DPSA POST 34/49 Forestry Service Aid 2026: 3 Exciting DFFE Job Posts

DPSA POST 34/49 is one of the vacancies advertised in DPSA Circular 34 of 2026 by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The vacancy is for Forestry Service Aid, with three posts available under reference number BC14/2026.

The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum, and the centre is listed as Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The closing date for applications is 5 October 2026.

The position is focused on practical forestry operations, including silviculture activities, plot marking, counting and marking trees, updating registers, forest and veld firefighting, prescribed burning, harvesting services, propagation activities and the production and processing of poles.

The minimum qualification listed for DPSA POST 34/49 is NQF Level 1 or a relevant equivalent qualification. Applicants should also have knowledge of planting and firefighting, together with communication, planning, interpersonal, listening and teamwork skills.

This CareerPosts guide explains the vacancy in detail, including the requirements, duties, application process, Z83 requirements, documents, closing date and important information to check before applying.

DPSA POST 34/49 Job Details

The vacancy information identifies three posts and states that applications must be submitted online through the DFFE recruitment platform.

What Is DPSA POST 34/49?

DPSA POST 34/49 is a Forestry Service Aid vacancy included in the public-service vacancy advertisements contained in DPSA Circular 34 of 2026.

The position falls under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, commonly referred to as DFFE.

Unlike vacancies that are mainly office-based, the Forestry Service Aid position involves practical forestry activities in plantations and forests. The duties listed in the advertisement include working with trees and forestry operations, supporting silviculture functions, fighting forest and veld fires, performing prescribed burning tasks, assisting with harvesting and working with poles.

The vacancy is therefore relevant to people who are interested in practical outdoor work and who meet the qualification and skills requirements specified in the advertisement.

There are three positions available under reference BC14/2026.

Forestry Service Aid Jobs in Mpumalanga and Limpopo

The centre for DPSA POST 34/49 is listed as Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Applicants should pay attention to the centre listed in the vacancy before submitting an application. This is important because the position involves forestry activities and the location can affect a candidate’s ability to perform the duties required by the department.

The advert does not provide a specific town or plantation for each of the three posts in the information available. Applicants should therefore rely on the official recruitment information rather than assuming that the vacancy is based in a particular municipality or town.

The centre is officially described as:

Mpumalanga and Limpopo

Salary for DPSA POST 34/49

The advertised salary for the Forestry Service Aid position is:

R144,024 per annum

The vacancy information gives the annual salary but does not provide a separate monthly salary figure. Applicants should therefore use the official annual amount rather than relying on salary estimates posted elsewhere online.

It is also important not to confuse the advertised annual salary with the amount an employee would receive as take-home pay. Deductions and applicable employment conditions can affect the amount ultimately received.

CareerPosts does not add an estimated salary where the official vacancy does not provide one.

Requirements for DPSA POST 34/49

Applicants should carefully read the requirements before starting the application.

The minimum qualification listed for DPSA POST 34/49 is:

NQF Level 1 or a relevant equivalent qualification.

The advert also lists knowledge of:

• Planting
• Firefighting

In addition to these requirements, the department identifies a number of personal attributes and skills.

Applicants should therefore look at the entire requirement section rather than focusing only on the educational qualification.

NQF Level 1 Qualification

The advert specifically states:

NQF Level 1 or relevant equivalent qualification.

Applicants should make sure that their qualification information is accurately entered on the application.

If you have a relevant equivalent qualification, provide the correct information rather than simply selecting a qualification because you believe it may improve your chances.

The department may request supporting documents from shortlisted applicants, so the information provided during the application should be accurate and verifiable.

Knowledge of Planting

Knowledge of planting is one of the requirements for the Forestry Service Aid position.

This is relevant to the practical nature of forestry operations.

Applicants should understand that the role involves working with forestry resources rather than being limited to general administrative tasks.

Knowledge gained through relevant training, practical activities or previous work should be described accurately on the CV where applicable.

Do not claim experience or knowledge that you do not have.

Knowledge of Firefighting

The vacancy also requires knowledge of firefighting.

This is particularly relevant because one of the duties listed for the position is fighting forest and veld fires or performing prescribed burning tasks.

Applicants should understand that fire-related duties can involve safety risks and must be performed according to the department’s procedures and instructions.

The advertisement should be used as the basis for determining the actual requirements of the position. It should not be assumed that a separate firefighting qualification is mandatory unless the advert specifically says so.

Personal Attributes Required

DFFE identifies several personal attributes for DPSA POST 34/49.

