DESKTOP TECHNICIAN

This position offers an opportunity to join the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) as a Desktop Technician within the Corporate Services directorate, based in Bedfordview. The role is central to maintaining the department’s day-to-day ICT operations, ensuring that staff across all units have reliable desktop hardware, software, and network access to perform their duties without disruption. As a government post at Level 07, it carries a fixed level of responsibility within the broader ICT support structure, and the successful candidate will work alongside designated ICT practitioners and second-tier support teams to deliver a responsive, secure, and well-documented technology environment.

Applicants must hold a minimum three-year National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Information Technology, coupled with at least two to three years of hands-on experience in ICT support. Certifications such as ITIL Foundation, CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ are considered an added advantage, as is possession of a valid Code 8 or 10 driver’s licence. The role demands a strong service orientation and the ability to interact effectively with people at different levels of the organisation. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to perform risk analysis and implement mitigation strategies, interpret information fields and documentation, manage projects, and prepare reports, submissions, and presentations.

The core duties revolve around providing technical support for desktop hardware, software, and peripheral devices. This includes installing, configuring, and troubleshooting operating systems and standard applications, performing routine maintenance, updates, and patch management, and responding to logged incidents and service requests within agreed service level agreement timelines. The technician will set up new ICT equipment such as desktops, laptops, and printers; support LAN and Wi-Fi connectivity at desktop level; and maintain accurate asset registers with correct tagging and tracking of all ICT equipment. Participation in infrastructure rollouts and upgrades is expected, as is the delivery of both in-person and remote technical assistance to staff across every department, always aiming to minimise operational disruption. The role also involves promoting responsible ICT usage by guiding users on security protocols, software best practices, and digital hygiene. The technician must escalate complex or unresolved issues to second-tier support teams, configure and update endpoint security tools to mitigate cyber threats, and track user compliance with ICT security frameworks, flagging any deviations immediately. Additional responsibilities include participating in the setup and testing of backup and recovery solutions, maintaining comprehensive records of service requests and troubleshooting outcomes, creating user guides and FAQs for self-service, and providing accurate inputs for ICT performance metrics and departmental reports.

The DFFE is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department’s equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before or on the day of the interview. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). All shortlisted applicants will undergo screening and security vetting, which may include criminal record checks, citizenship status verification, creditworthiness assessment, reference checking, and qualification verification. As part of the application process, applicants consent to the processing of their personal information in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.