Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment DFFE vacancies 2026 PDF official job advertisement.

Download PDF 28 | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026

Posted Date: 8 August 2026

Updated Date: 8 August 2026

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has advertised several government vacancies for qualified and experienced applicants in South Africa. Download PDF 28 | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026.  The latest DFFE vacancies include opportunities in forestry management, engineering, environmental management, information technology, fisheries policy, legal administration and records administration.

The vacancies include positions based in Pretoria, Cape Town, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and other locations specified in the official advertisement. Download PDF 28 | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026.

The closing date for the vacancies covered in this article is 24 August 2026.

The official vacancy advert requires applicants to follow the application instructions attached to each post. Depending on the vacancy, applications must be submitted through the DFFE online recruitment system or through the specific email address provided in the advert.

Download DFFE Vacancies 2026 PDF

You should read the complete official advertisement before submitting your application. The PDF contains the full requirements, duties, reference numbers, application instructions, contact details and closing date.

Download or view the official DFFE vacancies information through the department’s official vacancies page:

DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL DFFE VACANCIES PAGE:

The exact PDF supplied for this article contains 13 pages and covers Post 28/14 through Post 28/22. The official advert states 24 August 2026 as the closing date.

DFFE Vacancies 2026 Summary

Position Reference Number Location Salary Closing Date
Director: State Forest Management FOM71/2026 Limpopo / Mpumalanga R1,317,384 24 August 2026
Production Engineer Grade A: Geotechnical Engineer CWM05/2026 Pretoria R914,517 24 August 2026
Production Engineer Grade A: Civil Engineer CWM06/2026 Pretoria R914,517 24 August 2026
Production Engineer Grade A: Risk Assessment CWM04/2026 Pretoria R914,517 24 August 2026
Scientist Production Grade A: Geohydrology CWM07/2026 Pretoria R791,604 24 August 2026
Non-Spatial Information Specialist FOM70/2026 Pretoria R605,742 24 August 2026
Environmental Officer Specialised Production: Licensing CWM03/2026 Pretoria R518,769 24 August 2026
Legal Administration Officer (MR3): Fisheries Policy and Rights Administration FIM21/2026, X2 Cape Town R337,563 24 August 2026
Records Clerk: Facilities & Administration Services CMS22/2026, CMS23/2026, CMS24/2026 Pretoria, Nelspruit, Makhado R237,453 24 August 2026

The salary figures and vacancy details above come directly from the supplied DFFE advertisement.

Table of Contents

  1. About the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
  2. Why These DFFE Jobs Are Worth Applying For
  3. Complete List of Advertised Vacancies
  4. Detailed DFFE Vacancy Information
  5. Salary and Benefits
  6. Who Each Position Suits
  7. Required Documents
  8. Step-by-Step Application Process
  9. How to Prepare a Strong Z83 Application
  10. Common Application Mistakes
  11. Reasons DFFE Applications Get Rejected
  12. Selection Process
  13. Interview Preparation
  14. Career Growth Opportunities
  15. Official PDF and Application Links
  16. Related Government Vacancies
  17. Frequently Asked Questions
  18. About the Author
  19. Disclaimer

About the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, known as DFFE, manages, protects and conserves South Africa’s environment and natural resources.

The department’s official overview identifies Forestry Management and Fisheries Management as two of its programmes. Forestry Management focuses on sustainable production of state forests, transformation within the forestry sector and sustainable management of indigenous forests. Fisheries Management focuses on sustainable utilisation and orderly access to marine and freshwater living resources.

The department also works across environmental management, biodiversity and conservation, oceans and coasts, climate change, chemicals and waste management, environmental programmes, forestry and fisheries.

DFFE’s legal mandate is linked to Section 24 of the Constitution, which provides for environmental protection for present and future generations.

Why These DFFE Jobs Are Worth Applying For

These vacancies cover several professional fields, giving applicants with different qualifications an opportunity to work within the national environmental sector.

