control of data and when required or perform tasks
within the prescribed scope of work as delegated by the Senior Meteorological
Technician. Assist other team members with logistical and administrative tasks
associated with the general running of the base. Conduct all duties in
accordance with the rules, regulations and standards as set out by the South
African Weather Service.

ENQUIRIES : Ms. R Chengwe Tel No: (021) 935 5700
NOTE : The successful candidate will be required to attend compulsory training at the
South African Weather Service in Cape Town. The incumbent will execute
duties at Marion Island Base and adhere to the health, safety and
environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year
(April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion base. There is no option to return to South
Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people
is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and
satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and selfmotivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being of
the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be
physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and
satisfying work. In addition, the successful candidates may often be called
upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their
function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security
vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these
positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric
assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

ASSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER: MARION ISLAND

(Approximately Fifteen Months Contract)
SALARY : R280 278 per annum, (plus 37% lieu in benefits)
CENTRE : Marion Island

REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma in Environmental Sciences/Management/Conservation or
equivalent relevant qualification (NQF6) in Natural Sciences as recognised by
SAQA. 0-1 years’ experience required. The incumbent must have knowledge
of Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts. Knowledge of
Environmental Legislation. Strategic coordination/ planning. Skills; Adequate
skills in computer use. Report/professional writing, Computer Literacy, good
interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills, relationship management,
stakeholder engagement presentation, research verbal and written
communication skills. The incumbent must have the following competencies:
teamwork, honesty integrity reliability, ability to gather and analyse information,
ability to work individually and in a team, good interpersonal relations skills,
ability to walk in the field under extreme weather conditions and work under
minimal supervision and ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve
conflict.

DUTIES : Provide support to the senior ECO with the implementation of the Alien Species
Eradication Plan (plants, invertebrates and rodents) and the Prince Edward
Islands Management Plan and associated legislation. Monitor compliance to
Environmental Authorisations issued under the EIA Regulations for activities at
the Prince Edward Islands (PEIs). Provide support in the implementation of
biosecurity measures and promote general environmental awareness. Ensure
implementation of the SANAP Waste Management Handbook and undertake
country clean-up activities. Provide support in ensuring environmental
compliance and auditing and compile monthly and annual ECO reports.
Manage threats to environmental integrity and conserve ecosystems.

ENQUIRIES : Ms D Kotsedi Tel No: (021) 493 7354
NOTE : The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the
health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will
spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option
to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small
groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient
and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental wellbeing of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must
be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and
satisfying work. In addition, the successful candidates may often be called
upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their
function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security
vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these
positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric
assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

We wish you all the best with your applications