The City of Johannesburg invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for EPWP Eco Guide positions within the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD). These short-term contract opportunities are aimed at supporting environmental education campaigns, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging responsible environmental stewardship across communities within the City of Johannesburg. Individuals with a passion for environmental awareness, community engagement, and sustainability are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

This recruitment drive is open to both City of Johannesburg employees and external applicants who meet the minimum requirements. Successful candidates will be appointed on a 7-month contract and receive a monthly stipend of R4,500.

Vacancy Overview

Job Title: EPWP Eco Guide
Reference Number: STC 010/2026
Department: Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD)
Branch: Strategic Coordination
Contract Duration: 7 Months
Monthly Stipend: R4,500
Location: Traduna House, 118 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Closing Date: 08 September 2026

This opportunity forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which aims to provide work experience and skills development while addressing community and environmental challenges.

About the Eco Guide Position

The Eco Guide role plays an important part in advancing environmental awareness among residents and stakeholders across Johannesburg. Eco Guides serve as environmental ambassadors within local communities, helping to educate the public about environmental protection, sustainable living, waste management, water conservation, climate resilience, and compliance with environmental by-laws.

The position offers valuable experience for individuals interested in environmental management, conservation, public awareness, community development, and sustainability initiatives. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with community members, schools, and other stakeholders while contributing to environmental improvement projects.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the EPWP Eco Guide positions must meet the following requirements:

• Possession of a Matric Certificate or Grade 12 qualification.
• Physical fitness to perform duties that may include environmental clean-up activities, waste management projects, and establishing food gardens.
• Strong interest in environmental issues and community development.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to speak confidently in public settings.
• Capability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Previous volunteering or work experience in environmental education, awareness campaigns, or community engagement will be beneficial.
• South African citizenship.
• Residence within the City of Johannesburg.
• Proof of residence in the specific region being applied for.
• Submission of an affidavit confirming no criminal record.

These requirements ensure that candidates are capable of carrying out awareness activities and engaging effectively with community members across different settings.

Key Responsibilities

Successful Eco Guides will be responsible for a variety of environmental awareness and community engagement activities. Core duties include:

Environmental Awareness Campaigns

Eco Guides will organise and participate in environmental education campaigns aligned with the City’s Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy. These campaigns are intended to educate residents on environmental issues and encourage positive behavioural change.

Community Outreach

The role involves supporting awareness initiatives focused on:

• Effective waste management.
• Clean air programmes.
• Water conservation.
• Climate change adaptation and resilience.
• Sustainable environmental practices.

Public Education on By-Laws

Eco Guides will assist with public outreach activities aimed at educating community members and stakeholders about environmental by-laws and regulations implemented by the City of Johannesburg.

School Awareness Programmes

Environmental education activities in schools form an important part of the position. Eco Guides will help organise and conduct outreach programmes designed to educate learners about environmental responsibility.

Training and Development

Selected candidates will attend various orientation sessions, workshops, and capacity-building programmes covering environmental topics and community engagement skills.

Reporting

Eco Guides will be required to submit reports on activities completed, outcomes achieved, and community participation levels during monthly progress meetings.

Skills and Competencies Required

To succeed in this role, applicants should possess a combination of interpersonal, communication, and professional skills.

Leading Competencies

• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong public speaking abilities.
• Effective community engagement and interpersonal skills.

Core Competencies

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Capability to work independently when required.
• Commitment to Batho Pele principles.
• Professional conduct and ethical behaviour.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Positive attitude towards public service.

These competencies are essential for representing environmental initiatives professionally and effectively within communities.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Recent matriculants looking to gain valuable work experience.
• Individuals interested in environmental conservation and sustainability.
• Community activists and volunteers.
• Job seekers seeking practical experience through the EPWP programme.
• Candidates who enjoy public engagement and community development work.
• Individuals interested in careers related to environmental management, conservation, education, or public service.

The programme provides meaningful exposure to environmental awareness initiatives while helping participants develop transferable skills that can support future employment opportunities.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the official online application process and provide all required documentation.

Documents required include:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Certified copies of qualifications and certificates.
• Any relevant supporting documents.

Additional requirements include:

• A brief description of work experience related to the position.
• Membership information and expiry date for any applicable professional bodies.
• Employee number for current City of Johannesburg employees.
• Proof of residence in the applicable Johannesburg region through a ward councillor confirmation letter or an affidavit from an authorised body.
• Affidavit confirming that the applicant has no criminal record.

Only complete applications submitted through the online system will be considered.

Important Application Information

Applicants should note the following:

• Original documents may be requested during the recruitment and selection process.
• Google Chrome is recommended when completing the online application form.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee employment.
• Only online applications will be accepted.
• Applications not responded to within six weeks of the closing date should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Carefully reviewing all requirements before submission can help avoid disqualification during the screening process.

Employment Equity

The City of Johannesburg applies employment equity principles in line with national legislation and policy guidelines. Preference may be given to designated groups and previously disadvantaged individuals, including persons with disabilities, in accordance with the approved Employment Equity Plan.

All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration based on the requirements of the position and applicable employment equity objectives.

Regional Application Links

Applicants must apply according to the region in which they reside.

Region A
https://share.hsforms.com/1oRT7oNeKRMmFDcACBiLL7g469tl

Region B
https://share.hsforms.com/1No4l4cWOSTeYQobPsG4YTQ469tl

Region C
https://share.hsforms.com/1gDE0pO53TiG4LmwuApsmVg469tl

Region D
https://share.hsforms.com/1Ixed_Hd2TyqVKxKVCI7uqQ469tl

Region E
https://share.hsforms.com/1wfVIveW5TKaXKwHx3FyEEw469tl

Region F
https://share.hsforms.com/1LsnviDbDSUSHzckPA8gq0A469tl

Region G
https://share.hsforms.com/1CQTESvYzTduJCsHu-Pn1yQ469tl

General vacancies and application information can also be accessed through:

City of Johannesburg Careers Portal:
https://www.joburg.org.za

Job Applicant Tips:
https://joburg.org.za/work_/Pages/2026/Vacancies/Tips-For-Job-Applicants.aspx

Why This Opportunity Matters

The EPWP Eco Guide programme provides more than temporary employment. It offers participants the chance to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability while gaining practical workplace experience. From educating school learners and community members to supporting environmental campaigns and conservation efforts, Eco Guides play an important role in promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Johannesburg.

Candidates who are passionate about protecting the environment, engaging with communities, and building valuable professional experience are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date of 08 September 2026. This opportunity can serve as an important stepping stone toward future careers in environmental management, conservation, public service, community development, and sustainability-related fields.