The advertised positions include:

  • Forestry management
  • Engineering
  • Waste management
  • Environmental science
  • Geohydrology
  • Information technology
  • Fisheries law and policy
  • Records administration

The salary range in this advertisement starts at R237,453 per year for the Records Clerk posts and reaches R1,317,384 per year for the Director: State Forest Management post.

Applicants should focus on the requirements for the individual position rather than applying because of the salary alone.

Complete List of Advertised DFFE Vacancies

1. Director: State Forest Management

Reference Number: FOM71/2026

Salary: R1,317,384 per annum, all-inclusive annual salary package

Location: Limpopo / Mpumalanga

The Director: State Forest Management position requires an undergraduate qualification in Forestry or Natural Resource Management at NQF Level 7, or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification.

Applicants need at least five years of experience in Commercial Forestry or a related field at middle or senior management level.

The advert also requires successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government before appointment.

Applicants shortlisted for the position will undergo pre-entry assessments. These include a practical exercise and an integrity assessment.

Duties

The successful candidate will:

  • Manage state-owned plantations.
  • Implement annual plantation operational plans.
  • Manage state forests, personnel and associated assets.
  • Develop and implement fire management plans.
  • Support sustainable forest management.
  • Manage audit risk interventions.
  • Conduct stakeholder liaison.
  • Support state forest land administration.
  • Support state forest land transfer programmes.
  • Plan and initiate EPWP activities supporting commercial forestry operations.

Who this position suits

This position suits an experienced forestry manager with strong knowledge of commercial forestry, forest management, public-sector legislation, financial management, project management and stakeholder relations.

A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are required.

2. Production Engineer Grade A: Geotechnical Engineer

Reference Number: CWM05/2026

Salary: R914,517 per annum

Location: Pretoria

Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification, plus three years of post-qualification experience in a related field.

Professional registration with ECSA is compulsory.

The position focuses on geotechnical information and engineering designs associated with waste management licensing.

Duties

The successful applicant will review geotechnical information, engineering drawings and designs connected to waste management licence applications.

The work also includes developing methodologies and procedures, supporting assessments of licensed sites, reviewing geotechnical studies, supporting engineering standards and developing guidelines linked to climate change studies.

Who this position suits

This position suits a registered engineer with experience in geotechnical engineering, waste management, infrastructure design or related environmental engineering work.

3. Production Engineer Grade A: Civil Engineer

Reference Number: CWM06/2026

Salary: R914,517 per annum

Location: Pretoria

Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a relevant qualification recognised by SAQA and three years of post-qualification experience in hydraulic, environmental engineering or geotechnical engineering.

ECSA professional registration is compulsory.

Duties

The role involves reviewing engineering drawings and designs for waste management licence applications, variations and Section 24G applications.

The successful candidate will also review construction quality assurance reports, construction completion reports and alternative materials used in waste facilities.

The position includes technical research and development of engineering guidelines.

Who this position suits

This vacancy suits civil or environmental engineers with professional registration and experience involving infrastructure design, waste management or related engineering functions.

4. Production Engineer Grade A: Risk Assessment

Reference Number: CWM04/2026

Salary: R914,517 per annum

Location: Pretoria

Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a relevant qualification recognised by SAQA, plus three years of post-qualification experience in hydraulic, environmental engineering or geotechnical engineering.

ECSA registration is compulsory.

The position requires knowledge of quantitative and qualitative risk assessment, waste characterisation, risk profiling and beneficial use of waste.

Duties

The successful applicant will review risk assessment reports and risk management plans.

The position also involves developing thresholds for waste materials, maintaining databases relating to beneficial use, developing assessment tools and supporting research into products derived from waste.

The role includes developing standards and procedures for safe handling, storage and use of waste materials.

Who this position suits

This role suits engineers with strong analytical skills and experience in environmental risk, waste management, chemical engineering or related technical fields.

5. Scientist Production Grade A: Geohydrology

Reference Number: CWM07/2026

Salary: R791,604 per annum

Location: Pretoria

Applicants need a Bachelor’s of Science Honours degree recognised by SAQA, plus three years of post-qualification experience in natural science.

