Right now the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has opened four entry‑level vacancies that could launch your public‑service career. The posts are in Limpopo, the Western Cape, the Northern Cape and Cape Town, and the salary ranges from R144 024 to R237 453 per year.
What positions are available?
- Administration Clerk – Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support
Post: 40/20 | Ref: FOM74/2026 | Salary: R237 453 | Location: Limpopo | Minimum: Grade 12 - Administration Clerk – State Forest Management
Post: 40/21 | Ref: FOM52/2026 | Salary: R237 453 | Location: Western Cape | Minimum: Grade 12 - Marine Research Assistant
Post: 40/22 | Ref: FIM33/2026 | Salary: R237 453 | Location: Cape Town (Foretrust Building) | Minimum: National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Natural Science or related field - Groundsman – Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support
Post: 40/23 | Ref: FOM75/2026 | Salary: R144 024 | Location: Northern Cape | Minimum: Grade 9
Who can apply?
Grade 9 – suitable for the Groundsman post in the Northern Cape.
Grade 12 (Matric) – suitable for both Administration Clerk positions (Limpopo and Western Cape).
National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Natural Science or a related discipline – required for the Marine Research Assistant role.
All applicants must have a SAQA‑recognised qualification, basic computer skills and the ability to work under pressure. The Marine Research Assistant also needs at least one year of relevant experience and a valid driver’s licence.
What you will gain
- Hands‑on experience in government administration, procurement and financial record‑keeping.
- Exposure to environmental research and marine resource management.
- Practical skills in grounds maintenance, horticulture and basic machinery operation.
- Professional development in public‑service regulations, the PFMA and the Marine Living Resources Act.
- Full‑time, permanent contracts with a public‑sector salary that can grow with experience.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted online through the official DFFE eRecruitment portal.
- Go to https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/.
- Create a new account or log in if you already have one.
- Search for the vacancy using the reference number (e.g., FOM74/2026 for the Limpopo Administration Clerk).
- Complete every section of the online Z83 application form.
- Upload a current CV that includes at least three contactable references.
- Double‑check that your qualifications and personal details match the job requirements.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the minimum requirements carefully; missing a key criterion will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience – even short internships or volunteer work count.
- Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.
- Proofread your application for spelling or formatting errors.
- Apply early. Technical glitches are common close to the deadline.
- If you have a post‑matric qualification or prior admin experience, mention it even when it is listed as “advantageous”.
- For the Marine Research Assistant, be prepared to undergo a SAMSA medical exam for seafarers.
Next steps
The closing date for all four vacancies is Monday, 23 November 2026 at 16:00. Make sure your online submission is complete before that time. If you have questions, you can contact the following people:
- Ms S T Lithole – 072 211 7272 (Administration Clerk posts)
- Ms Nomusa Mncwango – 060 793 4076 (State Forest Management)
- Ms Wendy West – 076 128 2245 (Marine Research Assistant)
- Ms S Lubanga – 060 973 1792 (Groundsman)
Take a moment now to register on the eRecruitment portal and start preparing your application. This could be the first step toward a stable, rewarding career in South Africa’s public sector.