These include:

• Planning and execution
• Acceptance of responsibility
• Interpersonal relations
• Teamwork
• Reliability
• Self-discipline

These attributes are relevant to practical forestry work because the position involves completing assigned tasks, working with colleagues and following instructions.

Planning and Execution

Applicants should be able to plan their work and execute assigned activities properly.

Forestry work can involve several activities that need to be completed according to instructions and operational requirements.

Acceptance of Responsibility

The advert identifies acceptance of responsibility as an important personal attribute.

This means applicants should understand the importance of taking responsibility for assigned duties and completing tasks appropriately.

Interpersonal Relations

Forestry operations can involve working with supervisors, colleagues and other people involved in departmental activities.

Good interpersonal relations can therefore help workers communicate and cooperate effectively.

Teamwork

Teamwork is another requirement listed in the advert.

Many forestry activities are performed as part of a team, particularly tasks involving fire management, harvesting and other operational work.

Reliability

Reliability is important in a practical working environment.

Applicants should understand that the department expects employees to perform assigned duties consistently and responsibly.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is also listed among the required personal attributes.

This can be particularly relevant to outdoor work where employees must follow established procedures, maintain safety standards and complete assigned tasks.

Skills Required for the Forestry Service Aid Position

The advert lists several skills for DPSA POST 34/49.

These include:

• Good communication skills
• Planning skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Listening skills

These skills complement the practical nature of the job.

Communication Skills

Good communication can help employees understand instructions and communicate information to supervisors and colleagues.

Planning Skills

Planning is relevant when completing forestry tasks according to schedules and operational requirements.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills can help employees work effectively with other members of the forestry team.

Listening Skills

Listening is particularly important when receiving instructions about practical work, safety procedures and forestry activities.

Duties of DPSA POST 34/49

The duties provide a useful picture of what the successful candidates may be expected to do.

The official vacancy lists several forestry-related responsibilities.

Silviculture Functions

The Forestry Service Aid will render silviculture functions within plantations and forests.

Silviculture relates to the cultivation and management of forest trees and stands.

For applicants, this means the position involves practical work connected to forestry management and plantation activities.

The duties should not be interpreted as purely general labour because the advert specifically identifies forestry-related functions.

Marking Forestry Plots

Another responsibility is to conduct the marking of plots.

This requires workers to follow instructions and work accurately.

Plot marking can form part of forestry activities used to organise and manage areas within plantations and forests.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable working outdoors and following defined procedures.

Counting and Marking Trees

The position also requires employees to count and mark trees.

Accuracy is important when performing this type of work.

Applicants should be able to pay attention to details and record or carry out tasks according to the instructions provided by supervisors.

Updating Registers

The Forestry Service Aid must also update a variety of registers regarding aspects of the work.

This is an important part of the vacancy because it shows that the position includes an administrative or record-keeping component.

The successful applicant may therefore need to record information relating to forestry activities.

Good communication and attention to detail can be useful when maintaining such records.

Forest and Veld Firefighting

One of the most significant duties listed in the advert is to:

Fight forest/veld fire or perform prescribed burning tasks.

This responsibility connects directly with the advertised requirement for knowledge of firefighting.

Applicants should understand that fire-related work must be performed carefully and according to established procedures.

Safety should remain a priority when performing any firefighting or prescribed burning activity.

Harvesting Services

The vacancy also requires the successful candidate to render harvesting services.

Harvesting is an important part of forestry operations.

Applicants interested in practical forestry work should understand that this role may involve physically demanding activities connected to forestry production.

The advert does not provide a specific list of equipment or machinery that candidates must operate, so applicants should not assume that a particular licence or machine-operating qualification is mandatory unless the official vacancy states otherwise.

Monitoring Propagation Activities

Another listed duty is to monitor the propagation of activities.

Applicants should follow the department’s instructions regarding the specific activities assigned to them.

The role therefore involves more than planting or harvesting alone and includes participation in broader forestry operations.

Producing and Processing Poles

The position also includes producing and processing poles.

The advert gives examples of these activities, including:

• Cutting poles
• Drying poles
• Sampling poles

This indicates that the Forestry Service Aid may work with forestry products after harvesting.

Applicants should be prepared for practical work and should understand the importance of following workplace procedures.

Is Experience Required for DPSA POST 34/49?

The requirements available for DPSA POST 34/49 specify the qualification, knowledge, personal attributes and skills but do not state a specific number of years of previous work experience.

It is therefore better not to describe the vacancy as a guaranteed “no experience required” job.

Instead, applicants should focus on whether they meet the actual requirements listed by DFFE.

