ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT OFFICER: WASTE MANAGEMENT LICENSING

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to environmental governance within the Western Cape Government’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. As an Environmental Support Officer focused on Waste Management Licensing, the role sits at the intersection of administrative coordination, regulatory compliance, and environmental data stewardship. The successful candidate will support the department’s mandate by ensuring that procedural and administrative functions run smoothly, enabling the component to meet its operational and policy obligations. The role is graded at a level that reflects its supervisory and specialist administrative responsibilities, and it forms part of a broader team dedicated to the effective regulation of waste management activities in the province.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification at NQF level 6 or equivalent, as recognised by SAQA, and have at least three years of relevant administrative experience. The role demands a solid understanding of public sector financial and administrative prescripts, as well as legislation, regulations, and policies applicable to the department and its components. Familiarity with general office administration, database and information management, project administration, record-keeping, and supply chain management processes is essential. In addition, the post requires supervisory capabilities and a working knowledge of people management prescripts. Strong computer literacy in the MS Office package, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is expected, along with excellent written and verbal communication, numeracy, accounting, finance, audit, and project management skills. The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team is also critical.

The core duties are varied and include facilitating procedural and administrative functions to support operational compliance, coordinating and maintaining environmental data systems that inform policy implementation and regulatory reporting, and providing logistics and secretariat services to stakeholders within the component. Financial administration is another key area, with responsibilities spanning environmentally aligned procurement, budgeting, and reporting. The role also encompasses asset management and the performance of supervisory functions, meaning the post holder will be expected to guide and oversee the work of others while ensuring that administrative standards are upheld.

Shortlisted candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process. This includes attending interviews on a date determined by the department, submitting duly completed vetting and supporting documentation within a specified timeframe, and undertaking two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability for the post, and an integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct. Reference checks will be conducted with previous employers or managers, including enquiries about disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the department, and applicants should note that by applying, they consent to these verification procedures. This is a demanding but rewarding role for an organised, detail-oriented professional seeking to make a meaningful contribution to environmental administration and waste management licensing in the Western Cape.