ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: FOREST RESOURCE PROTECTION Re-advertisement and those who have previously applied, need to reapply is a South African government vacancy at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). This job is part of Circular 17 of 2026 from the DPSA. 2 posts available | centre: Western Cape Ref No: FOM23/2026 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ref No: FOM24/2026 | closing date: 15 June 2026. Use this page to review the requirements, duties, application instructions and official source links before applying.
Job details
Applications
Where to send your application.
Cape Town, Limpopo and Mpumalanga: Must be submitted to the DirectorGeneral, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, The Director: Integrated Human Resource Management, Private Bag X4390, Cape Town, 8000 or hand-deliver to 14 Loop Street, Cape Town or can be emailed to the respective email address quoting the reference number on the subject email. FOM23-2026@dffe.gov.za FOM24-2026@dffe.gov.za
Salary
R605 742 per annum
Centre
Western Cape Ref No: FOM23/2026 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ref No: FOM24/2026
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry / Natural Science / Environmental Management or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
- A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Forestry or related field.
- All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
- One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.
- Knowledge, and evidence of the National Forest Act 1998 (Act 84 of 1998), National Veld and Forest Fire Act including Environmental Legislation and policies impacting on the forestry sector.
- Sound knowledge in the regulation of natural resources.
- Knowledge of government administrative procedures i.e.
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
- Ability to collect and interpret information and reports.
- Good communication skills (verbal and written).
- Good presentation skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle criticism.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
- Good international skills and supervisory skills.
- Ability to negotiate in difficult situations and to resolve conflict.
- Ability to work long hours.
- A Valid Driving License and willingness to travel.
Duties
- Implement, monitor and enforce National Forest Act and National Veld and Forest Fire Act policy and strategies.
- Identify areas that can be dealt with through other mechanisms such as regulations, guidelines, or capacity building and awareness.
- Review and comment on documents such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other specialist reports for development impacting forests and trees in accordance with the National Forest Act.
- Promote compliance and enforcement regarding the National Forests Act No.
- 84 of 1998 and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 1998 (Act 101 0f 1998).
- Liaise with Directorate of Legal Services and State Law Advisor regarding legal opinions and interpretation of provisions of the Act.
- Facilitate the appointment of Forest Officers as Peace Officers in terms of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
- Implement capacity building and communication programmes for stakeholders.
- Conducts NFA and NVFFA training course to various stakeholders such as SAPS, Judiciary, Magistrate and Prosecutors, State Organs.
- Provide technical advice in the issuing of licenses for protected trees, State and natural forests.
- Manage and maintain database of license statistics.
- Monitor the uniformity of licensing by evaluating the quality and assurance process and procedures in the Forestry Regions.
- Provide information & advisory services on NVFFA to existing FPA’s, landowners & other stakeholders and support Fire Protection Associations to ensure compliance and functionality.
Enquiries
Western Cape Ms T Gwala at 066 374 7795 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ms N Mudau at 066 566 0640
Department Notes
Application must be submitted on a New signed Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department accompanied by a recent detailed Curriculum Vitae only, to be considered. All attachments for online application must include an application form Z83 and CV only, in PDF and as one (1) document or attachment, indicate the correct job title and the reference number of the post on the subject line of your email. Use the correct email address associated with the post. JPEG (picture/snapshot) application will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to: Criminal records; Citizenship status; Credit worthiness; Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification. Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience. Entry level requirements for SMS posts: In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment. The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme. Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course. All candidates shortlisted for the posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job. Following the interview and the technical exercise of all SMS posts, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments. Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013.
Original Text
SALARY : R605 742 per annum
CENTRE : Western Cape Ref No: FOM23/2026
Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ref No: FOM24/2026
REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry / Natural Science / Environmental Management or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by
SAQA. A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Forestry or related field. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry
assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an
Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Knowledge, and evidence of the
National Forest Act 1998 (Act 84 of 1998), National Veld and Forest Fire Act including Environmental Legislation and policies impacting on the forestry
sector. Sound knowledge in the regulation of natural resources. Knowledge of government administrative procedures i.e. Public Finance Management Act
(PFMA). Ability to collect and interpret information and reports. Good communication skills (verbal and written). Good presentation skills. Computer
literacy. Ability to work under pressure and handle criticism. Ability to work independently and in a team. Good international skills and supervisory skills.
Ability to negotiate in difficult situations and to resolve conflict. Ability to work long hours. A Valid Driving License and willingness to travel.
DUTIES : Implement, monitor and enforce National Forest Act and National Veld and Forest Fire Act policy and strategies. Identify areas that can be dealt with
through other mechanisms such as regulations, guidelines, or capacity building and awareness. Review and comment on documents such as Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) and other specialist reports for development impacting forests and trees in accordance with the National Forest Act.
Promote compliance and enforcement regarding the National Forests Act No.
84 of 1998 and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 1998 (Act 101 0f 1998).
Liaise with Directorate of Legal Services and State Law Advisor regarding legal opinions and interpretation of provisions of the Act. Facilitate the appointment
of Forest Officers as Peace Officers in terms of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.
Implement capacity building and communication programmes for stakeholders.
Conducts NFA and NVFFA training course to various stakeholders such as
SAPS, Judiciary, Magistrate and Prosecutors, State Organs. Provide technical advice in the issuing of licenses for protected trees, State and natural forests.
Manage and maintain database of license statistics. Monitor the uniformity of licensing by evaluating the quality and assurance process and procedures in
the Forestry Regions. Provide information & advisory services on NVFFA to existing FPA’s, landowners & other stakeholders and support Fire Protection
Associations to ensure compliance and functionality.
ENQUIRIES : Western Cape Ms T Gwala at 066 374 7795 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ms N Mudau at 066 566 0640
Official source
This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 17 of 2026 for reference.
Disclaimer: This vacancy was imported from the official DPSA circular PDF. Please confirm the reference number, closing date, and application instructions in the original circular before applying. View the official DPSA vacancy circulars.



