CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER GRADE A: OFFSHORE SOURCES OF MARINE POLLUTION

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced environmental professional to fill the post of Control Environmental Officer Grade A, with a dedicated focus on offshore sources of marine pollution. This OSD-graded position is based in Cape Town and operates within the department's broader mandate to protect South Africa's marine and coastal environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in strengthening the department's operational capacity to respond effectively to oil spills, ensuring that dumping at sea is strictly controlled, and enforcing regulations governing offshore ship-to-ship transfers. This is a demanding, senior technical role that requires both strategic oversight and hands-on regulatory implementation, with the incumbent expected to act as a key authority on marine pollution matters and to uphold South Africa's international treaty obligations in this arena.

Applicants must hold an Honours Degree in Natural or Environmental Science, or an equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), combined with at least six years of post-qualification experience. A thorough working knowledge of maritime and coastal management legislative frameworks, public service administration procedures, financial management, and departmental policies is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong leadership, facilitation, analytical, and research capabilities, alongside sound organisational and planning skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, often under extreme pressure and involving conflict resolution with difficult stakeholders. The job demands a high degree of personal commitment, including a willingness to work long hours voluntarily and to travel extensively. A valid Code B driver's licence is a mandatory requirement.

The core duties of the role are broad and technically complex. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and maintaining the department's oil spill response readiness, controlling and monitoring the dumping of waste and other matter at sea, and implementing the regulatory framework for offshore ship-to-ship transfers. They will also design and develop measures to prevent and control marine pollution originating from shipping activities, and will represent the department in meeting its international obligations relating to marine pollution, which may involve liaison with international bodies and cooperation with other coastal states. The role requires a blend of regulatory enforcement, policy development, and practical operational readiness.

The DFFE is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable candidates from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department's equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo security vetting, integrity and competency assessments, and must produce certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver's licence on or before the interview date. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA at the applicant's own initiative. All applications must be submitted through the department's online e-recruitment system by the advertised closing date, and applicants are advised that incomplete or late submissions will be disqualified. By applying, candidates consent to their personal information being processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.