Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Director: Forestry Transfer Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Director: Forestry Transfer. This role is based in Pretoria and is pivotal in managing the complex processes of state forest transfers.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing, reviewing, and implementing frameworks and guidelines that govern the transfer of state forests. This involves significant stakeholder engagement, financial resource mobilisation for beneficiaries, and ensuring compliance with relevant environmental and financial legislation.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry or a relevant qualification in a related field, as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in Forestry or a related field.
• Three (3) years of this experience must be at an entry or junior managerial level (Assistant Director level or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of:
• National Forest Act 1998 (Act 84 of 1998)
• National Veld and Forest Fire Act 1998 (Act 101 of 1998)
• NEMA, NEMBA, Protected Areas, Land Reform Legislations, and other Environmental legislations
• Public Finance Regulations, Public Service Regulations, and PFMA
• Knowledge of the Forestry and Environmental Management Sector.
• Knowledge of enumeration for data collection.
• Knowledge of Project Management and Financial Management.
• People Management and Leadership skills.
• Planning and Organizing skills.
• Facilitation and Negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, presentation, awareness raising, and report writing).
• Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently under pressure.
• A valid driving license and willingness to travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and review state forest transfer models, frameworks, guidelines, and tools.
• Facilitate the implementation of the forest transfer framework.
• Facilitate post-settlement support for the transfer of state forests.
• Identify key stakeholders on the transfer agreement.
• Mobilise funding on behalf of beneficiaries.
• Develop and negotiate the conclusion of forest transfer agreements.
• Consult internal and external stakeholders in terms of transfer matters.
• Obtain legal opinions on transfer agreements.
• Develop frameworks and guidelines for post-settlement support.

How to Apply

• All applications must be submitted online.
• Visit the e-recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
• Complete all sections of the online Z83 form.
• Attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three (3) contactable references.
• 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).
• No late applications will be accepted.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026