Biodiversity Officer Specialised Production: Biosecurity Enforcement

BIODIVERSITY OFFICER SPECIALISED PRODUCTION: BIOSECURITY ENFORCEMENT is listed by DEPARTMENT OF, FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT. The post is based in Cape Town, Western Cape. The closing date is 05 October 2026.

Job Details

Requirements

• Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA coupled with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the relevant field.
• Knowledge and experience in criminal and administrative enforcement.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of
• 2004) (NEMBA), its associated subordinate legislation, and other relevant acts that deal with biodiversity matters.
• Knowledge and relevant experience in criminal procedures including the Criminal Procedures Act, court processes and document management.
• Knowledge of relevant legal processes.
• Knowledge and experience in criminal investigations and processes, in particular but not limited to alien and invasive species, threatened or protected species and applicable MEA’s such as CITES and the CBD.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of
• 2004) (NEMBA), and its associated subordinate legislation, or experience in a law environment.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of
• 1998)
• (NEMA) and other acts affecting biodiversity.
• A Certificate in Environmental Management Inspector will be an added advantage.
• Advanced skills in policy formulation.
• Negotiation skills.
• Good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills.
• Stakeholder engagement skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure.
• Ability to work under pressure, willingness to travel.
• Computer literacy.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Ensure enforcement of Biodiversity related legislations.
• Coordinate enforcement operations.
• Do criminal investigations, crime scene management and open criminal cases to prosecute offenders, Co-operate and liaise with enforcement stakeholders on matters relating to Biodiversity enforcement activities, programmes and projects.
• Consult with prosecutors, police and all other stakeholders regarding criminal investigations.
• Follow and implement the National Compliance and Enforcement Information system.
• Develop and facilitate the implementation of national policies, strategies and programmes relating to the enforcement of the TOPS, CITES, AIS and BABS regulations.
• Provide strategic enforcement support to EMI’s.
• Participate in interdepartmental forums and processes regarding policy and legislative reform.

Application Instructions

Application instructions from department section

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

Method: Online link

Notes

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

Circular Notes

Circular Notes

must be submitted on the most recently approved Z83 Application for Employment Form, obtainable from the DBE Website or any Public Service Department/Webpage. Use of the old Z83 Form will result in disqualification.

The Z83 must be completed in full and page 2 duly signed. A clear indication of the post and reference number that is being applied for must be indicated on your Z83.

Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit the Z83 with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (only). Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates on or before the day of the interview.

Successful candidates will be subjected to Personnel Suitability Checks (criminal record, citizenship & financial/asset record checks, qualification and employment verification including social media profiles). Appointment is subject to positive results of the security clearance process.

The successful candidate will be required to sign an annual performance agreement and, where applicable, annually disclose his/her financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may 4 be associated with.

Applicants, who do not comply with the requirements outlined above, will not be considered. MANAGEMENT ECHELON

Enquiries

Mr Oupa Chauke Tel No: (012) 399 9317

Required Documents

Z83, CV, Qualifications, Certified ID copy, Driver licence, Other

DPSA Circular Source

• Circular: DPSA Circular 34 of 2026
• Source pages: 29–30
• Open the DPSA circular PDF