FIELD ASSISTANTS: SEABIRDS

National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Job Posting

APPLICATIONS : All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

CLOSING DATE : 09 November 2026, 16:00. No late applications will be accepted

NOTE : Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link. Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references. Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant. No late applications will be accepted Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, 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). The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to: Criminal records; Citizenship status; Credit worthiness; Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification. Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience. Entry level requirements for SMS posts: In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment. The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme. Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. Following the interview and the technical exercise of all SMS posts, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments. Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013.

POST 38/140 : FIELD ASSISTANTS: SEABIRDS REF NO: 34/2026 (X2 POSTS)

(Approximately Fifteen Months Contract) SALARY : R280 278 per annum, (plus 37% lieu in benefits) CENTRE : Marion Island

REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or relevant qualification in Natural Science. 0– 1-year experience required in Marion Island. Knowledge of environmental legislation. Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts. Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, bird’s identification & handling, disseminate information, report writing and recording. Must have good attention to detail and be meticulous in data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to seabirds to a high standard. Must be self-motivated and able to work at a remote place away from family and friends with minimal supervision.

DUTIES : Undertake biological research, fieldwork and monitoring according to a workplan as devised by the project managers. Make day-to-day decisions about work priorities and fieldwork protocols. Maintain accurate records of the work and computer databases of the work. Regularly report to and update the project manager on progress of the project. The applicants must have determination, physical fitness and the ability to work under harsh environmental conditions subject to extremes of weather; a desire to work with animals, including handling of seabird adults and chicks, which require empathy for the birds. Successful applicants will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. Note that there is no option to return before the end of the expedition, once you land at the island. The well-equipped new base station has full e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities.

NOTE : The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental wellbeing of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

POST 38/139 : ASSISTANT METEOROLOGICAL TECHNICIAN REF NO: OC29/2026

(X2 Posts (Approximately 15 Months Contract) SALARY : R280 278 per annum, (plus 37% lieu in benefits). Permanent SAWS employees will have a different payment structure of benefits. CENTRE : Marion Island

REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma in Natural Sciences or an equivalent relevant qualification (NQF Level 6) recognised by SAQA, with 0–1 year of relevant experience; or Grade 12 with a National Weather Certificate and two (2) years of experience in weather observation. Knowledge of Automatic Weather Stations and Automatic Rain Stations, Knowledge of South African Weather Service policies and procedures, Knowledge of international standards such as WMO and ICAO Technical Competencies: Communication and interpersonal skills etc. Candidates must be willing to work shifts (both day and night shifts) and on public holidays, in possible adverse weather conditions. Candidates must be punctual, dedicated, precise and be willing to work in a team, as well as on their own.

DUTIES : Assist and actively participate in the running of the surface meteorological and atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS. Perform surface meteorological observations, conduct upper-air balloon releases and maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station of Marion Island. Conduct quality control of data and when required or perform tasks within the prescribed scope of work as delegated by the Senior Meteorological Technician. Assist other team members with logistical and administrative tasks associated with the general running of the base. Conduct all duties in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards as set out by the South African Weather Service.

NOTE : The successful candidate will be required to attend compulsory training at the South African Weather Service in Cape Town. The incumbent will execute duties at Marion Island Base and adhere to th