DFFE Vacancies: DPSA Circular 32 of 2026 | Application Guide

Published: 4 September 2026
Last checked: 4 September 2026
Closing date: 21 September 2026 at 16:00
Advertisement status: Open / Active
Employer: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Circular: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 32 of 2026
Employment type: Public Service / Government employment
Application method: Online application
Application portal: DFFE e-Recruitment
Salary range: R144,024 – R1,570,212 per annum
Number of advertised post categories: 16
Total advertised positions where multiple posts are counted: 21

Important: This article is an independent summary and application guide. Applicants should always check the official vacancy advertisement before submitting an application. The official advertisement remains the final source for the exact requirements, duties, reference numbers and application instructions.

Download DPSA Circular 32 of 2026 – DFFE Vacancies

[DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL DFFE VACANCY PDF]

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment vacancy advertisement in DPSA Circular 32 of 2026 contains opportunities ranging from entry-level administration and forestry support positions to specialist environmental, forestry, fisheries and scientific positions.

The advertised salaries range from R144,024 to R1,570,212 per annum, depending on the position and qualification or experience requirements.

Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s e-Recruitment system. The closing date stated in the supplied advertisement is 21 September 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.

The advertisement also states that applicants must complete the online Z83 application and attach a detailed CV containing at least three contactable references. Incomplete applications or applications where required information has not been disclosed may be automatically disqualified.

DFFE Vacancies: Quick Summary

The department’s advertisement confirms that applications must be submitted online through its e-Recruitment system and that the closing date is 21 September 2026 at 16:00.

Table of Contents

1. DFFE Vacancies Circular 32 of 2026
2. Vacancy Overview
3. DFFE Vacancies by Qualification
4. DFFE Vacancies by Salary
5. Full List of Advertised Vacancies
6. Scientist Specialist: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries
7. Assistant Director: Forestry Development
8. Environmental Officer: Prioritised Infrastructure Projects
9. Environmental Officer: Sustainable Aquaculture Management
10. Assistant Director: Forest Management Planning
11. Assistant Director: Demand Management
12. Assistant Director: Nursery Management
13. Senior Provisioning Administration Officer
14. Senior Forestry Regulation Officer
15. Office Administrator III
16. Environmental Officer Production Grade A
17. Administrative Officer
18. Administration Clerk
19. Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods
20. Forestry Service Aid
21. Groundsman
22. What the Requirements Mean
23. Who Should Apply?
24. Who Should Not Apply?
25. Application Process
26. Application Checklist
27. Common Application Mistakes
28. Official Source
29. Editorial Review
30. Update History
31. About DPSACircular.co.za
32. Frequently Asked Questions
33. About the Author

DFFE Vacancies by Qualification

One of the easiest ways to determine whether these vacancies are relevant to you is to start with your highest qualification.

Grade 9 / NQF Level 1

The following opportunities accept a minimum qualification at approximately Grade 9/NQF Level 1:

• Forestry Service Aid
• Groundsman

No previous experience is required for the advertised Forestry Service Aid and Groundsman positions.

Grade 12 / NQF Level 4

The following opportunities are accessible to applicants with Grade 12:

• Administration Clerk
• Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods

The Administration Clerk position states that post-matric qualifications or relevant administrative experience may be advantageous, while the Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods position does not require previous experience.

National Diploma / NQF Level 6

Several professional and administrative positions require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or an equivalent/relevant qualification.

These include positions in:

• Forestry
• Environmental Management
• Natural Sciences
• Natural Resources
• Supply Chain Management
• Public Management
• Office Management
• Developmental Studies

Applicants should not assume that any National Diploma automatically meets a post’s requirements. The field of study must correspond to the qualification specified for the particular vacancy.

Bachelor’s Degree / NQF Level 7

The Environmental Officer Production Grade A vacancy requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7 or National Diploma at NQF Level 6, together with the required experience.

Honours Degree / NQF Level 8

The specialised Environmental Officer positions require an Honours degree or equivalent qualification in the relevant field, together with the advertised experience.

PhD / NQF Level 10

The Scientist Specialist: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries position requires a PhD at NQF Level 10 and substantial post-degree scientific experience.

