Department Of Forestry, Fisheries And The Environment

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Vacancies in South Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is one of South Africa’s most important and consistently active government employers. It recruits professionals, graduates, and skilled artisans every year across all nine provinces. Furthermore, with over 460 active vacancies currently listed on Jobs South Africa, the DFFE ranks among the largest sources of government jobs in the country in 2026.

Whether you work in environmental science, public administration, marine biology, or supply chain management, the DFFE offers meaningful, stable careers that directly protect South Africa’s natural resources for future generations.

What Does the DFFE Do?

The DFFE carries a clear constitutional mandate. It manages, protects, and conserves South Africa’s environment and natural resources in line with Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). As a result, the department touches nearly every aspect of South Africa’s ecological future — from its forests and fisheries to its coastlines, air quality, and climate change response.

The department operates across five core focus areas. These are biodiversity and conservation, oceans and coasts, climate change and air quality, chemicals and waste management, and forestry and natural resources management. Additionally, the DFFE leads South Africa’s participation in international environmental agreements and United Nations climate negotiations such as COP.

What Kinds of Jobs Does the DFFE Advertise?

DFFE vacancies cover an exceptionally wide range of disciplines. In addition to scientific and technical roles, the department regularly recruits administrative, finance, legal, and communications professionals. The most commonly advertised positions include:

• Environmental Scientists and Researchers — Specialists in biodiversity, ecosystem management, climate change, and environmental impact assessment. Many senior roles require registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and a minimum NQF Level 7 qualification
• Marine and Coastal Scientists — The DFFE’s Oceans and Coasts branch recruits marine biologists, estuarine scientists, and coastal management officers. Senior positions such as Editor of the African Journal of Marine Science require a PhD in Marine Science and SACNASP registration
• Forestry professionals — Forest managers, Silviculture Officers, Forestry Mensuration specialists, and research coordinators manage South Africa’s commercial and indigenous forests across provinces like Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Western Cape
• Fisheries management officers — These professionals oversee sustainable marine and inland fisheries, manage compliance, and monitor fishing activity along South Africa’s extensive coastline
• Environmental Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) roles — Deputy Directors and Project Coordinators manage large-scale green infrastructure programmes in provinces including the North West and Gauteng. These roles carry salaries of up to R1 million per year
• Supply Chain and Finance — Supply Chain Officers (NQF Level 6 in Supply Chain Management required), Finance Officers, and Accounting Clerks support departmental operations at salary levels from Level 7 upward
• Administration and HR — Administrative Clerks, Assistant Directors in Collective Bargaining and Employee Relations, and HR practitioners support the DFFE’s people management functions across its national and regional offices
• Internships and graduate programmes — The DFFE runs a structured 24-month internship programme offering a monthly stipend of R7,860.50. Internship disciplines include forestry management, communications, journalism, environmental studies, and public relations

Where Are DFFE Vacancies Located?

The DFFE posts vacancies across all nine provinces. However, Gauteng (Pretoria), the Western Cape (Cape Town), KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and the North West are consistently the most active regions. Moreover, the department maintains two primary application centres — one in Pretoria at Environment House, Arcadia, and one in Cape Town at 14 Loop Street.

Applicants should always check the specific regional address listed in each vacancy advertisement, as Pretoria-based and Cape Town-based posts use different postal and hand-delivery addresses.

How Do You Apply for DFFE Vacancies?

All applications require a completed Z83 application form and a concise CV combined into a single PDF document. Additionally, the DFFE accepts email applications — however, JPEG or image-format applications are not accepted under any circumstances.

Before submitting your application, keep these critical points in mind:

• Attach your Z83 form and CV as one combined PDF — separate attachments lead to automatic disqualification
• Always quote the correct job title and reference number in the subject line of your email
• Submit a separate application for each post you wish to apply for
• Foreign qualifications must carry a valid SAQA evaluation certificate
• Senior Management Service (SMS) shortlisted candidates undergo a technical exercise, a generic managerial competency assessment, and a security clearance check before appointment
• Shortlisted candidates at all levels must undergo criminal record, credit, and reference checks
• If the DFFE does not contact you within three months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful

Why Should You Apply for Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment Vacancies in 2026?

A career at the DFFE offers far more than job security. In addition to competitive government salaries, employees contribute daily to protecting South Africa’s oceans, forests, air quality, and biodiversity. Therefore, this department attracts professionals who want their work to leave a lasting positive impact on the country and the planet.

Furthermore, the DFFE actively promotes employment equity and strongly encourages applications from women, youth, and people with disabilities at every level. Candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds receive preference in line with the department’s equity plan.

With over 460 active DFFE vacancies listed on Jobs South Africa right now — and new positions added with every Public Service Vacancy Circular — 2026 is an outstanding year to launch or advance your environmental career. Bookmark this page and check back daily so you never miss a new opportunity.