The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites suitably qualified South African job seekers to apply for Administration Clerk, Marine Research Assistant and Groundsman Vacancies 2026.
These government job opportunities are available in Limpopo, Western Cape and Northern Cape, with salaries ranging from R144 024 to R237 453 per annum.
Applicants with Grade 9, Grade 12 (Matric) or a relevant National Diploma are encouraged to apply for positions matching their qualifications. The available vacancies include entry-level administrative and grounds maintenance positions.
Vacancy Application Closing Date: 23 November 2026 at 16:00
Vacancy Location: Limpopo, Western Cape, Northern Cape and Cape Town, South Africa
Application Method: Online applications only
Available Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026
The Department has advertised the following four positions under DPSA Vacancy Circular 40 of 2026.
| Position | Location | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support | Limpopo | R237 453 |
| Administration Clerk: State Forest Management | Western Cape | R237 453 |
| Marine Research Assistant | Cape Town | R237 453 |
| Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support | Northern Cape | R144 024 |
1. Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support
- Post Number: 40/20
- Reference Number: FOM74/2026
- Salary: R237 453 per annum
- Location: Limpopo
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 Certificate or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
- Knowledge of Public Service Regulations.
- Understanding of procurement processes and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Computer literacy and communication skills.
- Good interpersonal relationships.
- Ability to communicate with people at different organisational levels.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure and resolve conflicts.
- Initiative, creativity and a strong work ethic.
Added Advantage: A post-matric qualification and relevant administrative experience will be advantageous but are not compulsory.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful applicants will be responsible for:
- Recording, organising, storing and retrieving correspondence and information.
- Updating registers and providing general administrative services.
- Handling enquiries, photocopying and email correspondence.
- Distributing documents and packages to relevant stakeholders.
- Maintaining office filing systems.
- Typing documents and official correspondence.
- Keeping incoming and outgoing document registers updated.
- Maintaining leave registers, personnel records and attendance registers.
- Arranging travel and accommodation bookings.
- Capturing and updating expenditure records.
- Verifying subsistence and travel claims.
- Managing telephone accounts and petty cash.
- Assisting with procurement of goods and services.
Enquiries: Ms ST Lithole – 072 211 7272
2. Administration Clerk: State Forest Management
- Post Number: 40/21
- Reference Number: FOM52/2026
- Salary: R237 453 per annum
- Location: Western Cape
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Grade 12 Certificate or an equivalent SAQA-recognised qualification.
- Basic knowledge of Public Service Regulations and the PFMA.
- Knowledge of procurement procedures.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work individually and in a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
- Creativity, initiative and professional work ethics.
Added Advantage: A post-matric qualification and relevant experience in administration.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide administrative, supply chain and financial support services, including:
- Capturing and maintaining official records and correspondence.
- Providing general clerical and administrative support.
- Handling routine enquiries and emails.
- Maintaining office filing systems.
- Preparing and typing documents.
- Assisting with procurement processes.
- Obtaining quotations and completing procurement forms.
- Maintaining asset registers.
- Providing logistical support.
- Maintaining personnel records and attendance registers.
- Arranging official travel and accommodation.
- Capturing expenditure and verifying travel claims.
- Assisting with petty cash and telephone accounts.
Enquiries:
Ms Nomusa Mncwango – 060 793 4076
Ms ST Lithole – 072 211 7272
3. Marine Research Assistant
- Post Number: 40/22
- Reference Number: FIM33/2026
- Salary: R237 453 per annum
- Location: Foretrust Building, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Minimum Qualification: National Diploma (NQF Level 6)
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Natural Science or another relevant qualification recognised by SAQA.
- At least one year of experience in biological sampling, data collection and capturing.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Knowledge of the Marine Living Resources Act and other relevant legislation.
- Knowledge of data capturing procedures and records management.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to spend extended periods away from home during sea and field trips.
