Agriculture & Agri-BEE

This opportunity closed on 24 August 2026. Applications sent now will not be considered. Fresh Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment posts appear on their employer page as soon as they open — and similar live opportunities are listed below.

Forestry, Fisheries And The Environment Scientist Production Grade A: Geohydrology Vacancy 2026

Forestry, Fisheries And The Environment

Agriculture & Agri-BEE (AgriSETA)

More Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment posts →

Deadline Passed

Monthly stipend

R791 604 per annum

Closing date

24 Aug 2026

Opportunity: Contract
Minimum education: Postgraduate (NQF 8+)
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
SETA: CATHSSETA
Posted: 08 Aug 2026

Sourced from the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular (dpsa.gov.za) — the issuing body's official advert, last confirmed there by our scraper on 14 August 2026.

We rewrite adverts for readability; the closing date, requirements and application method come from the source advert — confirm them there before you apply. How we source listings →

See open Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment posts

How this salary compares

At R65 967 a month, this post pays above the median of R45 540 for contract posts (14 listings that publish a figure). The middle half of that group pays between R40 600 and R104 040.

25th percentile: R40 600
Median: R45 540
75th percentile: R104 040

This post sits in the 57th percentile of that group. Figures are the advertised package converted to a monthly amount — before tax, pension and medical contributions, so take-home pay is lower.

Calculated by SetaJobs from the 14 comparable posts open on this site that publish a figure. Amounts advertised per year are divided by twelve; a quoted range is taken at its midpoint.

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment is offering a senior opportunity for a Scientist Production Grade A in Geohydrology. This role is based in Pretoria and involves critical work in environmental management, with a focus on waste management licensing and climate change studies.

This position requires a professional with a strong background in natural science to contribute to the review and analysis of geohydrological information. The successful candidate will play a key part in developing methodologies, supporting application processes, and ensuring compliance within legislative frameworks.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s of Science Honours degree as recognised by SAQA.
Three (3) years’ post-qualification experience in natural science.
Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a professional Natural Scientist.
Knowledge of Climate Change adaptation and mitigation.
Understanding of the policy and legislative framework governing pollution and waste management.
Sound analytical and research skills.
Ability to manage and plan for activities, including projects and policy matters.
Knowledge and experience in contract management.
Ability to develop, interpret, and apply policies, strategies, and legislation.
Good interpersonal relations skills.
Stakeholder engagement, Strategic Capability, and Leadership skills.
Knowledge of the National Waste Management Strategy.
Ability to work independently and efficiently under pressure, as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
A valid Driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Key Responsibilities

Review and analyse geohydrological information to support the approval of engineering drawings and designs submitted for new waste management license applications, variations, and 24G applications.
Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems, and procedures for geohydrological information products and applications.
Gather, analyse, and disseminate geohydrological information to support the Directorate in reviewing applications and assessing the performance of licensed sites.
Provide support in approving design drawings and engineering for the expansion of listed waste activity or any modification on licensed facilities.
Process registration in terms of National Norms and Standards and the exclusion authorisation.
Review climate change geohydrology and climate change studies that accompany waste license applications.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by August 24, 2026.

Visit the online application portal: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
Complete all sections on the online Z83 form.
Attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three (3) contactable references.

Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview. Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for having them evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

This listing in context

What the 338 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.

Live contract posts: 66
In Gauteng: 26
Closing within 7 days: 13

27% of the 66 live contract posts we hold ask for Postgraduate (NQF 8+). The commonest requirement is Degree (NQF 7), at 33%.

Live contract posts stay open for a median of 13 days between posting and closing date.

Calculated by SetaJobs from the 338 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change. Browse all 146 opportunities in Gauteng.

What you'll need to apply

Send only the Z83 and your CV. Attaching certified copies now is not required, and an incomplete Z83 is the single commonest reason applications are rejected.

A completed Z83 form
Your CV

Full checklist for a national or provincial department →

What a fixed-term post involves

A contract post is employment for a defined period or project. The work and the requirements are usually identical to a permanent post at the same level — the difference is the end date. Contract staff generally receive the same salary scale, sometimes with benefits paid as an allowance instead of a fund contribution.

How the selection usually runs

The screening and interview process mirrors a permanent post, and the minimum requirements are applied just as strictly.
Contract posts are often filled faster than permanent ones, because the funding is tied to a project timeline.

What you leave with

Directly relevant experience at the level you want, and internal standing when a permanent post at that level is eventually advertised.

Where this leads next

Contract renewal or extension
Continued funding for the project or post.
Permanent appointment at the same level
Competing for the post when it is advertised — contract service does not convert automatically.
A higher level elsewhere
The experience the contract gave you, which is what the next advert is asking for.

A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.

Watch out for this

Confirm what happens at the end of the term before you resign from something else. A fixed-term contract ends by expiry, and that is not a dismissal you can contest.