Professional registration with SACNASP is compulsory.

The vacancy focuses on geohydrological information linked to waste management applications and environmental assessments.

Duties

The role includes reviewing geohydrological information, developing methodologies and procedures, analysing geohydrological studies and supporting assessments of licensed sites.

The successful applicant will also review climate change geohydrology and climate change studies accompanying waste licence applications.

Who this position suits

This vacancy suits natural scientists with an Honours-level qualification, professional registration and experience in geohydrology, environmental science or related natural science work.

6. Non-Spatial Information Specialist

Reference Number: FOM70/2026

Salary: R605,742 per annum

Location: Pretoria

This is a re-advertised position. Applicants who previously applied are required to reapply.

Applicants need a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Information Technology or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification.

At least three years of experience in application and systems development or related work is required.

Duties

The successful applicant will work with business applications, technical specifications, system integration, application interfaces and automated statistical reporting.

The role also involves system fault resolution, user access administration, security controls, database management, data migration, backup planning and collaboration with GIS teams.

Staff supervision and technical guidance also form part of the duties.

Who this position suits

This position suits an IT professional with experience in application development, systems analysis, databases, business requirements, data management and application support.

7. Environmental Officer Specialised Production: Licensing

Reference Number: CWM03/2026

Salary: R518,769 per annum

Location: Pretoria

Applicants need an appropriate Honours degree at NQF Level 8 in Natural or Environmental Sciences, or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification.

Three years of experience in the relevant field is required.

Duties

The position involves processing and managing waste management licences, registrations and exclusion authorisations.

The successful applicant will screen applications, maintain records, support standard operating procedures, manage schedules for reviews and meetings, and develop tracking tools for waste applications.

Who this position suits

This position suits environmental science professionals with experience in environmental licensing, waste management, environmental policy or regulatory administration.

8. Legal Administration Officer (MR3): Fisheries Policy and Rights Administration

Reference Number: FIM21/2026

Number of Posts: 2

Salary: R337,563 per annum, OSD

Location: Cape Town, Foretrust Building

Applicants need an LLB degree or relevant equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.

Two years of appropriate post-qualification legal experience is required.

The position requires knowledge of fisheries legislation, administrative law, constitutional law, legal drafting, dispute resolution and case-flow management.

Duties

The successful applicants will process fishing rights transfer applications under Section 21 of the Marine Living Resources Act.

The work includes legal research, drafting reports, providing legal guidance to stakeholders, supporting fisheries policy development and participating in stakeholder consultation processes.

The position also provides legal support during the Fishing Rights Allocation process and supports policy development involving relevant fisheries structures.

Who this position suits

This position suits legal professionals interested in fisheries law, administrative law, public-sector policy, marine resources and regulatory work.

9. Records Clerk: Facilities & Administration Services

Number of Posts: 3

Salary: R237,453 per annum

Locations:

Pretoria, Reference CMS22/2026

Nelspruit, Reference CMS23/2026

Makhado, Reference CMS24/2026

Applicants need a Grade 12 Certificate.

A post-matric qualification and records clerk experience provide an advantage.

Knowledge of document management, registry processes, filing administration and computer packages is required.

Duties

The successful applicants will manage incoming files, open files, close employee files, update control sheets and administer incoming and outgoing mail.

Other duties include registering courier items, managing outgoing files, administering file disposal and transfer, receiving archival documents and preparing lists of files with archival value.

Who this position suits

This vacancy suits Grade 12 applicants who want to build a career in government administration, records management, registry services and office support.

Understanding the Qualifications in Plain Language

Applicants often see terms such as NQF 6, NQF 7, NQF 8, SAQA and post-qualification experience in government vacancies.

NQF Level 6 generally refers to qualifications such as a National Diploma.

NQF Level 7 includes many Bachelor’s degrees and related qualifications.

NQF Level 8 includes Honours degrees and certain postgraduate qualifications.

Post-qualification experience means experience gained after obtaining the required qualification.

