DFFE Vacancies 2026: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Announces Multiple Employment Opportunities Across South Africa
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is recruiting for multiple vacancies across South Africa, including administrative, environmental, scientific, engineering and climate change positions. Explore the available opportunities and application requirements.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened applications for a wide range of vacancies across several branches of government, creating opportunities for professionals, administrators, scientists, engineers and environmental specialists seeking careers in the public sector.
As one of South Africa’s key government departments responsible for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate change management, forestry development and fisheries governance, the DFFE continues to play a critical role in promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship throughout the country. The department has advertised numerous positions across different provinces and operational divisions, offering employment opportunities for both experienced professionals and individuals seeking to contribute to environmental governance and public service.
A Wide Range of Career Opportunities
The latest recruitment drive reflects the department’s diverse mandate and includes vacancies across several specialised fields. Opportunities are available within branches such as Climate Change and Air Quality, Forestry Management, Fisheries Management, Corporate Management Services, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Programmes and the Office of the Director-General.
Among the advertised positions are environmental specialists, scientists, engineers, directors, deputy directors, administrative officers and support staff. The department is seeking skilled professionals who can contribute to policy implementation, environmental management, climate reporting, resource conservation and organisational development.
Several climate-related positions have attracted particular attention due to South Africa’s growing focus on climate adaptation and emissions management. These include Senior Specialist roles in Greenhouse Gas Reporting, Carbon Tax and Emissions Trading, and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry Inventory. These fixed-term contract positions are based in Pretoria and form part of the department’s Climate Change and Air Quality branch.
Opportunities in Environmental Science and Engineering
The DFFE is also recruiting technical experts in environmental science and engineering disciplines.
Available posts include:
- Environmental Officer Specialised Production: Licensing
- Production Engineer Grade A: Risk Assessment
- Production Engineer Grade A: Geotechnical Engineering
- Production Engineer Grade A: Civil Engineering
- Scientist Production Grade A: Geohydrology
These positions are based in Pretoria and focus on environmental regulation, technical assessments and sustainable resource management.
Such roles are ideal for professionals with backgrounds in environmental sciences, engineering, geohydrology and related technical disciplines who wish to contribute to South Africa’s environmental management objectives.
Administrative and Support Positions Available
For applicants seeking administrative opportunities, the department has advertised several support and operational positions.
One notable opportunity is the recruitment of Records Clerks across Pretoria, Nelspruit and Makhado. The department is filling three positions within Facilities and Administration Services, providing opportunities for candidates interested in records management and administrative support.
Additional administrative vacancies include:
- Senior Administrative Officer
- Office Administrator III
- Office Administrator II
- Provisioning Administrative Clerk
- Human Resource Officer
- House-Keeping Executive
These positions support the department’s operational effectiveness and contribute to the smooth delivery of public services.
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Leadership and Management Opportunities
Experienced professionals interested in senior leadership roles will find several management positions available.
The department is currently recruiting for:
- Director: Forestry Scientific and Technical Services
- Director: Management Accounting
- Director: Media Relations
- Deputy Director: International Coordination
- Deputy Director: Ethics and Fraud Prevention
- Deputy Director: Organisational Development
- Deputy Director: Performance Management
- Deputy Director: Forestry Transfer
These vacancies present opportunities for qualified professionals to influence policy implementation, organisational strategy and departmental operations at a senior level.
Specialised Forestry, Fisheries and Conservation Roles
The department continues to strengthen its scientific and conservation capacity through specialised recruitment.
Opportunities include:
- Scientific Production Scientist: Abalone
- Legal Administration Officer: Fisheries Policy and Rights Administration
- Non-Spatial Information Specialist
- Medical Orderly: Gough Island
- Control Environmental Officer Grade A: Adaptation Natural Resource Sectors
These roles support South Africa’s fisheries management, forestry development, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection objectives.
DFFE’s Commitment to Employment Equity
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has reiterated its commitment to employment equity and transformation.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the department seeks to promote representivity in terms of race, gender and disability through its recruitment processes. Preference may be given to candidates whose appointment contributes to achieving employment equity objectives, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a completed and signed new Z83 application form together with a detailed curriculum vitae. The department has indicated that applications submitted using outdated versions of the Z83 form may be disqualified.
Applications submitted electronically must include the Z83 form and CV as a single PDF document, with the relevant reference number clearly indicated. The department does not accept JPEG or image-based applications.
Candidates with foreign qualifications are responsible for obtaining evaluation and verification through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Shortlisted candidates may undergo security vetting, qualification verification, criminal record checks and other screening processes before appointment.
Closing Dates
The advertised vacancies have varying closing dates, ranging from late August to early September 2026. Many positions close on 31 August 2026, while others have deadlines extending to 7 September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific requirements and closing dates associated with their chosen position before submitting an application.
Why Consider a Career with DFFE?
Working for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment offers professionals an opportunity to contribute directly to South Africa’s environmental sustainability goals.
From climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation to forestry management and public administration, DFFE employees play an important role in shaping policies and programmes that impact communities, ecosystems and future generations.
For individuals passionate about environmental stewardship, public service and sustainable development, these vacancies represent an opportunity to build a meaningful and impactful career while contributing to national priorities.
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