Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Vacancies Advertisement
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for multiple vacancies across various professional disciplines.
Employer: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Job Titles: Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management; Communications/Electronics Engineer; Diesel Mechanic; Electrician; Medical Orderly; Assistant Director: Line Net, Invertebrates & Seaweed Management; Legal Administration Officer MR5; Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Management Officer
Locations: Pretoria, Gough Island, Cape Town, Kimberley
Closing Date: 06 July 2026 at 16:00
Contract Type: Permanent and Fixed-Term Contract Opportunities (Gough Island positions are approximately 15-month contracts)
Industry: Government / Environmental Management / Forestry / Fisheries / Engineering / Legal Services / Health Services
The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to promoting diversity, transformation and excellence within the public service.
Available Vacancies
1. Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management
Reference Number: FOM22/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R1 101 468 per annum
Minimum Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Forestry or relevant qualification.
- Minimum five years’ forestry-related experience.
- Three years at Assistant Director level or equivalent managerial level.
- Knowledge of forestry legislation, disaster management, public administration and financial management.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage development and amendment of veldfire legislation and policies.
- Coordinate integrated veldfire management programmes.
- Oversee Fire Protection Associations and veldfire risk management.
- Facilitate cooperative governance with provinces and stakeholders.
- Promote compliance and awareness of fire management legislation.
Application Email
FOM22-2026@dffe.gov.za
2. Communications/Electronics Engineer
Reference Number: OC10/2026
Location: Gough Island
Contract: Approximately 15 Months
Salary: R932 292 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Minimum Requirements
- National Diploma or Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, IT or related field.
- Minimum three years post-qualification experience.
- Experience with satellite systems, networking, radio communications and electronic maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair communication systems.
- Manage satellite, radio, GPS, alarm and telephone systems.
- Support technical operations at the research base.
- Prepare technical reports and inventory records.
Application Email
Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
3. Diesel Mechanic
Reference Number: OC11/2026
Location: Gough Island
Contract: Approximately 15 Months
Salary: R487 197 per annum plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Minimum Requirements
- NTC 3 Certificate or equivalent trade qualification.
- Minimum three years post-trade experience.
- Experience in diesel engines, generators and diagnostic systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain power generators and related equipment.
- Repair mechanical systems, pumps and valves.
- Maintain forklifts, cranes and material handling equipment.
- Support technical and operational activities at the base.
Application Email
Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
4. Electrician
Reference Number: OC12/2026
Location: Gough Island
Contract: Approximately 15 Months
Salary: R487 197 per annum plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Minimum Requirements
- Qualified Electrician with trade test.
- Minimum three years post-trade experience.
- Knowledge of low-voltage and three-phase electrical systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair electrical infrastructure.
- Support generator, refrigeration and water systems.
- Conduct fault-finding and diagnostics.
- Assist with overall technical operations at the base.
Application Email
Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
5. Medical Orderly
Reference Number: OC13/2026
Location: Gough Island
Contract: Approximately 15 Months
Salary: R487 197 per annum plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Minimum Requirements
- Nursing qualification or Operational Emergency Care qualification.
- Registration with HPCSA or SANC.
- Three to five years relevant experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide medical care to expedition team members.
- Manage medical supplies and healthcare records.
- Support emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures.
- Maintain health and hygiene standards.
Application Email
Recruitmentcoastal@dffe.gov.za
6. Assistant Director: Line Net, Invertebrates & Seaweed Management
Reference Number: FIM18/2026
Location: Cape Town (Foretrust Building)
Salary: R487 197 per annum
Minimum Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) or higher in Fisheries Management, Environmental Science or related field.
- Three years relevant experience.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulate commercial inshore fishing sectors.
- Manage fisheries permits and compliance activities.
- Support sustainable marine resource utilisation.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Application Email
FIM18-2026@dffe.gov.za
7. Legal Administration Officer MR5: Appeals & Legal Review
Reference Number: RCSM-CPT03/2026
Location: Cape Town
Salary: R483 219 per annum (OSD)
Minimum Requirements
- LLB or Legal Administration Degree.
- Minimum eight years post-qualification experience.
- Strong knowledge of environmental and administrative law.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and administer statutory appeals.
- Draft ministerial submissions and legal recommendations.
- Prepare briefing notes and legal reports.
- Ensure compliance with legislative timeframes.
Application Email
RCSMCPT03-2026@dffe.gov.za
8. Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Management Officer
Reference Number: EP-CT/04/2026
Location: Kimberley
Salary: R397 116 per annum
Minimum Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Occupational Health and Safety or related qualification.
- Minimum two years relevant experience.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct occupational health and safety compliance assessments.
- Investigate incidents and recommend corrective measures.
- Coordinate training and capacity-building programmes.
- Support ISO and risk management compliance.
Application Email
EPCT04-2026@dffe.gov.za
Important Application Information
Applicants must submit:
- A completed and signed new Z83 application form.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Only the Z83 form and CV should be submitted initially. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and other supporting documentation before interviews. Applications must clearly indicate the relevant reference number and job title.
Special Conditions for Gough Island Positions
Successful candidates appointed to Gough Island positions will be required to spend approximately one year on the island from September 2026 to October 2027.
These roles require individuals who can work independently in isolated and challenging environments. Medical examinations, psychometric assessments and security vetting will form part of the selection process.
How to Apply
Applications for Pretoria, Cape Town, Kimberley and Gough Island positions must be submitted according to the instructions and email addresses specified for each vacancy.
Applicants should ensure that all documentation is submitted before the closing deadline.
Closing Date
06 July 2026 at 16:00
Late applications will not be considered.