The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to promoting equity, transformation, and sustainable management of South Africa’s natural resources. The department has officially announced senior management and technical vacancies based in Cape Town, offering highly competitive remuneration packages and strategic leadership roles within the marine, environmental, and engineering sectors.
These posts are aimed at experienced professionals who can contribute to compliance enforcement, marine resource protection, logistics management, and engineering operations within national and international frameworks.
TOTAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The department is advertising a total of:
4 (Four) Vacant Posts
These include:
- 2 Director-level positions
- 1 Deputy Director position
- 1 Engineering Technician position
1. DIRECTOR: COMPLIANCE
Ref No: FIM14/2026
Cape Town
Salary: R1 266 714 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Key Requirements:
- Degree in Environmental Law / Law or related (NQF 7)
- Minimum 5 years senior/middle management experience
- Knowledge of Marine Living Resources Act, PFMA, Criminal Procedure Act
- Experience in fisheries or aquaculture sector
- Valid driver’s licence
- Completion of SMS pre-entry programme (NSG)
Core Duties:
- Develop and implement compliance monitoring systems
- Conduct inspections under MLRA regulations
- Enforce vessel reporting and marine patrol compliance
- Initiate legal sanctions against offenders
- Manage partnerships with government and NGOs
- Participate in regional fisheries governance structures
2. DIRECTOR: FISHERIES PROTECTION VESSELS
Ref No: FIM15/2026
Cape Town
Salary: R1 266 714 per annum (all-inclusive package)
Key Requirements:
- Degree in Law / Maritime Studies / Environmental Law
- 5+ years senior management experience in maritime sector
- Knowledge of SAMSA legislation, PFMA, MLRA
- Strong understanding of maritime domain awareness
- SMS pre-entry qualification required
Core Duties:
- Manage budget and operations of fisheries patrol fleet
- Oversee vessel maintenance and crewing contracts
- Ensure marine resource protection and compliance enforcement
- Coordinate regional maritime partnerships (SADC, RFMO)
- Lead joint patrols and monitoring operations
- Implement administrative sanctions for violations
3. DEPUTY DIRECTOR: OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS
Ref No: OC07/2026
Cape Town
Salary: R896 436 per annum
Key Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Logistics / Maritime Studies / Operations
- Minimum 3 years managerial experience
- Knowledge of shipping logistics, customs, and supply chain systems
- Strong policy development and project management skills
Core Duties:
- Manage logistics support for research and expeditions
- Coordinate procurement and supply chain operations
- Oversee warehouse and cargo handling systems
- Manage expedition recruitment and training
- Support Antarctic and Southern Ocean operations
- Prepare operational reports and stakeholder engagement
4. CONTROL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (MECHANICAL) GRADE A
Ref No: OC06/2026
Cape Town
Salary: R522 741 per annum (OSD)
Key Requirements:
- National Diploma in Engineering (NQF 6)
- Registration with ECSA as Engineering Technician
- Minimum 6 years post-qualification experience
- Knowledge of mechanical systems and installations
Core Duties:
- Maintain and repair mechanical infrastructure and equipment
- Ensure safety compliance and technical standards
- Manage maintenance of vehicles, cranes, and expedition equipment
- Support Antarctic research operations
- Monitor contractors and service providers
- Contribute to technical planning and innovation
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicants must:
- Use the new signed Z83 application form
- Attach a detailed CV (PDF format only)
- Submit one combined PDF document
- Clearly indicate post title and reference number
- Provide certified documents if shortlisted
- Be willing to undergo security clearance and competency assessments
Closing Dates:
- Most posts close on 05 May 2026 (16:00)
- Compliance Director post closes on 08 May 2026
Applications must be emailed to the correct post-specific address or delivered to the Cape Town office.
FINAL NOTE
These DFFE vacancies present a significant opportunity for experienced professionals in law enforcement, maritime governance, logistics, and engineering. Successful candidates will play a critical role in protecting South Africa’s marine biodiversity, strengthening environmental compliance, and supporting national sustainability goals.
