Assistant Director: Sustainable Forest Management

Overview

Assistant Director role in Pretoria to administer and enforce the National Forests Act, develop policies, and process licences for protected trees.

Duties

• 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 compliance with 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.

How to apply

All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

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

Notes

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link. Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references. Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant. No late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to: Criminal records; Citizenship status; Credit worthiness; Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification. Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience. Entry level requirements for SMS posts: In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment. The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the interview and technical assessment for all SMS posts, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments. Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013. ERRATUM: Kindly note that the post for the Deputy Director: Forest Charter Co-ordination with Ref No: FOM42/2026 advertised in the Public Service Vacancy Circular 34 dated 18 September 2026 with the closing date of 05 October 2026 is withdrawn until further notice. MANAGEMENT ECHELON