ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: SHEQ ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (X2 POSTS)

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is advertising two Assistant Director positions for SHEQ Environmental Resource Management, with one post based in Pretoria and the other in Durban. These roles operate within the Environmental Programmes branch and are central to safeguarding the quality and environmental integrity of departmental projects. The successful candidates will act as second-party assessors, verifying that environmental programmes comply with established quality standards, industry requirements, and the department’s own Safety, Health, Environment and Quality procedures. This is a technical and coordination-focused role that supports the branch in maintaining accountability, consistency, and legal compliance across project implementation.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma at NQF6 in Forestry, Nature Conservation, Environmental Management, or a related qualification recognised by SAQA, together with at least three years of experience in environmental management or a directly relevant field. A thorough knowledge of environmental legislation and regulatory development is required, as is familiarity with veld and forest fire legislation, integrated fire management, alien invasive plant control methods, and indigenous plant identification. The role also demands an understanding of natural resource management, government standard administrative procedures, quality standards, and contract management. Practical competencies include experience with Geographical Information Systems and map reading, strong written and spoken communication, research and analytical skills, programme and project management abilities, report writing, interpersonal relations, coordination, organisational and planning skills, and advanced computer literacy. Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and treasury regulations is essential. A valid driver’s licence is mandatory, along with a willingness to travel long distances, work long hours with limited supervision, and walk long distances in remote, mountainous, and conservation areas.

The core duties involve conducting second-party quality compliance assessments and verification within Environmental Programmes, including assessing compliance with quality standards, industry requirements, and operational procedures. The Assistant Director will carry out field quality compliance verifications on projects, assist in developing and reviewing branch quality assessment and verification documentation, and contribute to SHEQ procedures. The role also includes conducting and coordinating quality compliance support training sessions, as well as monitoring the implementation of quality compliance recommendations on environmental projects.

The department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with its equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting, which may include criminal record checks, citizenship status verification, creditworthiness assessment, reference checks, and qualification verification. They will also be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before the interview. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Correspondence is limited to successful candidates, and if no response is received within three months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment. By submitting an application, candidates consent to their personal information being processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.