Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment Deputy Director: Woodlands and Indigenous Forest Management Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment is offering a significant opportunity for an experienced professional to join its team as a Deputy Director. This role is crucial for the sustainable management of South Africa's precious woodlands and indigenous forests.

This position focuses on developing and implementing policies and strategies that ensure the long-term health and biodiversity of these vital natural resources. It's an chance to contribute directly to environmental conservation and compliance at a national level.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Forestry, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a related qualification recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Indigenous Forest, Commercial Forest, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of the required experience must be at an entry/junior managerial level (Assistant Director or equivalent).
• Ability to interpret and apply key legislation including the National Forest Act 1998 (Act 84 of 1998), National Veld and Forest Fire Act 1998 (Act 101 of 1998), NEMA, NEMBA, and other Environmental legislations, as well as the Public Service Act, PFMA, and Labour Relations Act.
• Knowledge of Project Management.
• Skills in People Management / Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Facilitation and Negotiation, and Problem-solving.
• Excellent Communication skills, covering verbal interaction, presentations, awareness raising, and report writing.
• Ability to interpret regulations and develop policy.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently under pressure.
• A valid driving license and willingness to travel are essential.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop policies, norms, standards, tools, and procedures for the sustainable management of indigenous forests and woodlands.
• Monitor the implementation of policies, strategies, and programmes by regional teams (WIFM).
• Manage conservation planning and ensure compliance with national and international biodiversity management frameworks.
• Determine the relative conservation and socio-economic values of forest patches, as well as identify threats.
• Develop, maintain, and implement Regional Forest Management plans and other subordinate plans, including forest rehabilitation, environmental rehabilitation, species conservation, sustainable harvesting management, waste management, fire management and protection, infrastructure management, and cultural site management.
• Ensure Ecological Forest monitoring.
• Conduct national Principle, Criteria, Indicators, and Standards (PCI&S) audits.
• Ensure an Integrated Environment plan for indigenous forest and resources of the Sub-directorate (Physical, Human & Financial resources).
• Analyse the impact of environmental assessments.
• Ensure compliance with and monitoring of Environmental legislation, especially the National Forest Act (NFA) and National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA).
• Manage the achievements of the Regional Annual Plan of Operation.
• Develop and provide forest management guidelines, norms, and best practices to the WIFM regions.
• Evaluate and monitor the performance and appraisal of employees.
• Manage discipline within the team.

What the Work Involves

This role provides an opportunity to manage and shape the future of South Africa's indigenous forests and woodlands. Day-to-day work involves developing and refining policies, standards, and procedures that ensure sustainable environmental management. A significant part of the work will be monitoring how these policies, strategies, and programmes are put into action across different regions, ensuring compliance with national and international biodiversity frameworks.

The Deputy Director will apply a keen analytical eye to determine the conservation and socio-economic value of forest areas, identify threats, and manage the integrated planning for physical, human, and financial resources related to indigenous forests. The ability to interpret environmental legislation, conduct audits, and manage regional plans is central to this position. The role requires regular travel, indicating a mix of office-based strategic work and fieldwork for monitoring and oversight.