SAQA recognition becomes important when your qualification comes from outside South Africa. The DFFE advert places responsibility on applicants to have foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA.

Professional registration also matters for certain positions. For example, the engineering positions require ECSA registration, while the Geohydrology position requires SACNASP registration.

Salary and Benefits

The advertised annual salaries are:

R1,317,384 for Director: State Forest Management.

R914,517 for each Production Engineer Grade A position.

R791,604 for Scientist Production Grade A: Geohydrology.

R605,742 for Non-Spatial Information Specialist.

R518,769 for Environmental Officer Specialised Production: Licensing.

R337,563 for Legal Administration Officer MR3.

R237,453 for Records Clerk.

The Director salary is described as an all-inclusive annual salary package. The Legal Administration Officer salary is listed under OSD.

The advertisement does not provide a complete employee benefits schedule for every position. Applicants should rely on the official appointment conditions and relevant public service employment rules for benefit information.

Work Locations

The vacancies in this advert are spread across several locations.

Pretoria has most of the advertised positions, including engineering, geohydrology, IT, environmental licensing and records administration.

Cape Town hosts the Fisheries Policy and Rights Administration posts at the Foretrust Building.

The Director: State Forest Management post is based in Limpopo or Mpumalanga.

Records Clerk positions are available in Pretoria, Nelspruit and Makhado.

Applicants should check the centre listed against the reference number before applying.

Required Documents

For the email-based applications in the advertisement, applicants must submit a new signed Z83 form together with a recent detailed CV.

The advert states that online application attachments must contain the Z83 and CV only, in PDF format and as one document or attachment.

Applicants must use the correct job title and reference number in the email subject line.

JPEG or picture-based applications will not be accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will later be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and driver’s licences where applicable.

For online applications through the DFFE recruitment system, applicants must complete the online Z83 and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.

Step-by-Step DFFE Application Process

Step 1: Identify the correct vacancy

Choose a position matching your qualification, experience and professional registration.

Step 2: Record the reference number

Write down the correct reference number before starting the application.

Step 3: Check the application method

Some positions in this advert require applications through the DFFE online recruitment system.

Other positions provide a specific DFFE email address.

Step 4: Complete the new Z83

Use the current signed Z83 form required by the department.

Step 5: Prepare your CV

Use a detailed CV containing your qualifications, work experience, responsibilities, skills and contactable references where the online advert requires them.

Step 6: Combine documents where required

For the email applications, the advert requires the Z83 and CV in PDF format as one document or attachment.

Step 7: Use the correct reference number

Place the correct job title and reference number in the email subject line when applying by email.

Step 8: Submit before the deadline

The closing date is 24 August 2026.

Step 9: Keep proof of submission

Save your submitted application, confirmation message or email record for your records.

Step 10: Prepare for screening

Shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting.

The DFFE states that screening could include criminal record checks, citizenship verification, creditworthiness, previous employment references and qualification verification.

How to Prepare a Strong Z83 Application

A strong Z83 application starts with accurate information.

Check your full name, identity details, contact information, employment history and qualifications before submitting.

Make sure your CV supports the information provided on the Z83.

For professional posts, highlight experience directly related to the advertised responsibilities.

For example, an engineering applicant should clearly show engineering projects, registration status and relevant waste or infrastructure experience.

A legal applicant should show legal research, drafting, administrative law, fisheries law or related experience.

An IT applicant should identify application development, databases, systems integration and technical support experience.

A Records Clerk applicant should highlight records management, filing, registry, administration and computer skills.

Avoid copying large sections of the vacancy advertisement into your CV. Instead, show your own experience using specific responsibilities and results.

Common Application Mistakes

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

  • Using an outdated Z83 form.
  • Forgetting to sign the Z83.
  • Leaving required Z83 sections incomplete.
  • Using the wrong reference number.
  • Applying for the wrong position.
  • Sending the application to the wrong email address.
  • Attaching files in the wrong format.
  • Sending JPEG or screenshot applications where PDF is required.
  • Submitting several separate attachments when one PDF is required.
  • Omitting required professional registration.
  • Failing to disclose relevant information.
  • Applying after the closing date.
  • Using a CV with no relevant employment information.
  • Providing qualifications without supporting experience.
  • Failing to arrange SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications where required.

