ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER PRODUCTION GRADE A-C: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND GOVERNANCE REF NO: EO – EPGM 01/OCTOBER 2026 (X5 POSTS) Business Unit: Environmental Planning and Governance

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is advertising five Environmental Officer Production Grade A-C vacancies within its Environmental Planning and Governance business unit, an OSD-graded position based across the Ethekwini, Ilembe, Ugu, Amajuba, and Harry Gwala Districts. This role is central to supporting environmental management and governance at the district level, with the successful candidates expected to work closely with municipalities, other organs of state, and private entities to ensure that environmental legislation and sustainable development principles are properly applied.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences, as recognised by SAQA, and have between one and two years of relevant experience in the environmental management field. A valid Code B driver’s licence is also required, as the role will involve travel and fieldwork across the district. The department is looking for individuals with a strong working knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, and its associated legislation, as well as a broader understanding of key environmental laws, policies, and frameworks, including sustainable development, environmental management, development management, cooperative governance, governance planning, evaluation and reporting, and strategy implementation. In addition, candidates should be familiar with the regulatory framework governing the public service, including the Public Service Act, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Skills Development Act, and the Batho Pele service delivery principles.

The duties of the post are varied and include providing environmental management support to municipalities and other entities; supporting special area management programmes and projects such as coastal zone management, threatened ecosystems, mountain catchment areas, wetlands, and climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives; and assisting with sustainable development planning projects. The incumbent will also help ensure an effective and efficient environmental information management system within the district municipality, alongside performing administrative and other delegated functions. A wide range of skills is required, including communication, analytical and research abilities, technical report writing, policy development and analysis, project and financial management, computer literacy, spatial information management, people and conflict management, and decision making. The successful candidate should also demonstrate integrity, respect, honesty, discipline, teamwork, vision, transparency, and commitment.

Appointments will be made in accordance with the department’s employment equity targets, specifically African Male, Coloured Male, and Indian Male candidates, while people with disabilities who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants must note that they will be required to serve in the districts where they are placed for a minimum of five years before any transfers within the department can be considered. These posts offer an opportunity for a dedicated environmental professional to contribute meaningfully to governance and sustainability in KwaZulu-Natal.