The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is committed to being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Closing Date: 10 November 2025 at 16:00
For Attention: Human Resource Management
Important Application Notes:
Applications must be submitted using the new signed Z83 form, which you can obtain from any Public Service Department website or office. Please attach a recent and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to your application. Only these documents are required initially.
Shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of their qualifications, Senior Certificate, identity document, and driver’s license on or before the interview date. If you have foreign qualifications, it is your responsibility to have them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The DFFE promotes equal opportunities and affirmative action. We may prioritize candidates from underrepresented groups as outlined in our departmental equity plan. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Correspondence will only be sent to shortlisted and successful candidates. All shortlisted applicants will undergo screening and security vetting, which may include checks on criminal records, citizenship, credit worthiness, previous employment references, and qualification verification.
Shortlisted candidates must make themselves available for assessments or interviews at the department’s convenience.
For Senior Management Service (SMS) posts, note the following: As per the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days, and Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS (effective from 1 April 2015), all SMS applicants from 1 April 2020 must have successfully completed the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) before appointment. This course is called the Certificate for Entry into SMS and is available at the NSG. For more details, visit: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-preentryprogramme/.
Shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will also complete a technical exercise to test job-related skills. After the interview and exercise, the selection panel may recommend a generic managerial competency assessment as required by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Directive.
The successful candidate will undergo a security clearance, sign a performance agreement, and enter into an employment contract. The department reserves the right not to fill the position.
By submitting your application, you consent under Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), to the DFFE processing your personal information for recruitment purposes. This includes sharing with department employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors, in line with POPIA regulations.
If you do not hear from us within three months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Erratum Notices:
- The post for Director: State Forest Management (KZN) with Ref No: FOM07/2025, originally advertised in Public Service Vacancy Circular 37 dated 10 October 2025 with a closing date of 03 November 2025, has been amended. Applications can now be emailed to [email protected] or hand-delivered to 185 Langalibalele Street, Old Mutual Building, Pietermaritzburg, 3200. The closing date has been extended to 10 November 2025.
- The salary for the Deputy Director: Performance Management (Cape Town) post with Ref No: CMS20/2025, advertised in Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 dated 17 October 2025 with closing date 10 November 2025, has been corrected to R896 436 per annum (all-inclusive package).
- The salary for the Deputy Director: EPWP Youth Projects Implementation (Cape Town) post with Ref No: EP26/2025, advertised in Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 dated 17 October 2025 with closing date 10 November 2025, has been corrected to R896 436 per annum (all-inclusive package).
Post 39/38: Senior Forester (Ref No: BC26/2025)
Salary: R397 116 per annum
Location: Mpumalanga (Maripskop)
Key Requirements:
You need a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Forestry, Nature Conservation, or a related qualification recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You should have at least two years of experience in indigenous forest management or a similar field.
Knowledge of key legislation is essential, including the National Forests Act (NFA), National Veld and Forest Fires Act (NVFFA), National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), Public Service Act (PSA), and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Required skills include a solid understanding of the forest management sector, computer literacy, people management, leadership, planning and organizing, financial management, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. A valid driver’s license is also required.
Main Duties:
In this role, you will contribute to the maintenance of estate infrastructure and recreational facilities. This includes upkeep of forest boundary beacons and fences, as well as rehabilitating conservation areas to protect and restore the natural environment.
You will assist in preserving forest biodiversity to support the ongoing health and sustainability of the forest estate. This involves helping develop and implement management plans that cover rehabilitation of degraded forest areas, wetlands, and riparian zones.
You will enforce and implement the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998, as amended), and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998, as amended). Duties include recording, monitoring, and protecting rare, threatened, and endangered species.
Other responsibilities include implementing invasive alien plant control programs and the Principle, Criteria, Indicators and Standards (PCI&S) framework. You will manage woodlots linked to indigenous forests and promote environmental awareness.
You will build relationships with stakeholders, give presentations to visitors, schools, and communities, and provide capacity building to local communities on forest-related laws. Promote and monitor forest access for users and visitors, encourage tree planting, and support environmental campaigns.
Additionally, you will manage risks and security in the forest estate and supervise staff to ensure smooth operations.
Enquiries: Dr. TV Ramatshimbila, Tel: (012) 309 5716
Applications: Please email your application to [email protected]
Post 39/37: Principal Forestry Scientist (Ref No: BC27/2025)
Salary: R468 459 per annum
Location: Mpumalanga (Nelspruit)
Key Requirements:
A National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Forestry, Nature Conservation, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a related qualification recognized by SAQA is required. You should have at least three years of experience in woodland and indigenous forest management.
You must have a strong knowledge and understanding of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998), National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998), National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPA), and other relevant environmental laws and processes.
Understanding of the Public Service Act, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and Treasury Regulations is also necessary. Knowledge of indigenous forestry and protected areas operations is key.
Essential skills include people management and empowerment, financial management, project and program management, communication (both written and verbal), leadership, facilitation, negotiation, planning, and execution. You should be able to work long hours, apply policies effectively, work independently or in teams, handle difficult situations, resolve conflicts, and be innovative and proactive. A valid driver’s license is required.
Main Duties:
You will ensure the sustainable management of woodlands and indigenous forests by promoting their use for various purposes while protecting their integrity. This includes providing support for licensing processes under the National Forests Act (NFA) as per your delegation level.
You will enforce and monitor compliance with the NFA, NVFFA, and other environmental legislation. Assist in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes to minimize negative impacts.
Conduct identification of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered (RTE) species within state forests, following the Principle, Criteria, Indicators and Standards (PCI&S) Framework. Verify state forest boundaries to prevent encroachments.
Develop conservation plans and ensure they align with national biodiversity management frameworks. Create and monitor the implementation of the Directorate’s Business Plan, including rehabilitation programs and stakeholder engagement campaigns.
Promote the expansion of new woodland areas and, where feasible, restore or rehabilitate ancient woodlands. Conduct ecological monitoring and research on forests to inform decisions.
Monitor and support capacity building and environmental empowerment strategies to involve communities and build skills in sustainable forest practices.
Enquiries: Dr. TV Ramatshimbila, Tel: (012) 309 5716
Applications: Please email your application to [email protected]
We wish you the best of luck with your applications to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. These roles offer exciting opportunities to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of South Africa’s vital forest resources.
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