The DFFE advert specifically states that failure to complete or disclose required information for online applications leads to automatic disqualification.

Reasons DFFE Applications Get Rejected

An application could fail before an interview if the applicant does not meet the advertised minimum requirements.

Other issues include incomplete application forms, incorrect reference numbers, incorrect application channels, missing signatures, incorrect attachments and late submission.

For some vacancies, professional registration is compulsory. An applicant without the required registration does not meet the stated requirement.

The department also performs screening and qualification verification for shortlisted applicants.

Selection Process

The DFFE selection process differs according to the level and nature of the position.

Shortlisted applicants undergo screening and security vetting.

For SMS positions, the advert requires additional pre-entry assessments. These include a practical exercise and an integrity assessment.

SMS candidates also undergo a technical exercise and interview. The advert states that a maximum of three SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments following the technical exercise and interview.

Applicants should therefore prepare for more than a standard interview when applying for senior management positions.

Interview Preparation Guidance

Research the responsibilities of the position before the interview.

For forestry positions, revise forestry legislation, sustainable forest management, plantation management, fire management and stakeholder management.

For engineering positions, review waste management legislation, engineering standards, technical assessments and the type of engineering work listed in the advertisement.

For environmental licensing positions, revise environmental legislation, licensing processes, waste management regulations and application assessment.

For fisheries legal positions, review fisheries legislation, administrative law, legal drafting and fishing rights processes.

For IT positions, prepare examples involving application development, database management, systems integration, security controls and problem resolution.

For Records Clerk positions, prepare examples involving filing systems, document control, mail administration and records management.

Use specific examples when answering competency-based questions. Explain the situation, your responsibility, the action you took and the result.

Career Growth Opportunities

The advertised positions cover different career stages.

The Records Clerk position provides an entry point for applicants with Grade 12 who want to build experience in public-sector records and administration.

Professional posts such as Environmental Officer, Scientist and Engineer provide opportunities for specialists to develop technical expertise within government.

The Non-Spatial Information Specialist position offers an IT-focused route involving applications, databases, systems integration and data management.

The Legal Administration Officer role provides experience in fisheries law, policy development and regulatory administration.

The Director: State Forest Management role represents a senior management career path for experienced forestry professionals.

Career progression depends on qualifications, performance, experience, available posts and departmental requirements.

Official Application Links

For online applications listed in the advert, use the official DFFE recruitment system:

DFFE Online Recruitment System

The official DFFE vacancies page provides current vacancy information and application guidance:

Official DFFE Vacancies Page

The DFFE confirms that instructions in the specific PDF advert take priority if they differ from general guidance on the vacancies webpage.

For email-based applications, use the email address listed against the specific vacancy in the official advertisement.

Examples from this advert include:

FOM71-2026@dffe.gov.za

FOM70-2026@dffe.gov.za

FIM21-2026@dffe.gov.za

Applicants should not send an application to an email address belonging to another vacancy.

Official PDF Download

The official DFFE vacancies page is the safest starting point for locating the department’s published vacancy documents.

Open the official DFFE vacancies page

The supplied PDF used for this article contains the advertised posts and application instructions. The uploaded source does not provide a direct public URL for the exact PDF file, so a direct PDF URL should not be invented.

If you upload the official DFFE PDF to your WordPress Media Library, use the WordPress media URL for your main “Download PDF” button.

Related Department Vacancies

Applicants interested in environmental, natural resource, forestry and public-sector careers should also monitor related government departments and public entities.

Relevant areas include:

Department of Agriculture

Department of Water and Sanitation

Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources

Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

You should check the official vacancy source for each department before applying.

Related DPSA Circular Vacancies

For more South African public service vacancies, applicants should also check the latest DPSA Vacancy Circular information and department-specific vacancy pages.

