Director: Oceans And Coasts Enforcement – Cape Town – Department Of Forestry, Fisheries And The Environment

Director: Oceans and Coasts Enforcement in Cape Town with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 19 October 2026
Closing Date 30 October 2026
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is looking for a dedicated professional to fill the role of Director: Oceans and Coasts Enforcement in the vibrant city of Cape Town. In this crucial position, you will lead initiatives that protect our marine and coastal environments by coordinating criminal investigations related to environmental transgressions. This role is vital for ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and fostering a sustainable future for our oceans and coasts, impacting both local communities and the broader public service in South Africa.

Working in Cape Town, you will not only enforce environmental laws but also engage with various stakeholders, ensuring that the community is aware of their responsibility towards ocean conservation. Your leadership will drive national projects and joint operations aimed at enhancing the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Management Act. This position allows you to make a real difference in preserving South Africa’s natural heritage while collaborating with passionate individuals dedicated to environmental protection.

About the Department

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment plays a pivotal role in managing and safeguarding South Africa’s natural resources. With a mandate to promote sustainable development, the department focuses on the protection of biodiversity, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the enforcement of environmental laws. Working here means being part of a mission that directly contributes to the wellbeing of both current and future generations, making your role impactful and meaningful.

What You’ll Do

  • Coordinate criminal investigations related to environmental transgressions concerning oceans and coasts.
  • Facilitate inspections and investigations to verify compliance with environmental legislation.
  • Lead joint operations and national projects aimed at improving enforcement activities.
  • Develop and conduct training programs for various law enforcement agencies.
  • Engage with stakeholders to promote awareness and compliance with ocean and coastal management laws.

What You’ll Need

  • An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in natural science, conservation, environmental science, environmental management, law, or a relevant field.
  • A minimum of five years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level in environmental management, focusing on enforcement activities.
  • Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG).
  • Strong knowledge of environmental and biodiversity policies, legislation, and relevant legal procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

An Undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in natural science/conservation / environmental science / environmental management or law or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.

A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at middle/senior managerial level within the environmental management space, primarily focusing on coordinating national enforcement activities and coordinating enforcement operations.

Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) must be submitted prior to appointment.

Functional experience and knowledge of enforcement processes and criminal justice system.

Knowledge: Environmental/ biodiversity policies, legislation, relevant international instruments, civil procedure, criminal procedure and processes, constitutional law and administrative law.

Audit procedures and risk management, Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts, Planning and performance management legislation, Skills & Competencies: Good written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to interact with and provide assistance to a wide range of stakeholders as well as an understanding of intergovernmental relations and co-operative governance.

Adequate skills in computer use, Adequate skills in respect of formal presentation and public speaking; Good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills, Relationship Management, Stakeholder engagement, Public Relations, Strategic Capability and Leadership, Performance Management, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation (SDI), Problem Solving and Analysis, People Management and Empowerment, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Ability to work individually and in a team, Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict, Sense of responsibility and loyalty, Objectiveness, Integrity, Service orientated, Self supervision, Highly developed sense of honesty, Protect the confidentiality of documents.

Must have a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

Job Duties

Coordinate criminal investigations in relation to environmental transgression related to oceans and coasts.

Enforce environmental legislation related to oceans and coasts through facilitation of inspections and investigations to verify environmental transgressions.

Coordinate joint operations and national projects.

Facilitate and undertake awareness and capacity development focused on compliance and enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Management Act and other legislation that applies within the ocean and coastal environment.

Plan and execute training for Prosecuting Authority, Justice and other Law Enforcement agencies.

Stakeholder Engagement and Co-operate with and liaise with enforcement stakeholders on matters relating to oceans and coasts enforcement activities at a national level, programmes and projects.

Salary

R1 317 384 per annum, (all-inclusive salary package)

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re-advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: Ms F Craige Tel No: (012) 399 9460 OTHER POSTS