Assistant Director: Sustainable Forest Management vacancy at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment - PSV Circular 36 of 2026

INTRODUCTION

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is looking for an Assistant Director: Sustainable Forest Management to join its team, with the post located in Pretoria.

The advertised package is R605 742 a year. This post was published in Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, issued on 09 October 2026.

Job title	Assistant Director: Sustainable Forest Management
Department	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Reference number	FOM76/2026
Salary	R605 742 a year
Centre / location	Pretoria
Province	Gauteng
Closing date	26 October 2026 at 16:00
Circular	PSV Circular 36 of 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

This vacancy forms part of Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It carries the reference number FOM76/2026, and the successful candidate will work from Pretoria.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Here is what the job involves day to day:

Administer, implement, monitor and enforce the provisions of the National Forests Act (NFA), 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998).
Review, amend and develop NFA policies, strategies, guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Provide technical advice in the processing of licences for protected trees, state forests and natural forests.
Review and comment on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and other specialist reports for development impacting forests and protected tree species.
Review and adjust Forestry Tariffs for forest products and services annually in adherence to Treasury Regulations.
Promote compliance and conduct enforcement regarding the NFA and undertake the relevant administrative or criminal enforcement measures for NFA transgressions.
Liaise with the Directorate of Legal Services and the State Law Advisor regarding legal opinions and the interpretation of provisions of the Act.
Provide support on Parliamentary and media queries.
Compile monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the Directorate.
Raise the Forestry Profile by participating in Environmental Forums and conducting capacity building programmes such as NFA training to various stakeholders including the SAPS, Judiciary, Magistrate and Prosecutors and State Organs.
Facilitation of the Appointment of Forest Officers.
Provide inputs to documents and technical advice to Organs of State and other stakeholders on the provisions of the Act.

REQUIREMENTS

Make sure you tick every box below before you apply:

National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry or Natural Science or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
At least three (3) years' experience in Forestry or a related field.
Knowledge of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998) (NFA) and other environmental legislations.
Knowledge in the regulation of natural resources.
Knowledge of Environmental Legislation and policies impacting on the forestry sector.
Knowledge of government administrative procedures (PFMA and Treasury.
Stakeholder Engagement.
Strategic Capability and Leadership.
People Management and Empowerment.
Good interpersonal relations skills.
Good Communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure and handle criticism.
Ability to gather and analyse information.
Ability to negotiate in difficult situations and to resolve conflict.
A valid Driving license and willingness to travel.
The incumbent will be subjected to appointment as Forest Officer (Forest Peace Officer).

HOW TO APPLY

Download the NEW Z83 form from the DPSA website and complete it in full.
Prepare a detailed CV with your qualifications, experience and contact details.
Write the reference number FOM76/2026 on your application.
Submit as instructed: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
Make sure your application reaches the department by 26 October 2026 at 16:00.

Enquiries: Ms K Govender, Cell: (082) 881 2250

Important notes:

Use the new Z83 form with a detailed CV. Old forms may lead to disqualification.
Only shortlisted candidates are asked for certified copies of ID and qualifications.
Late applications are not considered, so submit before the closing time.
If you hear nothing within three months of the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful.
Foreign qualifications must be supported by a SAQA evaluation report.
Expect personnel suitability checks such as criminal, qualification and employment verification.
Senior management posts require the SMS pre-entry certificate and extra assessments.

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Prepare certified copies of your ID, qualifications and proof of experience. Shortlisted candidates are usually asked for them.
If you hold a foreign qualification, get a SAQA evaluation certificate ready before the interview stage.
Keep your documents in one PDF where the department allows it, and check the file size limit before sending.
Use the duties list as a guide for interview preparation and prepare one real work example for each major duty.
If this is your first government application, read the DPSA guide on completing Z83 so you do not lose points on a simple form error.

RELATED JOBS TO APPLY

Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026. Always confirm details with the advertising department. OneCareer is not the employer and never charges for applying to a government post.

Assistant Director: Sustainable Forest Management - Pretoria