The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in South Africa offers numerous career opportunities, particularly in management and technical fields related to environmental protection and resource management. These roles range from strategic leadership to specialized areas like biodiversity conservation, air quality management, and sustainable fisheries practices. For individuals passionate about the environment and keen to contribute to national sustainability, these positions represent an excellent opportunity.
List of Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Job Opportunities
1. Chief Director: Sector Compliance
Salary: R1,436,022 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: RSCM03/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Law, Environmental Law, or Natural Science (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience at a senior managerial level in compliance and monitoring.
- Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Knowledge of environmental management, legal frameworks, business planning, and financial regulations.
Duties:
- Provide strategic leadership to the Chief Directorate.
- Oversee environmental compliance across sectors, including waste, biodiversity, and oceans.
- Monitor compliance with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and other related regulations.
- Manage teams that promote and ensure environmental legislation is adhered to.
Application: RCSM03-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Ms. P Diphaha, Tel No: (012) 399 9602
2. Chief Director: Biodiversity Management and Permitting
Salary: R1,436,022 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: BC01/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Environmental Science or Management (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience at senior management level.
- Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Expertise in biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and program-based operational management.
Duties:
- Manage and implement policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation.
- Coordinate national and international biodiversity programs.
- Support UN conventions such as RAMSAR and CITES and manage national biodiversity strategies.
- Provide leadership in developing sustainable land and species conservation programs.
Application: BC01-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Ms. P Diphaha, Tel No: (012) 399 9602
3. Director: Corporate Legal Support & Litigation
Salary: R1,216,824 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Cape Town
Reference: RCSM01/2025
Requirements:
- LLB Degree or relevant qualification in Legal Studies (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in litigation, policy development, and legal administration.
- Extensive knowledge of environmental legislation and the ability to provide legal solutions in highly litigious contexts.
Duties:
- Manage civil litigation by and against the Department.
- Oversee the legal drafting of contracts and international agreements.
- Ensure compliance with environmental laws like PAIA, POPIA, and the Constitution.
- Provide legal support during trials and ensure all court-related documentation is properly handled.
Application: RCSM01-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Ms. M Mmola, Tel No: (012) 399 9339
4. Director: Air Quality Management Services
Salary: R1,216,824 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: CCAQ01/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Natural Sciences, Environmental Development, or a related field (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience at a senior managerial level in air quality management.
- Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Strong understanding of air quality governance, legislation, and environmental protection policies.
Duties:
- Oversee the implementation of air quality management plans and atmospheric emission licensing.
- Coordinate national air quality improvement projects.
- Conduct air quality assessments and ensure compliance with national air quality standards.
- Manage environmental impact studies on non-industrial air quality sources.
Application: CCAQ01-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Dr. P Gwaze, Tel No: (012) 399 9362
Read more: PSV Circular 05 of 2025: Available Government Vacancies in South Africa 2025
5. Director: Atmospheric Policy Regulations and Planning
Salary: R1,216,824 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: CCAQ02/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Natural Sciences or Environmental Planning (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience at a managerial level in environmental policy and air quality management.
- Completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Knowledge of atmospheric quality policies, environmental regulations, and climate change issues.
Duties:
- Lead the development of national atmospheric quality policies and regulations.
- Review and promote air quality standards in line with international best practices.
- Provide specialist advice on air quality technology, risk assessment, and mitigation.
- Coordinate government initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders to improve air quality.
Application: CCAQ02-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Dr. P Gwaze, Tel No: (012) 399 9362
6. Director: Adaptation Natural Resources Sectors
Salary: R1,216,824 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: CCAQ03/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Natural Sciences, Environmental Planning, or a related field (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in climate change adaptation and natural resource management.
- Completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Specialist knowledge in climate change risk assessments and policy development.
Duties:
- Lead and develop policies to reduce risks associated with climate change impacts.
- Manage the implementation of the National Framework on Climate Services.
- Support sectors in mainstreaming climate change adaptation into their strategies.
- Coordinate sectoral support for the implementation of the National Climate Change Act.
Application: CCAQ03-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Mr. T Ramaru, Tel No: (012) 399 8668
7. Director: Africa & Bilateral Relations
Salary: R1,216,824 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: CCQA04/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Natural Sciences or International Relations (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience at a senior managerial level in international relations and environmental diplomacy.
- Completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Extensive knowledge of environmental and sustainable development issues globally and regionally.
Duties:
- Manage and negotiate South Africa’s involvement in African multilateral and bilateral environmental agreements.
- Support the Department’s participation in international environmental forums.
- Evaluate and report on strategic outcomes of bilateral environmental engagements.
- Ensure the integration of South Africa’s interests into international environmental treaties.
Application: CCQA04-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Mr. S Mangold, Tel No: (012) 399 9243
8. Director: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Salary: R1,216,824 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Location: Pretoria
Reference: CCAQ05/2025
Requirements:
- Undergraduate qualification in Environmental Sciences or a related field (NQF7).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing international climate change agreements.
- Completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme.
- Experience in project management and stakeholder engagement.
Duties:
- Coordinate South Africa’s negotiations in UN climate change agreements.
- Lead research and preparation for South Africa’s climate change positions.
- Manage the preparation of mandatory reports under the UNFCCC, including National Communications and Biennial Transparency Reports.
- Engage with other governments to strengthen South Africa’s climate change stance.
Application: CCAQ05-2025@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries: Ms. P Gasela, Tel No: (012) 399 9182
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How to Apply
Complete the Z83 Form: Download and sign the Z83 form
Prepare Supporting Documents:
- A detailed CV.
- Certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, ID, and driver’s license (if required).
- If applicable, have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Submit Application:
- Email: Send your application to the specified email address listed for the position.
- Postal Address: Alternatively, mail it to the relevant DFFE address in Cape Town or Pretoria.
Application Deadline: Submit your application before 24 February 2025.
Screening and Shortlisting: The DFFE will screen applications and shortlist candidates. Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit additional documents and undergo technical exercises and competency-based assessments.
Also check: Questions to Ask the Employer at the End of an Interview
The DFFE’s job opportunities offer an excellent chance to be part of South Africa’s environmental protection and sustainability efforts. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about the environment, follow the application process carefully to ensure your submission is complete and on time.