DFFE Vacancies by Salary

The vacancies span a wide salary range:

These figures are taken from the supplied DFFE advertisement for DPSA Circular 32 of 2026.

Full List of DFFE Vacancies in DPSA Circular 32 of 2026

The supplied advertisement lists the positions, reference numbers, locations, salary levels and experience requirements summarised above.

1. Scientist Specialist: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries

Post: Scientist Specialist: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries
Reference: FIM 24/2026
Location: Cape Town, Foretrust Building
Salary: R1,570,212 per annum

This is the most senior scientific opportunity listed in the DFFE advertisement.

The position requires a PhD at NQF Level 10, together with at least 10 years of scientific experience after obtaining a BSc qualification. Professional registration with SACNASP is also required.

The advertised position is focused on small pelagic fish and fisheries and is therefore particularly relevant to experienced fisheries scientists and professionals with substantial scientific expertise.

2. Assistant Director: Forestry Development

Post: Assistant Director: Forestry Development – Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support
Number of posts: 3
Salary: R605,742 per annum

The three advertised references are:

• FOM56/2026 – Northern Cape, Kimberley
• FOM57/2026 – Western Cape, Bellville
• FOM58/2026 – Mpumalanga, Nelspruit

Applicants require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Forestry, Developmental Studies or a relevant field, together with at least three years’ relevant experience.

The advertisement also highlights knowledge of forestry legislation, a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

3. Environmental Officer Specialised Production: Prioritised Infrastructure Projects

Reference: RCSM25/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R518,769 per annum – OSD

The post requires an Honours qualification at NQF Level 8 in Environmental Management, Natural Sciences or a relevant field, together with at least three years’ experience.

Relevant environmental impact assessment experience is important for this position.

The advertisement also refers to knowledge of environmental legislation including the National Environmental Management Act and Waste Act and their regulations.

EAPASA registration and GIS-related skills may provide an advantage. A valid driver’s licence is also required.

4. Environmental Officer Specialised Production: Sustainable Aquaculture Management

Reference: FIM22/2026
Location: Cape Town, Sea Point Aquarium
Salary: R518,769 per annum – OSD

This position requires an Honours qualification in the relevant field and at least three years’ experience.

The role is suited to applicants with knowledge or experience related to marine living resources, food safety, laboratories and aquaculture.

5. Assistant Director: Forest Management Planning

Reference: FOM46/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R487,197 per annum

Applicants require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Forestry or a relevant field, together with at least three years’ experience.

The advertised requirements include knowledge of forestry legislation, silviculture, GIS, forestry economics and government administration.

A driver’s licence is also relevant to the requirements.

6. Assistant Director: Demand Management

Reference: CFO27/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R487,197 per annum

This position requires a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Supply Chain Management or a relevant qualification, together with at least three years’ relevant experience.

Applicants should therefore have an academic and professional background that aligns with supply chain and demand management.

7. Assistant Director: Nursery Management

Reference: FOM60/2026
Location: Limpopo, Rusplaas
Salary: R487,197 per annum

Applicants require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources or a relevant field, together with at least three years’ experience.

The position also involves travel requirements, and a driver’s licence is relevant.

8. Senior Provisioning Admin Officer: Demand Management

Reference: CFO26/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R413,001 per annum

The advertised requirement is a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Supply Chain Management or a relevant field, together with at least two years’ experience.

9. Senior Forestry Regulation Officer

Number of posts: 2
Salary: R413,001 per annum

The references are:

• FOM68/2026 – Mpumalanga/Limpopo
• FOM67/2026 – Eastern Cape

Applicants require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Forestry, Environmental Management, Natural Sciences or a relevant field, together with at least two years’ experience.

A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are also part of the advertised requirements.

10. Office Administrator III

Reference: FOM72/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R413,001 per annum

Applicants require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Office Management, Public Management or a relevant field, together with at least two years’ experience.

11. Environmental Officer Production Grade A: Sustainable Aquaculture Management

Reference: FIM23/2026
Location: Cape Town, Sea Point Aquarium
Salary: R357,597 per annum – OSD

Applicants require a Bachelor’s qualification at NQF Level 7 or National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Environmental Management, Natural Sciences or a relevant field.

At least one year of relevant experience is required.

