Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Hiring 15 Environmental, Forestry and Administrative Professionals Across South Africa
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is recruiting for 15 positions in Pretoria, Gqeberha, and Cape Town. Opportunities are available in forestry, environmental management, administration, biodiversity conservation, and scientific services. Applications close on 14 September 2026 at 16:00.
DFFE Opens New Career Opportunities in Forestry, Environmental Management and Administration
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has announced multiple employment opportunities for qualified professionals looking to contribute to South Africa’s environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. The department is currently recruiting for 15 positions across various specialist and administrative disciplines, with opportunities available in Pretoria, Gqeberha, and Cape Town.
As one of South Africa’s key government departments responsible for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, forestry management, and climate-related initiatives, DFFE plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainable use and preservation of the country’s natural resources. These vacancies provide an excellent opportunity for professionals who are passionate about environmental stewardship and public service.
The department is seeking experienced candidates across a diverse range of fields, including environmental management, forestry science, biodiversity conservation, administration, scientific research, and performance management.
About the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is tasked with safeguarding South Africa’s environmental assets while promoting sustainable economic development. Through its various programmes and initiatives, the department works to protect ecosystems, manage forests, conserve biodiversity, regulate environmental compliance, and support climate resilience strategies.
Working within the department offers professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to national environmental goals while developing valuable experience in the public sector. Employees are exposed to policy development, environmental governance, scientific research, and conservation programmes that have a lasting impact on communities and ecosystems across South Africa.
Available Vacancies
The department has advertised the following positions:
1. Project Manager: Global Environment Facility
This role focuses on managing projects funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), ensuring successful implementation of environmental and conservation initiatives while coordinating stakeholders and project outcomes.
2. Deputy Director: Information and Knowledge Management
The successful candidate will oversee information systems, knowledge-sharing strategies, records management, and organizational learning initiatives within the department.
3. Assistant Director: Stakeholder Management
This position involves coordinating engagement with external stakeholders, communities, government entities, and strategic partners involved in environmental programmes.
4. Assistant Director: Performance Management
An opportunity for professionals experienced in monitoring organizational performance, implementing performance frameworks, and supporting strategic planning activities.
5. Assistant Director: Administration
This administrative leadership role focuses on ensuring effective operational support, compliance, and office management within the department.
6. Senior Forester
Forestry professionals with extensive experience in forest management, conservation, and sustainable forestry practices are encouraged to apply.
7. Scientific Technician Production
This technical position supports scientific operations and environmental research activities within the department’s specialized programmes.
8. Database Administrator
The department is seeking an experienced database professional to manage and maintain critical information systems and data infrastructure.
9. Scientific Technician Production (Environmental Monitoring Research)
This role supports environmental monitoring initiatives, data collection, analysis, and research activities aimed at supporting evidence-based environmental management.
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10. Deputy Director
A senior management opportunity for experienced professionals capable of providing strategic leadership and programme oversight.
11. Security Officer
The department is also recruiting a security professional to assist in maintaining safety and security at departmental facilities.
12. Forestry Services Aid
An entry-level opportunity supporting forestry operations, conservation activities, and field-based environmental programmes.
Locations of the Vacancies
The available opportunities are spread across three major South African cities:
- Pretoria
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Cape Town
These locations serve as important operational hubs for the department’s national and regional programmes, offering employees exposure to diverse environmental projects and conservation initiatives.
Why Consider a Career with DFFE?
Working for DFFE offers much more than a traditional government job. Employees become part of a national effort to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Benefits of working within the department include:
- Meaningful contribution to environmental conservation
- Opportunities to influence environmental policy and governance
- Exposure to national and international environmental programmes
- Professional development and public sector career growth
- Participation in biodiversity and climate-related initiatives
- Opportunities to work alongside environmental experts and scientists
For professionals passionate about sustainability, conservation, and environmental management, these positions offer the chance to build rewarding careers while making a positive impact on South Africa’s future.
Ideal Candidates
The advertised positions may appeal to:
- Environmental scientists
- Forestry specialists
- Biodiversity conservation professionals
- Project managers
- Researchers and scientific technicians
- Information management specialists
- Database administrators
- Administrative professionals
- Public sector practitioners
- Security professionals
Applicants should ensure that they meet the specific qualification and experience requirements listed for their preferred position before submitting an application.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates should note that applications close on 14 September 2026 at 16:00. The department has indicated that no late applications will be accepted, making it important for applicants to submit their documents well before the deadline.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare comprehensive applications, including an updated curriculum vitae, certified qualifications, and any supporting documentation required by the department.
Final Thoughts
The latest recruitment drive by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment presents a valuable opportunity for professionals who want to contribute to environmental sustainability and conservation in South Africa. With positions spanning management, scientific, technical, administrative, and forestry disciplines, the vacancies cater to a broad range of skills and experience levels.
For individuals seeking a meaningful career in environmental governance and natural resource management, these opportunities offer a pathway to work on initiatives that help protect South Africa’s biodiversity, forests, and environmental future while advancing their professional careers in the public sector.
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