About the Role
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated Biodiversity Officer Specialised Production: Biosecurity to join their team in Cape Town. This vital role is centered around ensuring compliance with biodiversity-related legislation, which is crucial for protecting South Africa’s rich natural heritage. As a Biodiversity Officer, you will play a significant part in safeguarding our ecosystems, making a real difference in the community by contributing to the enforcement of laws that govern biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
In this role, you will conduct criminal investigations, manage crime scenes, and work closely with various stakeholders including prosecutors and police to address biodiversity enforcement issues. Your expertise will not only help in prosecuting offenders but also in developing and implementing national policies and strategies that enhance the protection of our environment. This position represents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of South Africa’s public service, ensuring that biodiversity is preserved for future generations.
About the Department
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to promoting sustainable development and the responsible use of natural resources. It focuses on protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and ensuring that all South Africans have access to a healthy environment. Working here means you are part of a mission that not only impacts the environment but also enhances the quality of life for communities across the nation.
As a member of this department, you will engage in meaningful work that contributes to the preservation of South Africa’s natural resources. The department plays a crucial role in policy formulation and the enforcement of environmental regulations that are vital for the country’s ecological integrity and sustainability.
What You’ll Do
- Enforce biodiversity-related legislation and regulations.
- Coordinate enforcement operations and manage criminal investigations.
- Collaborate with stakeholders on biodiversity enforcement activities.
- Consult with law enforcement and legal professionals regarding cases.
- Implement the National Compliance and Enforcement Information System.
- Develop and facilitate the execution of national biodiversity policies and strategies.
- Provide strategic enforcement support to Environmental Management Inspectors.
- Participate in inter-departmental forums related to policy reform.
What You’ll Need
- An Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences or a relevant qualification.
- A minimum of three years’ experience in a related field.
- Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and its regulations.
- Familiarity with criminal procedures and law enforcement processes.
- Experience in conducting criminal investigations related to biodiversity.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficient computer skills and a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
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Requirements
Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA coupled with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the relevant field.Knowledge and experience in criminal and administrative enforcement.
Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No.
10 of 2004) (NEMBA), its associated subordinate legislation, and other relevant acts that deal with biodiversity matters.
Knowledge and relevant experience in criminal procedures including the Criminal Procedures Act, court processes and 30 document management.
Knowledge of relevant legal processes.
Knowledge and experience in criminal investigations and processes, in particular but not limited to alien and invasive species, threatened or protected species and applicable MEA’s such as CITES and the CBD.
Knowledge of administrative procedures.
Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No.
10 of 2004) (NEMBA), and its associated subordinate legislation, or experience in a law environment.
Knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No.
107 of 1998) (NEMA) and other acts affecting biodiversity.
A Certificate in Environmental Management Inspector will be an added advantage.
Advanced skills in policy formulation.
Negotiation skills.
Good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills.
Stakeholder engagement skills.
Presentation skills.
Ability to work under extreme pressure.
Ability to work under pressure, willingness to travel.
Computer literacy.
A valid driver’s licence.
Job Duties
Ensure enforcement of Biodiversity related legislations.Coordinate enforcement operations.
Do criminal investigations, crime scene management and open criminal cases to prosecute offenders, Co-operate and liaise with enforcement stakeholders on matters relating to Biodiversity enforcement activities, programmes and projects.
Consult with prosecutors, police and all other stakeholders regarding criminal investigations.
Follow and implement the National Compliance and Enforcement Information system.
Develop and facilitate the implementation of national policies, strategies and programmes relating to the enforcement of the TOPS, CITES, AIS and BABS regulations.
Provide strategic enforcement support to EMI’s.
Participate in inter- departmental forums and processes regarding policy and legislative reform.
