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JOBS AT DEPARTMENT OF, FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

SUMMARY OF JOB POSTS LISTED

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Vacancies 2026 – Apply Before 23 March

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has announced multiple employment opportunities for qualified South Africans in 2026. These vacancies include senior management roles, legal positions, environmental management posts, and geographic information systems (GIS) opportunities.

Individuals interested in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, fisheries regulation, and spatial information systems are encouraged to apply. The recruitment drive offers positions across different professional levels in Pretoria and Cape Town.

Below is a detailed overview of the available vacancies, eligibility requirements, and application process.


About the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is responsible for protecting South Africa’s natural resources, biodiversity, forests, marine ecosystems, and environmental systems. The department promotes sustainable development, responsible resource management, and environmental governance across the country.

DFFE is committed to employment equity and affirmative action. Applications from persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.


Available DFFE Vacancies

1. Director: Environmental Spatial Information

Reference: RCSM15/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R1 266 714 per year (all-inclusive package)

Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • An NQF Level 7 qualification in Geography, Cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or a related discipline

  • At least 5 years’ experience at middle or senior management level in GIS-related work

  • Registration with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC)

  • Strategic planning and budgeting experience

  • Strong project management and leadership capabilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the department’s Enterprise GIS infrastructure

  • Oversee spatial data management and mapping systems

  • Conduct spatial analysis and data visualization

  • Develop spatial data policies and technical standards

  • Support environmental planning through geospatial technology


2. GISc Professional Chief Grade A

Reference: RCSM06/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R1 099 488 per year

Minimum Requirements

  • NQF Level 7 qualification in Geographic Information Science (GISc) or related field

  • Minimum 6 years of post-qualification professional experience

  • Registration with SAGC as a GISc Professional

  • Experience in project management and spatial analysis

Key Duties

  • Provide strategic leadership for GISc operations

  • Manage institutional GIS projects and programmes

  • Conduct advanced spatial modelling and data analysis

  • Develop spatial research frameworks and standards

  • Support environmental decision-making using geospatial data


3. Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6)

Reference: RCSM-CPT01/2026
Location: Cape Town
Salary: R586 956 per year

Requirements

  • LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification

  • Minimum 8 years of post-qualification legal experience

  • Knowledge of environmental and administrative law

  • Experience in legal drafting and research

  • Understanding of public service legislation

Responsibilities

  • Manage appeals in terms of environmental legislation

  • Draft legal submissions and ministerial recommendations

  • Provide legal advice related to fisheries and forestry legislation

  • Coordinate appeals committee meetings

  • Prepare legal documentation and court submissions


4. Assistant Director: Line Net, Invertebrates & Seaweed Management

Reference: FIM12/2026
Location: Cape Town (Foretrust Building)
Salary: R468 459 per year

Requirements

  • National Diploma or higher qualification in:

    • Fisheries Management

    • Environmental Science

    • Natural Sciences

    • Public Administration

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in fisheries management

Key Duties

  • Regulate commercial fishing sectors including:

    • Abalone

    • Oyster

    • Seaweed

    • Linefish

  • Monitor fishing quotas and permits

  • Manage catch data and allocations

  • Coordinate stakeholder engagements within the fisheries sector

  • Support sustainable marine resource management


5. Legal Administration Officer (MR5)

Reference: RCSM-CPT02/2026
Location: Cape Town
Salary: R464 634 per year

Requirements

  • LLB or Legal Administration qualification

  • Minimum 8 years of legal experience

  • Knowledge of environmental law and public administration

  • Strong policy drafting and legal research skills

Responsibilities

  • Manage environmental appeals

  • Draft ministerial submissions and decisions

  • Prepare reports and briefing documents

  • Ensure compliance with legal frameworks and procedures


6. Biodiversity Officer Production Grade A

Reference: RCSM16/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R343 842 per year

Requirements

  • Qualification in Environmental or Natural Sciences

  • At least 1 year of relevant experience

  • Knowledge of biodiversity legislation and enforcement

Duties

  • Investigate environmental complaints and reports

  • Assist with criminal case preparation related to biodiversity crimes

  • Collaborate with scientists and law enforcement agencies

  • Support biodiversity conservation enforcement activities


DFFE Internship Programme (2026 – 2028)

The department is also offering a 24-month internship programme for graduates seeking practical work experience in government and environmental management.

Monthly Stipend:
R7 860.50

Internship Fields

  • Forestry Management

  • Environmental Management

  • Journalism and Communications

  • Public Administration

  • Information Technology

  • Data Management

  • Aquaculture

  • Environmental Science

  • Multimedia and Media Studies

  • Financial Management

Internship Locations

  • Pretoria

  • Eastern Cape

  • Bloemfontein

  • Port Elizabeth

  • Bhisho

  • Mthatha

  • Cape Town

These internships provide graduates with valuable exposure to environmental governance and public sector operations.


Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Important Notes

  • Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document

  • The reference number and job title must appear in the email subject line

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified supporting documents


Important Closing Dates

  • Main Vacancies: 23 March 2026 at 16:00

  • Internship Programme: 31 March 2026 at 16:00

Late applications will not be considered.


Conclusion

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment offers valuable career opportunities for professionals interested in environmental protection, legal governance, fisheries management, and spatial information systems.

Whether you are an experienced professional or a graduate looking to gain practical experience, these vacancies and internships provide an opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s environmental sustainability and natural resource management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing dates.


 

For more job opportunities click here 

 

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