About the Role
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a motivated and skilled Environmental Officer Specialized Production: Criminal to join their team in Pretoria. This essential role focuses on conducting criminal investigations into environmental offences, particularly those related to waste and pollution. The work you will do is vital for protecting South Africa’s natural resources and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, making a significant impact on the community and public service.
In this dynamic position, you will be at the forefront of addressing environmental crimes, which can have far-reaching consequences for public health and the environment. Your investigations will help uphold the law and promote sustainable practices within the community. If you are passionate about environmental protection and have a strong background in criminal investigations, this role is an excellent fit for you.
About the Department
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to ensuring the sustainable management and protection of South Africa’s natural resources. As a vital part of the public service, the department’s mission encompasses promoting environmental compliance, enforcing legislation, and engaging with various stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach to environmental governance. Working here means being part of a team that prioritizes the health of the planet while supporting the communities that depend on it.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct thorough investigations into environmental crimes, focusing on waste and pollution-related offences.
- Perform inspections and site investigations, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation.
- Collect and manage evidence, maintaining proper chain of custody procedures.
- Draft legal documents, including subpoenas, to support investigations.
- Register criminal cases with the South African Police Service and maintain accurate records.
- Prepare comprehensive reports and case dockets for submission to relevant prosecution authorities.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders, including national and provincial authorities, to strengthen environmental enforcement.
- Participate in multidisciplinary investigations and strategic projects aimed at enhancing environmental compliance.
What You’ll Need
- Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences/Management or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA.
- A minimum of three years’ experience in criminal investigations or a related investigative field.
- Proven ability to gather evidence, compile reports, and prepare case dockets for prosecution.
- Familiarity with environmental legislation and the criminal justice system is advantageous.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to work independently and in teams.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively.
How to Apply
Submit your application via post or hand-deliver to the Department of Basic Education as outlined below.
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Requirements
Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences/Management or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA coupled with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the criminal investigations or related investigative field.Applicants must have demonstrable experience in conducting criminal investigations, gathering and managing evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining affidavits and warning statements, compiling investigation reports and preparing case dockets for submission to prosecuting authorities.
Experience in the application of environmental legislation to cases of non- compliance and working within the criminal justice system will be advantageous.
Experience in conducting criminal investigations relating to environmental offences, particularly waste and pollution-related crimes, will serve as a strong recommendation.
Knowledge: Investigation best practice; environmental policies and legislation; environmental compliance and enforcement methodologies; criminal investigation processes; the Criminal Procedure Act; National Environmental Management Act (NEMA); constitutional law; administrative law; civil procedure; criminal procedure; environmental governance; evidence management and chain of custody requirements; the criminal justice system; and the integration of scientific and technical information into criminal investigations.
Sound knowledge of environmental crimes associated with waste management, pollution incidents, unlawful disposal of waste, contaminated land, industrial pollution and other environmental offences.
Skills and Competencies: Good written and verbal communication skills.
Strong investigative, analytical and evidence-gathering skills.
Ability to compile high-quality investigation reports and criminal case dockets.
Computer literacy and information management skills.
Ability to analyse complex information and apply legislation effectively.
Good interpersonal relations, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Honesty, integrity, objectivity, reliability and a strong sense of responsibility.
Ability to interact effectively with prosecutors, SAPS, environmental authorities, laboratories and other stakeholders.
Must have a valid driver's licence and be willing to travel extensively.
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Job Duties
Conduct criminal investigations into environmental offences, with a particular focus on waste and pollution-related crimes, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, NEMA and other applicable environmental legislation.Conduct inspections, site investigations and crime scene activities.
Collect, preserve and manage evidence, including environmental samples, and ensure proper chain of custody procedures are maintained.
Gather and analyse information and evidence relating to environmental crimes.
Obtain affidavits, warning statements and other evidentiary material.
Draft and serve subpoenas and other legal documents required during investigations.
Register criminal cases with the South African Police Service and maintain accurate records of investigations.
Capture and update information on departmental enforcement systems and prepare weekly and monthly reports.
Finalise investigations and compile comprehensive criminal case dockets, including investigation reports and charge sheets, for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions or Specialised Prosecution authorities for decision.
Manage criminal cases during the post-investigation phase, including consultation with prosecutors, witness preparation, attendance at court proceedings and provision of technical support during prosecutions.
Facilitate successful prosecution outcomes by responding to requests for further particulars, attending consultations and court proceedings, and providing evidence where required.
Participate in compliance and enforcement operations, multidisciplinary investigations and strategic projects aimed at addressing environmental non-compliance and environmental crime.
Assist with operational planning, implementation, reporting and capacity-building initiatives.
Co-operate and liaise with national, provincial and local government authorities, the National Prosecuting Authority, SAPS, Environmental Management Inspectors, laboratories and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental compliance and enforcement outcomes.
