ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER SPECIALISED PRODUCTION: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (X2 POSTS)

Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences/Management or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA coupled with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the criminal investigations or related investigative field. Applicants must have demonstrable experience in conducting criminal investigations, gathering and managing evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining affidavits and warning statements, compiling investigation reports and preparing case dockets for submission to prosecuting authorities. Experience in the application of environmental legislation to cases of non- compliance and working within the criminal justice system will be advantageous. Experience in conducting criminal investigations relating to environmental offences, particularly waste and pollution-related crimes, will serve as a strong recommendation. Knowledge: Investigation best practice; environmental policies and legislation; environmental compliance and enforcement methodologies; criminal investigation processes; the Criminal Procedure Act; National Environmental Management Act (NEMA); constitutional law; administrative law; civil procedure; criminal procedure; environmental governance; evidence management and chain of custody requirements; the criminal justice system; and the integration of scientific and technical information into criminal investigations. Sound knowledge of environmental crimes associated with waste management, pollution incidents, unlawful disposal of waste, contaminated land, industrial pollution and other environmental offences. Skills and Competencies: Good written and verbal communication skills. Strong investigative, analytical and evidence-gathering skills. Ability to compile high-quality investigation reports and criminal case dockets. Computer literacy and information management skills. Ability to analyse complex information and apply legislation effectively. Good interpersonal relations, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Honesty, integrity, objectivity, reliability and a strong sense of responsibility. Ability to interact effectively with prosecutors, SAPS, environmental authorities, laboratories and other stakeholders. Must have a valid driver's licence and be willing to travel extensively.

Conduct criminal investigations into environmental offences, with a particular focus on waste and pollution-related crimes, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, NEMA and other applicable environmental legislation. Conduct inspections, site investigations and crime scene activities. Collect, preserve and manage evidence, including environmental samples, and ensure proper chain of custody procedures are maintained. Gather and analyse information and evidence relating to environmental crimes. Obtain affidavits, warning statements and other evidentiary material. Draft and serve subpoenas and other legal documents required during investigations. Register criminal cases with the South African Police Service and maintain accurate records of investigations. Capture and update information on departmental enforcement systems and prepare weekly and monthly reports. Finalise investigations and compile comprehensive criminal case dockets, including investigation reports and charge sheets, for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions or Specialised Prosecution authorities for decision. Manage criminal cases during the post-investigation phase, including consultation with prosecutors, witness preparation, attendance at court proceedings and provision of technical support during prosecutions. Facilitate successful prosecution outcomes by responding to requests for further particulars, attending consultations and court proceedings, and providing evidence where required. Participate in compliance and enforcement operations, multidisciplinary investigations and strategic projects aimed at addressing environmental non-compliance and environmental crime. Assist with operational planning, implementation, reporting and capacity-building initiatives. Co-operate and liaise with national, provincial and local government authorities, the National Prosecuting Authority, SAPS, Environmental Management Inspectors, laboratories and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental compliance and enforcement outcomes.

Mr. G Walters Tel No: (012) 399 9476

All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link. Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references. Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant. No late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to: Criminal records; Citizenship status; Credit worthiness; Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification. Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience. Entry level requirements for SMS posts: In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment. The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme. Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. All shortlisted candidates for SMS will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessment to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preference, emotional intelligence and integrity. Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013. MANAGEMENT ECHELON

PSV Circular 34 of 2026, Post 34/39