Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced multiple vacancies for 2026 across Pretoria, Cape Town, and Gough Island. Opportunities include senior management, EPWP support roles, administration, technical, engineering, and environmental programme positions.
DFFE Advertises New Government Vacancies for Experienced Professionals and Project Support Staff
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has officially opened applications for a wide range of vacancies across several branches and operational divisions for 2026. The department is recruiting experienced professionals, technical specialists, administrative personnel, and project support staff as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental governance, fisheries management, climate programmes, and public sector service delivery in South Africa.
The vacancies span multiple locations including Pretoria, Cape Town, and the remote operational base on Gough Island, creating opportunities for individuals with diverse qualifications and levels of experience.
The department stated that these vacancies form part of its commitment to building institutional capacity while advancing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, fisheries management, and public employment initiatives.
Opportunities Available Across Multiple Divisions
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, commonly known as DFFE, has advertised positions ranging from senior executive management roles to one-year fixed-term project support opportunities under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The department is also facilitating vacancies linked to advisory councils, board nominations, and collaborative donor-supported initiatives.
Among the most senior vacancies currently advertised are:
- Deputy Director-General: Fisheries Management
- Deputy Director-General: Financial Management Services
- Deputy Director: Operations and Logistics
- Deputy Director: Administration and Coordination
These senior-level opportunities are aimed at experienced professionals capable of leading strategic government operations and policy implementation within highly specialized sectors.
Technical and Specialist Positions at Gough Island
One of the most unique aspects of the latest DFFE recruitment drive is the inclusion of several technical and operational positions based on Gough Island.
Gough Island, known for its remote location and environmental significance, hosts critical meteorological and environmental monitoring operations managed through the Oceans and Coasts branch.
The department is currently recruiting for several approximately 15-month contract positions, including:
- Senior Meteorological Technician
- Medical Orderly
- Electrician
- Diesel Mechanic
- Communications/Electronics Engineer
- Assistant Meteorological Technicians
These roles are expected to attract technically skilled professionals interested in working in challenging and highly specialized environmental conditions.
The vacancies highlight the department’s ongoing investment in environmental monitoring, weather observation systems, and operational infrastructure supporting marine and climate research.
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Support Opportunities
The DFFE has also opened multiple EPWP project support vacancies under one-year fixed-term contracts. These positions are primarily aimed at strengthening reporting, monitoring, coordination, compliance, and data management functions within environmental programmes.
Available opportunities include:
- EPWP Data Capturers
- Project Data Support Staff
- Monitoring and Evaluation Support
- Compliance Support Personnel
- Project Coordination Support
- Youth and Contractor Development Support
- Team Leaders for Reporting and Coordination
These positions may appeal to candidates with administrative, data capturing, project management, and public sector coordination experience.
The Environmental Programmes branch continues to play a significant role in supporting employment creation, environmental rehabilitation, and community development initiatives across South Africa.
Administrative and Operational Vacancies
In addition to technical and project-based roles, the department is also recruiting administrative professionals for positions such as:
- Senior Administrative Officer
- Administrative Officer positions (two posts available)
These opportunities are aimed at supporting internal departmental operations and improving administrative efficiency within government programmes.
The department emphasized the importance of professionalism, accountability, and organizational competence across all advertised roles.
Commitment to Employment Equity and Inclusion
DFFE reiterated that it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to promoting representivity in terms of race, gender, and disability.
According to the department, preference may be given to candidates whose appointments will contribute toward improving demographic representation within the workforce.
The department also encouraged persons with disabilities to apply for the advertised positions.
This aligns with broader South African public service goals aimed at building a more inclusive and representative government workforce.
Important Application Requirements
The department has provided detailed instructions for applicants to ensure compliance with recruitment procedures.
All applications must include:
- A completed and signed new Z83 application form
- A detailed and updated curriculum vitae (CV)
Applicants submitting incomplete or incorrectly completed applications may face disqualification.
DFFE further stated that:
- Applications submitted as JPEG images or screenshots will not be accepted
- Online applications must combine the Z83 form and CV into one PDF document
- Applicants must quote the correct reference number and job title in their application
Candidates with foreign qualifications are required to obtain evaluation verification through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Screening and Vetting Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo comprehensive screening and verification procedures before appointment.
These checks may include:
- Criminal record checks
- Citizenship verification
- Creditworthiness assessments
- Employment reference checks
- Qualification verification
- Security vetting
For Senior Management Service (SMS) positions, candidates must also complete the compulsory Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme through the National School of Government.
In addition, shortlisted SMS candidates may be required to complete technical exercises and competency assessments.
Key Closing Dates for Applications
The department has announced varying closing dates depending on the position.
Important deadlines include:
- 25 May 2026 at 16:00
Senior management and Gough Island technical vacancies - 29 May 2026 at 16:00
EPWP project support positions - 1 June 2026 at 16:00
Administration and operations management posts - 2 June 2026 at 16:00
Administrative Officer positions
Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadlines to avoid last-minute submission issues.
Strengthening Environmental Governance Through Recruitment
The latest DFFE recruitment drive reflects the department’s continued focus on strengthening environmental governance, climate resilience, fisheries management, operational efficiency, and public employment support programmes.
For professionals seeking careers in government, environmental management, technical operations, administration, or public programme coordination, these vacancies provide an opportunity to contribute toward national development priorities while building meaningful public sector careers.
With opportunities available across multiple regions and specialties, the DFFE vacancies for 2026 are expected to attract significant interest from qualified South Africans seeking stable and impactful
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