ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: FOREST RESOURCE PROTECTION is a South African government vacancy at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). This job is part of Circular 15 of 2026 from the DPSA. 2 posts available | centre: Western Cape Ref No: FOM23/2026 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ref No: FOM24/2026 | closing date: 25 May 2026. Use this page to review the requirements, duties, application instructions and official source links before applying.
Job details
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 (NVFFA) 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.
- 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 review National Forest 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 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other specialist reports for development impacting forests and trees in accordance with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) Promote compliance and enforcement regarding the National Forests Act No.
- 84 of 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 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.
Enquiries
Western Cape Ms T Gwala at 066 374 7795 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ms N Mudau at 066 566 0640
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. Western Cape Ref No: FOM23-2026@dffe.gov.za Limpopo Ref No: FOM24-2026@dffe.gov.za
Department Notes
Application must be submitted on a signed Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department accompanied by a recent detailed Curriculum Vitae only, to be considered. 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 Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation Volume 1 (the Directive), a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts 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-preentryprogramme/.Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course. All candidates shortlisted for the posts will undertake two pre-entry assessments (practical exercise, and integrity assessment) in accordance with the Directive. Following the interview and the pre-entry assessments of all SMS posts, the Selection Panel will recommend candidate(s) to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competencybased 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.
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.
Z83 form: Government job applications usually require the Z83 application form. Download the Z83 application form before applying.
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
(NVFFA) 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. 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 review National Forest 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 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other specialist
reports for development impacting forests and trees in accordance with the
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) Promote compliance
and enforcement regarding the National Forests Act No. 84 of 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 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.
ENQUIRIES : Western Cape Ms T Gwala at 066 374 7795 Limpopo / Mpumalanga Ms N Mudau at 066 566 0640
APPLICATIONS : 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.
Western Cape Ref No: FOM23-2026@dffe.gov.za
Limpopo Ref No: FOM24-2026@dffe.gov.za
NOTE : 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.
Official source
This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 15 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.