Important: The successful applicant must undergo and pass a medical examination for seafarers in accordance with the applicable SAMSA requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will assist technical and research personnel with:
- Collecting data for research programmes relating to sustainable utilisation of inshore marine resources.
- Collecting and processing fisheries and observer data.
- Capturing information into fisheries research databases.
- Supporting South Africa’s reporting to international fisheries management organisations.
- Monitoring fisheries and marine environments.
- Sampling catches at harbours and factories.
- Conducting biological sampling of fish and sharks.
- Participating in ship-based and field-based marine research.
- Preparing and maintaining research equipment.
- Assisting with procurement of research equipment and consumables.
- Performing general administrative duties.
Enquiries: Ms Wendy West – 076 128 2245
4. Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support
- Post Number: 40/23
- Reference Number: FOM75/2026
- Salary: R144 024 per annum
- Location: Northern Cape
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 9
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of plants, gardening and basic grounds maintenance.
- Ability to operate elementary machinery and equipment.
- Knowledge of operating a computer.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with limited supervision.
- Willingness to work long hours voluntarily.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to resolve conflict and work with different people.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will perform gardening, nursery and grounds maintenance duties, including:
- Watering lawns, plants and trees.
- Removing weeds and controlling unwanted vegetation.
- Pruning and trimming plants.
- Cutting grass and mowing lawns.
- Planting, seeding and transplanting vegetation.
- Preparing flower beds and garden edges.
- Collecting and cleaning seeds.
- Preparing seedling trays and planting bags.
- Sowing seeds and preparing cuttings.
- Transplanting seedlings and trees.
- Mixing sand and compost.
- Providing general labour in the nursery.
- Irrigating seedlings and trees.
- Assisting with stocktaking and tagging plants.
- Checking plants for pests and diseases.
- Assisting customers purchasing trees.
- Operating and maintaining basic equipment, including tractors and dumpers.
- Reporting damaged equipment to the foreman.
- Keeping tools, equipment and machinery clean.
Enquiries: Ms S Lubanga – 060 973 1792
Who Can Apply for DFFE Vacancies 2026?
The available positions cater for applicants with different educational qualifications.
| Qualification | Suitable Position |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 | Groundsman – Northern Cape |
| Grade 12 (Matric) | Administration Clerk – Limpopo |
| Grade 12 (Matric) | Administration Clerk – Western Cape |
| National Diploma in Natural Science or related field | Marine Research Assistant – Cape Town |
Good news for entry-level job seekers: The Administration Clerk and Groundsman advertisements do not specify a compulsory minimum number of years of work experience. However, applicants must still meet all the advertised requirements.
The Marine Research Assistant position requires at least one year of relevant experience.
How to Apply for Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026
Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the Department’s official eRecruitment portal.Click here to apply for Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Vacancies 2026
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
- Visit the official DFFE eRecruitment website at **https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/**.
- Register an account or sign in if you already have one, following the portal’s instructions.
- Browse the available vacancies.
- Select the position that matches your qualifications.
- Complete all required sections of the online Z83 application form.
- Attach your detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Ensure your CV includes at least three contactable references.
- Check that your personal information and qualifications are correct.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Important Reference Numbers
Applicants should use the correct reference number when applying:
- FOM74/2026 – Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support (Limpopo)
- FOM52/2026 – Administration Clerk: State Forest Management (Western Cape)
- FIM33/2026 – Marine Research Assistant (Cape Town)
- FOM75/2026 – Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support (Northern Cape)
Important Application Notes
Before applying, candidates should take note of the following:
- Applications must be submitted online through the official DFFE eRecruitment portal.
- Applicants must complete all sections of the online Z83 form.
- A detailed CV containing at least three contactable references must be attached.
- Applicants should ensure that their qualifications meet the requirements of the position.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit applications early to avoid technical difficulties.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Application Closing Date
Monday, 23 November 2026 at 16:00
All online applications must be submitted before the deadline.
For Attention: Human Resource Management
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, particularly those interested in the Grade 9 Groundsman and Grade 12 Administration Clerk positions.