Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment | Pretoria Position Available
| Job Title | Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment | Pretoria Position Available |
| Company | DPSA Government |
| Job Reference | FOM22/2026 |
| Category | Government |
| Location | Pretoria, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-06-24T20:24 |
| Closing Date | 2026-07-03T22:24 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 720147 - 1101468 per year |
Deputy Director: Integrated Fire Management | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment | Pretoria - Job Description
Introduction
If you are a seasoned forestry professional with a passion for veldfire management and policy development, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has a senior leadership opportunity waiting for you in Pretoria. This is a high-impact role that sits at the center of South Africa's national fire management strategy
About the Company
As Deputy Director for Integrated Fire Management, you will lead the development, amendment and implementation of South Africa's National Veldfire Fire Framework Act (NVFFA) and all related policy instruments. This is a strategic role that requires someone who understands both the technical realities of veldfire management on the ground and the complex policy and legislative environment in which fire management operates nationally.
You will oversee a wide range of functions including managing relationships with Fire Protection Associations across the country, coordinating with provincial governments, and providing technical support during law enforcement operations.
You will also be responsible for collecting and analysing veldfire statistics that inform national planning. This role demands a leader who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and in the field, someone who can navigate intergovernmental relations while keeping a clear focus on disaster risk reduction and community safety.
Responsibilities
• Manage the development and amendment of the NVFFA and related policy instruments
• Oversee the development of policies, legislation, strategies, action plans, guidelines, norms and standards
• Manage the veldfire risk profile of the NVFFA and Fire Protection Associations
• Manage the assignment of powers and duties to provinces and other organs of state
• Manage consultative processes with provinces on delegated provisions of the NVFFA
• Develop protocols for coordination with integrated veldfire management institutions
• Manage compliance promotion and awareness of the NVFFA
• Provide technical assistance during law enforcement operations
• Collect and collate veldfire-related statistics
IMPORTANT — SMS PRE-ENTRY REQUIREMENT This is a Senior Management Service post. All applicants must have successfully completed the SMS Pre-Entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government before appointment. The course is available at www.thensg.gov.za. Proof of completion must be provided when shortlisted. Do not apply if you have not completed or are not currently enrolled in this programme
Required Qualifications
• National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry or a relevant qualification
• Minimum of five years' experience in a forestry-related field, of which three years must be at entry or junior managerial level (Assistant Director or equivalent)
• Knowledge of: National Forestry Act, Forest Fire Act, Disaster Management Act, Fire Brigade Service Act, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, PFMA, Labour Relations Act
• Skills: Policy development, regulatory analysis, legal interpretation, leadership, communication, computer literacy, general management, presentation, facilitation, negotiation, analytical thinking, project and programme planning, financial management, report writing
How to Apply
1. Download the new Z83 application form from www.gov.za/documents. The old form will disqualify your application immediately.
2. Complete Sections A, B, C and D in full. Sections E, F and G may refer to your CV, but Section F's re-appointment question must be answered directly and signed.
3. Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your five years of forestry experience, your three years at managerial level, and your knowledge of fire management legislation and policy.
4. Combine your Z83 and CV into a single PDF document. JPEG or picture files will not be accepted.
5. Email your application to FOM22-2026@dffe.gov.za before 16:00 on 06 July 2026. Write the job title and reference number FOM22/2026 clearly in the subject line.
6. Alternatively, hand deliver to: Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, 185 Langalibalele Street, Old Mutual Building, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.
TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION
• This is a senior post carrying a salary of over R1 million per annum — competition will be fierce. Your CV must clearly demonstrate three years of managerial experience at Assistant Director level or equivalent.