Circular 32 of 2026 · Post 32/31 · Ref FIM 24/2026

SCIENTIST SPECIALIST: SMALL PELAGIC FISH AND FISHERIES

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

  • CentreCape Town (Foretrust Building)
Closing date: 7 days remaining

Job details

Circular
32 of 2026
Page No.
1–2
Circular Post
32/31
Reference number
FIM 24/2026
Department
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Centre
Cape Town (Foretrust Building)
Salary
R1 570 212 per annum, (OSD)
Closing date
21 September 2026

Application and salary information

Salary

R1 570 212 per annum, (OSD)

Application route

Complete submission instructions are provided under How to apply.

Requirements

  • PhD (NQF Level 10) in Science /Natural or relevant qualification within the related field as recognized by SAQA.
  • A minimum of ten (10) years relevant scientific experience after BSc qualification and Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
  • Theoretical and/or practical knowledge of fisheries and biological research activities.
  • Small pelagic fish and fisheries resources and sustainable management thereof.
  • Scientific methodologies and models.
  • Scientific research and development.
  • Data analysis and statistics with a strong quantitative focus.
  • Marine biology, fish biology, aquatic vertebrate or invertebrate reproductive biology.
  • Research and development.
  • Knowledge of current states and trends in fisheries research and management (globally).
  • Statistical analysis of data and statistical programming languages.
  • Knowledge of legal compliance.
  • Scientific presentation.
  • Recognized level of expertise.
  • Mentoring, Research and development.
  • Programme and project management.
  • Strategic capability and leadership.
  • Planning, organising and execution.
  • Financial management.
  • Conflict management and People management.
  • Ability to identify research gaps and develop an appropriate research programme.
  • Ability to gather and analyse information.
  • Ability to develop and apply policies.
  • Ability to work under pressure and submit documents to local and international fora within required timeframes.
  • Ability to work long hours voluntarily, under extreme pressure, individually and in a team.
  • Good interpersonal relations skills.
  • Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict.
  • Ability and willingness to work at sea.

Duties

  • Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions: lead, oversee, perform scientific functions and provide strategic research direction that results in knowledge accumulation, progress in scientific applications and technology, relating to small pelagic fish and fisheries. analysis of scientific data (statistical analysis and modelling) fisheries stock assessment on a broad range of fisheries resources;
  • Apply Operational Management Procedures to generate information and scientific advice for sustainable fisheries management.
  • Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures: Identify gaps and develop appropriate interventions;
  • Develop working relations with fisheries industry, small scale fisheries, all fisheries right holders.
  • Research and development: Conduct basic and applied research on fisheries stock assessment and management procedures;
  • Perform research/literature studies to improve expertise;
  • Publish and present research findings.
  • Provide scientific support and advice: Provide scientific data, information and advice when required;
  • Develop scientific advice and documentation for sustainable fisheries management.
  • Human capital development: Train, mentor and develop junior personnel on data-analysis related queries;
  • Supervise scientific work and processes.
  • Supervise scientific data archiving and retrieval as appropriate.

Enquiries

Ms Zimasa Jika at 082 332 7943

How to apply

Where and how to submit your application.

All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

Notes and Z83 guidance

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link.

  • Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references.
  • Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.
  • No late applications will 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 shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. 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.

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Disclaimer: SA Gov Jobs is an independent job information service and is not a government department. 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.

Original Text
POST 32/31 : SCIENTIST SPECIALIST: SMALL PELAGIC FISH AND FISHERIES REF NO: FIM 24/2026
SALARY : R1 570 212 per annum, (OSD)
CENTRE : Cape Town (Foretrust Building)
REQUIREMENTS : PhD (NQF Level 10) in Science /Natural or relevant qualification within the related field as recognized by SAQA. A minimum of ten (10) years relevant
scientific experience after BSc qualification and Compulsory registration with
SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist. Theoretical and/or practical
knowledge of fisheries and biological research activities. Small pelagic fish and fisheries resources and sustainable management thereof. Scientific
methodologies and models. Scientific research and development. Data analysis and statistics with a strong quantitative focus. Marine biology, fish
biology, aquatic vertebrate or invertebrate reproductive biology. Research and development. Knowledge of current states and trends in fisheries research and
management (globally). Statistical analysis of data and statistical programming languages. Knowledge of legal compliance. Scientific presentation.
Recognized level of expertise. Mentoring, Research and development.
Programme and project management. Strategic capability and leadership.
Planning, organising and execution. Financial management. Conflict management and People management. Ability to identify research gaps and
develop an appropriate research programme. Ability to gather and analyse information. Ability to develop and apply policies. Ability to work under pressure
and submit documents to local and international fora within required timeframes. Ability to work long hours voluntarily, under extreme pressure,
individually and in a team. Good interpersonal relations skills. Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict. Ability and willingness to work at
sea.
DUTIES : Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions: lead, oversee, perform scientific functions and provide strategic research direction that results in
knowledge accumulation, progress in scientific applications and technology, relating to small pelagic fish and fisheries. analysis of scientific data (statistical
analysis and modelling) fisheries stock assessment on a broad range of fisheries resources; Apply Operational Management Procedures to generate
information and scientific advice for sustainable fisheries management.
Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures:
Identify gaps and develop appropriate interventions; Develop working relations with fisheries industry, small scale fisheries, all fisheries right holders.
Research and development: Conduct basic and applied research on fisheries stock assessment and management procedures; Perform research/literature
studies to improve expertise; Publish and present research findings. Provide scientific support and advice: Provide scientific data, information and advice
when required; Develop scientific advice and documentation for sustainable fisheries management. Human capital development: Train, mentor and
develop junior personnel on data-analysis related queries; Supervise scientific work and processes. Supervise scientific data archiving and retrieval as
appropriate.
ENQUIRIES : Ms Zimasa Jika at 082 332 7943

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