DPSACircular.co.za publishes independent job information to help applicants understand vacancy requirements, application procedures, closing dates and required documents.

Continue exploring government career opportunities on DPSACircular.co.za:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the closing date for the DFFE vacancies?

The closing date stated in the supplied DFFE advertisement is 24 August 2026.

2. Where is the Director: State Forest Management position based?

The position is based in Limpopo or Mpumalanga.

3. What is the salary for Director: State Forest Management?

The advertised salary is R1,317,384 per annum as an all-inclusive annual salary package.

4. What qualification is required for Director: State Forest Management?

Applicants need an undergraduate qualification in Forestry, Natural Resource Management or a relevant qualification at NQF Level 7 recognised by SAQA.

5. How much experience is required for the Director position?

The advert requires at least five years of experience in Commercial Forestry or a related field at middle or senior management level.

6. How many Production Engineer positions are advertised?

The advert lists three Production Engineer Grade A positions, covering Geotechnical Engineer, Civil Engineer and Risk Assessment.

7. What is the salary for the Production Engineer posts?

Each Production Engineer Grade A position carries a salary of R914,517 per annum.

8. Is ECSA registration required for the engineering positions?

Yes. The three advertised Production Engineer positions require professional registration with ECSA.

9. What qualification is required for the Geohydrology position?

Applicants need a Bachelor of Science Honours degree recognised by SAQA and three years of post-qualification natural science experience. SACNASP professional registration is compulsory.

10. Is the Non-Spatial Information Specialist vacancy a re-advertisement?

Yes. The advert states that applicants who previously applied need to reapply.

11. What qualification is required for the Non-Spatial Information Specialist?

The position requires a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Information Technology or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification, plus at least three years of relevant experience.

12. How many Legal Administration Officer posts are available?

Two Legal Administration Officer MR3 posts are advertised under reference FIM21/2026.

13. What qualification is required for the Legal Administration Officer?

Applicants need an LLB degree or relevant equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA, plus two years of appropriate post-qualification legal experience.

14. Where are the Legal Administration Officer positions based?

The positions are based in Cape Town at the Foretrust Building.

15. How many Records Clerk posts are advertised?

Three Records Clerk posts are advertised. They are based in Pretoria, Nelspruit and Makhado.

16. What qualification is required for the Records Clerk posts?

Applicants need a Grade 12 Certificate. A post-matric qualification and records clerk experience provide an added advantage.

17. What documents should I submit?

The advertisement requires a new signed Z83 and a recent detailed CV for the relevant email-based applications. Online applications require the completed online Z83 and detailed CV.

18. Will shortlisted applicants need certified documents?

Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and driver’s licences on or before the interview where required.

19. Does DFFE conduct security vetting?

Yes. The advertisement states that shortlisted candidates undergo screening and security vetting, including checks involving criminal records, citizenship, creditworthiness, previous employment and qualification verification.

20. What happens if I am not contacted after applying?

The DFFE advertisement states that applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should accept that their application was unsuccessful.

About the Author

Godwin Samuel is the writer and publisher behind DPSACircular.co.za. He has more than eight years of experience researching employment information, recruitment guidance and job opportunities.

His work focuses on helping South African job seekers understand public-sector vacancies, application requirements, salary information, closing dates and recruitment procedures.

DPSACircular.co.za provides independent job information and application guidance. The website does not recruit applicants or make employment decisions.

Disclaimer

DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website. The website is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the South African Government, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment or any other government department.

DPSACircular.co.za does not accept job applications and does not participate in recruitment decisions.

Applicants should always verify vacancy details, closing dates, requirements and application instructions against the official government advertisement before submitting an application.

The official DFFE advertisement remains the primary source for the vacancies covered in this article.

 


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Godwin Samuel, founder of DPSACircular.co.za, an independent South African job information website.
Godwin Samuel, founder and publisher of DPSACircular.co.za, an independent website that publishes South African government job information, career guides, internships, learnerships, and bursary updates.