The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites interested and suitably qualified applicants to apply for the available Forest Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management and Housekeeping Executive positions. These opportunities are suitable for candidates who have Grade 9 or an ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate and are interested in working in forestry, forest conservation, cleaning, and general support services.
The vacancies are available in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, with an annual salary of R144,024. Applicants must submit their applications online through the department’s official recruitment portal before the closing date of 26 October 2026 at 16:00.
The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference may be given to appointable candidates from underrepresented designated groups in accordance with the department’s employment equity plan.
1. Forest Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management
- Reference Number: BC16/2026
- Post Number: 36/35
- Salary: R144,024 per annum
- Location: Mzimkhulu Estate, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 9 or an ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate.
- Knowledge of planting, firefighting, and coppice reduction.
- Good communication, interpersonal, and listening skills.
- Ability to plan and execute assigned tasks.
- Good interpersonal relations and the ability to work effectively with others.
- Ability to accept responsibility and work as part of a team.
- Self-discipline and a willingness to carry out forestry and conservation duties.
Candidates with an interest in forestry, indigenous forest management, environmental conservation, and plantation maintenance may find this opportunity suitable, provided they meet the stated minimum requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will assist with forestry operations, indigenous forest management, plantation maintenance, fire prevention, harvesting, and the propagation of trees and plants.
Key duties include:
- Performing silviculture functions within plantations and indigenous forests.
- Assisting with the rehabilitation of degraded sites.
- Marking plots and counting and marking trees.
- Conducting coppice reduction to support appropriate forest management.
- Updating and maintaining various registers relating to forestry activities.
- Carrying out planting and weeding activities, including manual and chemical weed control where required.
- Maintaining conservation zones and removing alien plant species.
- Performing fire protection and fire suppression duties.
- Controlling pest and weed infestations.
- Protecting departmental infrastructure and assisting with infrastructure maintenance.
- Providing harvesting services, including log marking and pole measuring.
- Propagating plants and trees and maintaining the relevant production records.
- Assisting with the production and processing of poles, including cutting, drying, and treating poles.
- Providing support with the sale of poles.
- Following departmental procedures and safety requirements while performing assigned duties.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding this position, contact:
Mr GW Mnguni
Telephone: 066 165 6908
2. Housekeeping Executive
- Reference Number: CMS/CT15/2026
- Post Number: 36/22
- Salary: R144,024 per annum
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 9 or an ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate.
- Experience in providing cleaning services will be an added advantage.
- Understanding of at least one of the official languages used in the department.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Sound organising and planning skills.
- A strong sense of responsibility and loyalty.
- Willingness and ability to work long hours voluntarily when required.
Applicants who are reliable, organised, responsible, and committed to maintaining clean and hygienic working environments are encouraged to apply if they meet the minimum educational requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide cleaning and housekeeping services to ensure that departmental offices and facilities remain clean, tidy, and suitable for daily operations.
Key duties include:
- Cleaning offices, boardrooms, kitchens, passages, and other designated areas.
- Cleaning computer printers and cabinets appropriately.
- Providing housekeeping support during departmental meetings.
- Washing cups and ensuring that crockery and cutlery are clean and available.
- Preparing tea and water for meetings.
- Removing and washing cups after meetings.
- Collecting waste and disposing of it in the main dustbin.
- Handling cleaning materials and using cleaning equipment according to prescribed procedures.
- Maintaining and updating stock levels of cleaning materials and beverages.
- Keeping accurate stock lists of cutlery, crockery, cleaning equipment, and refreshments.
- Receiving, checking, and packing stock in designated storage areas.
- Monitoring stock levels and refilling beverages when necessary.
- Reporting faults, losses, and breakages involving utensils or equipment.
- Ensuring that cleaning supplies and housekeeping equipment are stored and used correctly.
- Assisting with general housekeeping tasks as directed by supervisors.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding this position, contact:
Ms Dumezweni-Sogayise
Cellphone: 071 507 0130
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s official e-Recruitment portal.
Official application portal:
https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official e-Recruitment portal.
- Locate the relevant vacancy and confirm the reference number and position details.
- Complete all sections of the online Z83 application form.
- Attach a detailed and updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- Ensure that the CV includes at least three contactable references.
- Review the application carefully to confirm that all required information has been provided.
- Submit the application before the closing date and time.
Applicants must ensure that all sections of the online Z83 form are completed and that the required CV is attached. Failure to complete the form or disclose the required information may result in automatic disqualification.
Required Documents
At the application stage, applicants must complete the online Z83 form and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of the following documents on or before the interview date:
- Qualifications.
- Identity document.
- Driver’s licence, where applicable to the relevant post.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Candidates should ensure that the information supplied in their applications is accurate and that their contact details and references are up to date.
Closing Date: 26 October 2026 at 16:00
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute difficulties.
Important Information for Applicants
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and appointments may take the department’s employment equity plan into account.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. If an applicant has not received communication within three months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting to assess their suitability for employment. These checks may include criminal records, citizenship status, creditworthiness, previous employment and reference checks, and qualification verification.
The department reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Applicants should also note that the additional Senior Management Service (SMS) pre-entry programme and related assessments described in the departmental advertisement apply to relevant SMS posts and are not ordinary entry requirements for the two positions listed above.
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified applicants should submit their applications through the official DFFE e-Recruitment portal:
- Apply online: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
Before applying, confirm the correct position, reference number, location, minimum requirements, and supporting documents on the official portal.
Closing date: 26 October 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants seeking entry-level opportunities in forestry, environmental conservation, or housekeeping services are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit complete applications before the deadline.