JOBS AT DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DFFE Is Hiring for 2026 — Government Jobs Now Open

Looking for a stable government career with competitive salaries and opportunities to make a real impact? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened exciting vacancies for 2026 across South Africa.

From forestry development and marine science to administration and logistics, these opportunities are available in Mpumalanga, Pretoria, and Cape Town — with salary packages ranging from over R400,000 to more than R1.1 million per year.

Whether you’re an experienced manager, scientist, logistics specialist, or administrator, DFFE could have the perfect opportunity for you.

Earn Over R1.1 Million in Forestry Development

One of the top-paying vacancies is the Deputy Director: Forest Based Enterprises post in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

DFFE is searching for skilled forestry professionals with a National Diploma in Forestry or related qualifications and at least five years of industry experience.

The successful candidate will help drive community forestry development, support timber growers and forestry SMMEs, coordinate afforestation programmes, and assist with implementing South Africa’s Forestry Masterplan.

Salary package: R1,101,468 per year.

Pretoria Management Opportunity Available

The department is also hiring a Deputy Director: Administration and Coordination Support in Pretoria.

This position is ideal for candidates with experience in public administration, planning, procurement, and stakeholder coordination.

The successful applicant will oversee reporting systems, strategic planning processes, budget administration, and provide direct support to senior departmental leadership.

Annual salary: R932,292.

Cape Town Maritime and Antarctic Logistics Role

Professionals with logistics, shipping, or maritime operations experience can apply for the Deputy Director: Operations and Logistics vacancy in Cape Town.

This exciting role involves coordinating scientific expeditions, Antarctic operations, cargo logistics, warehouse management, and search-and-rescue collaboration linked to South Africa’s Southern Ocean programmes.

Salary package: R932,292 annually.

Marine Science Experts Wanted

DFFE is also recruiting a Control Scientific Technician Grade A: Crustaceans in Cape Town.

This opportunity is perfect for marine science professionals with fisheries research experience, particularly involving rock lobster and crustacean fisheries.

The role includes scientific surveys, fisheries monitoring, data analysis, and research coordination.

Annual salary: R573,552.

Administrative Professionals Can Also Apply

The department is additionally seeking a Senior Administrative Officer for its Oceans Economy programme in Cape Town.

Candidates with qualifications in Public Management or Office Administration and relevant office experience are encouraged to apply.

Duties include procurement support, travel arrangements, budget tracking, stakeholder coordination, and inventory management.

Salary offered: R413,001 per year.

Application Deadline Approaching

Applicants are reminded to submit:

• A signed Z83 form
• A detailed CV
• All documents combined into one PDF file

Incomplete applications or documents submitted as images will not be accepted.

Most vacancies close on 1 June 2026, while the scientific technician post closes on 15 June 2026.

If you’re ready to grow your career in environmental management, forestry, logistics, administration, or marine science, now is the time to apply for these DFFE opportunities.