DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT 

The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. 

APPLICATIONS : Must be submitted to the Director-General, 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. 

CLOSING DATE : 17 August 2026, 16:00. No late applications will be accepted 

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; Creditworthiness; 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-entry-programme. 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. 

OTHER POST

SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE A: (ABALONE) REF NO: FIM20/2026 

SALARY : R791 604 per annum, (OSD) 

CENTRE : Cape Town (Foretrust Building)

REQUIREMENTS : A BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent qualification in Fisheries Science, Marine Science, Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography, Population Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related discipline with a strong quantitative and fisheries science focus; compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist (proof must be attached); a minimum of three (3) years’ post-qualification natural scientific experience in fisheries science, marine resource assessment, fisheries research or a related scientific field; demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in population dynamics, fisheries stock assessment and quantitative modelling techniques; proven experience in statistical analysis and modelling of biological and fisheries data; experience in developing, customising and applying scientific models and analytical tools in support of fisheries management and resource rebuilding; knowledge of abalone biology, ecology and fishery dynamics, including recovery and rebuilding strategies for depleted stocks; proven ability to manage, analyse and interpret large scientific datasets; computer literacy, including advanced use of statistical and data analysis software and standard office applications; experience in scientific reporting and the preparation of management-oriented scientific advice; ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary scientific team; good communication and stakeholder engagement skills; willingness to participate in fieldwork, diver-based surveys, farm and processing-facility sampling, and extended field deployments where required; and a valid South African driver's licence. 

DUTIES : The successful candidate will join the Benthic Research Group and contribute to the scientific rebuilding and long-term sustainability of South Africa’s abalone fishery. The successful candidate will conduct applied scientific research on the population biology, ecology and fishery dynamics of abalone; undertake quantitative analyses, statistical modelling and stock assessments; develop and apply scientific methodologies, models and analytical tools to support fisheries management and resource recovery; participate in biological monitoring programmes, including diver-based surveys, field sampling and sampling at abalone farms and processing facilities; collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate scientific information; prepare scientific reports, management advice and peer-reviewed publications; participate in Scientific Working Groups and provide scientific inputs into fisheries management and policy development; engage with fisheries managers, industry, research institutions and other stakeholders; review and synthesise relevant scientific literature; identify research gaps and contribute to the development of appropriate scientific interventions; assist with the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of research projects; and contribute to the supervision, mentoring and development of technicians, students and junior scientists while maintaining continuous professional development in fisheries science 

ENQUIRIES : Mr. Qayiso Mketsu at 082 782 9674 

APPLICATIONS : FIM20-2026@dffe.gov.za