12. Administrative Officer

Reference: FOM07/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R338,106 per annum

Applicants require a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Public Management, Office Management or a relevant field, together with at least one year of experience.

13. Administration Clerk

Reference: ODG05/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R237,453 per annum

The minimum educational requirement is Grade 12.

The advertisement indicates that a post-matric qualification or relevant administrative experience may be advantageous.

This is therefore one of the more accessible opportunities in the circular for applicants entering administrative government employment.

14. Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods

Reference: FOM50/2026
Location: Northern Cape, Upington
Salary: R237,453 per annum

The position requires Grade 12/NQF Level 4.

No previous experience is required for the advertised position.

This makes the post particularly relevant to applicants who meet the educational requirement but have not yet accumulated formal work experience.

15. Forestry Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management

Reference: BC16/2026
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, Mzimkhulu Estate
Salary: R144,024 per annum

Applicants require Grade 09/NQF Level 1 or an equivalent qualification.

No experience is required.

16. Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support

Reference: FOM53/2026
Location: Limpopo, Rusplaas Nursery, Lebowakgomo
Salary: R144,024 per annum

The minimum requirement is Grade 09/NQF Level 1.

No previous experience is required.

What the Requirements Mean

The DFFE Circular 32 vacancies cover substantially different career levels. Applicants should therefore compare their qualifications and experience against the specific post, rather than assuming that meeting a general department requirement makes them eligible for every vacancy.

A qualification alone may not be enough

Several positions require both:

1. A specified qualification; and
2. A specified period of relevant experience.

For example, an applicant with a National Diploma may meet the educational level for an Assistant Director position but still be ineligible if they do not have the required three years of relevant experience.

Relevant field matters

The wording “relevant qualification” should not automatically be interpreted as any qualification at the same NQF level.

Applicants should compare their actual field of study with the field identified in the advertisement.

Professional registration matters

The Scientist Specialist position specifically requires SACNASP registration.

Applicants should therefore verify professional-registration requirements before applying.

A driver’s licence may be essential

Several forestry and environmental positions include a valid driver’s licence and/or willingness to travel.

If the advertisement identifies a driver’s licence as a requirement, applicants should not assume that it is optional.

Who Should Apply?

These vacancies may be relevant to:

• Environmental management graduates and professionals
• Forestry graduates and forestry professionals
• Natural sciences graduates
• Fisheries and aquaculture specialists
• Supply chain management professionals
• Office and public management graduates
• Administrative applicants with Grade 12
• Applicants seeking entry-level forestry or groundskeeping opportunities
• Experienced scientists with fisheries expertise
• Applicants who meet the stated location, qualification and experience requirements

The strongest candidates are those who can demonstrate a direct match between their qualifications, experience and the specific requirements of the selected post.

Who Should Not Apply?

You should reconsider applying for a particular vacancy if you clearly do not meet its mandatory requirements.

For example, applicants should not select a specialist position simply because the salary is attractive if they do not have the required qualification, experience or professional registration.

Applicants should also avoid submitting incomplete applications.

The DFFE advertisement states that incomplete applications and applications where required information has not been disclosed may be automatically disqualified.

How to Apply for DFFE Vacancies

Applications for the advertised DFFE positions must be submitted online through:

DFFE e-Recruitment:
https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

The supplied advertisement specifically directs applicants to the DFFE online recruitment platform.

Step 1: Identify the correct vacancy

Select a vacancy that matches your:

• Qualification
• Experience
• Professional registration
• Driver’s licence status where applicable
• Location preferences
• Other mandatory requirements

Step 2: Record the reference number

Before starting the application, write down the correct reference number for the position.

This helps prevent applying for the wrong post.

Step 3: Complete the online Z83

The advertisement requires applicants to complete the online Z83 application.

Step 4: Prepare your detailed CV

Your CV should contain the information requested in the advertisement and should include at least three contactable references.

Step 5: Check your information

Make sure that information required by the application has not been omitted.

The advertisement warns that incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

The closing date is:

21 September 2026 at 16:00

Late applications will not be accepted.

What Happens After You Apply?

Applicants should understand that submitting an application does not guarantee shortlisting or appointment.

According to the advertisement, shortlisted candidates may be required to provide certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents.

Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA where applicable.

The department may also conduct screening and security vetting. The advertisement indicates that checks may include criminal records, citizenship, creditworthiness, previous employment or reference checks and qualification verification.

Application Checklist

Before submitting your DFFE application, check the following:

• I selected the correct vacancy.
• I recorded the correct reference number.
• I meet the advertised minimum qualification.
• My qualification is in the relevant field.
• I meet the required experience period.
• I have the required professional registration where applicable.
• I have a valid driver’s licence where required.
• I am prepared to travel where the position requires it.
• I completed the online Z83.
• I uploaded a detailed CV.
• My CV includes at least three contactable references.
• I supplied all required information.
• I checked my contact details.
• I checked my application before submission.
• I submitted before 16:00 on 21 September 2026.
• I retained evidence of my application submission.

Common Application Mistakes

1. Applying for every vacancy

Submitting applications for every position is not necessarily a good strategy.

A stronger approach is to identify vacancies for which your qualification and experience are genuinely relevant.

2. Ignoring the reference number

Different posts may have different reference numbers, even where the job titles appear similar.

Always use the correct reference.

3. Submitting an incomplete application

The DFFE advertisement specifically warns that incomplete applications may be automatically disqualified.

4. Leaving out required information

Do not assume that information can be supplied later if the application specifically requests it.

5. Using an unsuitable CV

Your CV should make it easy for the recruitment team to identify your qualifications, experience and contact details.

6. Waiting until the final afternoon

Online systems can experience technical problems or heavy traffic.

Submitting early gives you more time to resolve problems.

7. Ignoring location requirements

Check whether you are applying for a position in Pretoria, Cape Town, Kimberley, Bellville, Nelspruit, Upington, Limpopo or KwaZulu-Natal.

DFFE Vacancy Locations

The vacancies in this advertisement are distributed across several South African provinces and locations.

Gauteng

• Pretoria

Western Cape

• Cape Town
• Bellville

Northern Cape

• Kimberley
• Upington

Mpumalanga

• Nelspruit
• Other areas specified for forestry regulation

Limpopo

• Rusplaas
• Lebowakgomo

Eastern Cape

• Forestry Regulation position

KwaZulu-Natal

• Mzimkhulu Estate

Applicants should always verify the exact duty station in the official advertisement before submitting an application.

Employment Type

These opportunities are advertised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, a national government department.

The advertisement describes the department as an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

It also indicates that preference may be given to candidates from designated groups and encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

Equal Opportunity and Screening

The department’s advertisement states that it is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Applicants should also be aware that selection may involve screening and security-vetting processes.

These may include verification of qualifications, employment history and references, as well as other checks specified by the department.

Editorial Review

DPSACircular.co.za reviewed the vacancy details against the supplied official government advertisement. Our review focused on the advertised positions, reference numbers, salary information, qualification requirements, experience requirements, closing date and application instructions. Readers should use the official advertisement as the final source before submitting an application.

This article is intended to make the advertisement easier to understand and navigate. It does not replace the official DFFE advertisement.

Official Source and Application Portal

Applicants should verify all information against the official government vacancy advertisement.

Official DFFE application portal

DFFE e-Recruitment:
https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

Official vacancy information

The source advertisement identifies the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and provides the online application instructions, closing date, requirements and individual post information.

Important: DPSACircular.co.za is not the employer and does not process applications on behalf of DFFE.

Amendment Status

No amendment identified in the supplied advertisement.

This statement is limited to the advertisement reviewed for this article. Applicants should check the official department source for any subsequent amendment or replacement notice before applying.

Withdrawal Status

No withdrawal identified in the supplied advertisement.

This does not mean that no later withdrawal notice could be issued. Applicants should verify the current status through the official source before submitting an application.

Last Checked and Update History

Last checked: 4 September 2026

Update history

4 September 2026: Article published/reviewed using the supplied DFFE vacancy advertisement for DPSA Circular 32 of 2026.

Future changes should be recorded here when an official amendment, withdrawal, extension or other material update is identified.

This approach is preferable to leaving an old publication date unchanged because government vacancies are time-sensitive.

About DPSACircular.co.za

https://dpsacircular.co.za/ is an independent government-job information and application guidance website.

DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website. We publish information about DPSA Vacancy Circulars, government vacancies, internships, learnerships, graduate programmes, bursaries and public sector career opportunities.

Our purpose is to help job seekers understand government vacancy advertisements, identify relevant opportunities and follow the correct application process.

We are not affiliated with, owned by or operated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, DPSA or the South African government, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general information and application guidance.

DPSACircular.co.za is an independent website and is not the employer or recruitment agency for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Vacancy details, closing dates, requirements and application procedures can change. Applicants should always consult the official government advertisement and application portal before applying.

DPSACircular.co.za does not guarantee employment, shortlisting or appointment.

Never pay money to someone claiming to guarantee a government job.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the closing date for DFFE vacancies in DPSA Circular 32 of 2026?

The closing date stated in the supplied advertisement is 21 September 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. How do I apply for DFFE vacancies?

Applications must be submitted online through the DFFE e-Recruitment system at https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/.

3. Do I need to complete a Z83?

Yes. The advertisement requires applicants to complete the online Z83 application.

4. Do I need to submit a CV?

Yes. Applicants must attach a detailed CV containing at least three contactable references.

5. What is the highest salary advertised in DFFE Circular 32 of 2026?

The highest advertised salary is R1,570,212 per annum for the Scientist Specialist: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries position.

6. What is the lowest salary advertised?

The lowest advertised salary is R144,024 per annum, for the Forestry Service Aid and Groundsman positions.

7. Are there DFFE vacancies for applicants with Grade 12?

Yes. The circular includes Administration Clerk positions requiring Grade 12.

8. Are there DFFE vacancies that require no previous experience?

Yes. The advertised Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods, Forestry Service Aid and Groundsman positions do not require previous experience according to the supplied advertisement.

9. Are there DFFE jobs for applicants with a National Diploma?

Yes. Several vacancies require National Diploma qualifications at NQF Level 6 in fields such as forestry, environmental management, natural resources, supply chain management and public or office management.

10. Are there DFFE environmental officer vacancies?

Yes. The circular includes specialised and production-grade Environmental Officer positions.

11. Is a driver’s licence required for all DFFE vacancies?

No. A driver’s licence is not a universal requirement for every post. However, it is specifically relevant to several advertised forestry and environmental positions.

12. Does the Scientist Specialist position require professional registration?

Yes. The advertised Scientist Specialist: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries position requires SACNASP registration.

13. Are foreign qualifications accepted?

Foreign qualifications may be accepted subject to the requirements stated in the advertisement. The supplied advertisement states that foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA where applicable.

14. Can I apply after the closing time?

The advertisement states that late applications will not be accepted.

15. Are persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?

Yes. The advertisement encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

16. Is DFFE an equal opportunity employer?

The advertisement identifies the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment as an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

17. Can I apply for more than one vacancy?

Applicants may consider multiple vacancies where they genuinely meet the requirements, but each application should be completed correctly and against the appropriate reference number.

18. Does submitting an application guarantee an interview?

No. Submission does not guarantee shortlisting, an interview or appointment.

19. Will shortlisted applicants need certified documents?

The advertisement states that shortlisted candidates may be required to provide certified copies of qualifications and other documents.

20. Is DPSACircular.co.za the official DFFE recruitment website?

No. DPSACircular.co.za is an independent information website. Applications should be submitted through the official DFFE e-Recruitment platform.

Internal Linking Opportunities

• DPSA Vacancy Circular 32 of 2026
• Latest DPSA vacancies
• How to complete the Z83 application form
• How to apply for South African government jobs
• Government job application mistakes
• Government vacancies for Grade 12 applicants
• Government jobs requiring a National Diploma
• Environmental government vacancies
• Forestry government vacancies
• Government internships and graduate programmes

Final Application Reminder

Before applying, confirm the following directly against the official DFFE advertisement:

Department: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Circular: DPSA Circular 32 of 2026
Closing date: 21 September 2026
Closing time: 16:00
Application: Online
Z83: Required
CV: Detailed CV with at least three contactable references
Official application portal: DFFE e-Recruitment

The supplied advertisement states that no late applications will be accepted.

Apply early, use the correct reference number and verify every requirement before submitting your application.