Looking for a real‑world start in the environmental field? The City of Johannesburg Environmental Youth Graduate Internship Programme is open now, and you have until 10 September 2026 to apply.
What the internship is
The Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) of the City of Johannesburg is offering short‑term, EPWP‑funded contracts for unemployed youth aged 18‑35. Each contract lasts up to 12 months and is based at 118 Jorissen Street, Traduna House, Braamfontein, Gauteng.
Who can apply
You must be a South African citizen, unemployed, and between 18 and 35 years old. A NQF Level 6 or 7 Diploma or Degree in a relevant field (environmental science, management, safety, planning, conservation, etc.) is required for the specific track you choose.
What you will gain
- Hands‑on experience in municipal environmental projects.
- Opportunity to work on waste management, climate action, air quality, biodiversity, OHS and more.
- Development of report‑writing, data‑analysis, presentation and project‑management skills.
- Professional networking within a large city department.
How to apply – step by step
- Read the description of each Youth Graduate track below and decide which matches your qualification.
- Click the official application link for that track.
- Complete the online form, attaching scanned copies of your ID, qualification certificates and a concise CV.
- Double‑check that you have selected the correct position before submitting.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
Available internship tracks
Waste Management Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Health, Conservation, OHS or related.
You will support waste audits, monitor service delivery, promote recycling, assist community clean‑ups and address illegal dumping.
Apply for Waste Management Youth Graduate
Climate Change Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Energy Studies or related.
Tasks include helping with the Climate Action Plan, gathering climate data, greenhouse‑gas inventories, CDP reporting and stakeholder coordination.
Apply for Climate Change Youth Graduate
Air Quality Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Conservation or related.
You will assist with atmospheric emission licences, site inspections, emissions monitoring, compliance checks and pollution‑complaint investigations.
Apply for Air Quality Youth Graduate
Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Environmental Management, Sciences, Nature Conservation or related.
The role supports school and community programmes, awareness campaigns, material development, and monitoring of outcomes.
Apply for Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate
Biodiversity & Open Space Management Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Town & Regional Planning, Nature Conservation or related.
You will help with policy administration, record‑keeping, site work support and prepare reports with recommendations.
Apply for Biodiversity & Open Space Management Youth Graduate
Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Safety Management or related.
Responsibilities include supporting OHS policy rollout, workplace inspections, hazard identification, risk assessments and emergency drills.
Apply for Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate
Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate
Needed: NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Conservation or related.
You will review development proposals, ensure compliance with NEMA, NEMWA and NEMAQA, and advise on environmental legislation.
Apply for Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate
Tips to improve your chances
- Match your qualifications exactly to the track’s requirements; use the same terminology as in the advert.
- Proofread your CV and application for spelling and grammar errors.
- Highlight any volunteer or project work related to the specific field.
- Attach all required documents; missing files are a common reason for rejection.
- Submit before the deadline – early applications are less likely to be lost in a rush.
Next steps
If you meet the age and qualification criteria, pick the track that best fits your background and submit your application before 10 September 2026. This internship can give you a solid foothold in the environmental sector and open doors to future roles within the City or beyond.