If you have previous experience in forestry, agriculture, outdoor work, planting, firefighting, environmental activities or another relevant area, you can include it in your CV.

However, never add false experience to your application.

How to Prepare Your CV for DPSA POST 34/49

A detailed CV is required for this application.

Applicants should make their relevant information easy to find.

Your CV can include sections such as:

Personal Information

Provide your current contact information and other relevant personal details requested by the application.

Education

List your qualifications clearly, including the NQF Level 1 or relevant equivalent qualification where applicable.

Work Experience

List relevant previous employment and responsibilities.

Where applicable, explain experience involving:

• Forestry
• Planting
• Agriculture
• Firefighting
• Outdoor work
• Environmental work
• Harvesting
• Practical work
• Team-based activities

Skills

Include relevant skills such as:

• Communication
• Planning
• Listening
• Teamwork
• Practical work
• Firefighting knowledge
• Planting knowledge

Only include skills that genuinely apply to you.

Z83 Requirements for DPSA POST 34/49

The Z83 application form is an important part of South African public-service job applications.

DPSA’s general directions state that applications for public-service vacancies must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form and must include the applicant’s relevant training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience. Applicants must also indicate the vacancy reference number.

For this vacancy, the relevant details are:

Post: Forestry Service Aid

Post Number: 34/49

Reference: BC14/2026

DFFE’s application instructions require applicants to complete all sections of the online Z83 and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.

Applicants should therefore avoid submitting an incomplete application.

Three Contactable References

DFFE specifically requires a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.

Before submitting your application, check that the reference information is correct.

A reference should be someone who can reasonably confirm your work history, experience or other relevant information.

Make sure the contact details are current.

Do not provide fake references or incorrect telephone numbers.

Documents for Shortlisted Candidates

Applicants should also prepare their supporting documents even though not all of them are necessarily required at the initial online application stage.

DFFE states that shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and a driver’s licence on or before the day of the interview.

This is important because candidates should have their documentation available if they progress through the recruitment process.

Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for having those qualifications evaluated by SAQA.

How to Apply for DPSA POST 34/49

Applications for DPSA POST 34/49 must be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s recruitment platform.

DFFE eRecruitment – Official Application Platform

Applicants should use the official platform rather than sending their application to an unofficial intermediary.

When completing the application, carefully check that you are applying for the correct vacancy.

Use:

POST 34/49 – Forestry Service Aid

Reference: BC14/2026

DFFE states that applicants must complete all sections of the online Z83 and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before opening the application platform, prepare your CV and relevant supporting information.

Make sure your CV is current and contains accurate education, experience, skills and references.

Step 2: Open the Official DFFE Recruitment Platform

Use the official DFFE eRecruitment website.

Open the DFFE eRecruitment Platform

Step 3: Find the Vacancy

Search for Forestry Service Aid or reference BC14/2026.

Check that the vacancy corresponds with DPSA POST 34/49.

Step 4: Complete the Online Z83

Complete all required sections.

Do not leave required fields blank.

Check your information carefully before moving to the next stage.

Step 5: Upload Your CV

Attach your detailed CV.

Make sure the document is readable and contains your contact information and at least three contactable references.

Step 6: Check the Application

Review your application before submitting it.

Pay particular attention to:

• Name
• Contact details
• Qualification
• Reference number
• Work experience
• References
• Uploaded documents

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the application before the closing date.

DFFE states that late applications will not be accepted.

Closing Date for DPSA POST 34/49

The closing date for DPSA POST 34/49 is:

5 October 2026

Applicants should not wait until the final day if they already have the required information.

DFFE specifically states that no late applications will be accepted.

The closing date should be checked again on the official application platform before submission, particularly if the applicant is preparing the application close to the deadline.

Forestry Service Aid Job Application Checklist

Use this checklist before submitting your application:

• NQF Level 1 or relevant equivalent qualification
• Knowledge of planting
• Knowledge of firefighting
• Communication skills
• Planning skills
• Listening skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Teamwork ability
• Reliability
• Self-discipline
• Online Z83 completed
• Detailed CV prepared
• Three contactable references included
• Correct post number selected
• Correct reference number used
• Supporting documents available
• Application checked
• Application submitted online
• Application submitted before 5 October 2026

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting an application does not mean that you have been appointed.

DFFE states that shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of relevant documents and may be subjected to screening and security vetting. The checks can include criminal records, citizenship status, creditworthiness, previous employment and qualification verification.

The department also states that correspondence will be limited to successful candidates.

If an applicant has not been contacted within three months after the closing date, the department advises that the application should be considered unsuccessful.

Applicants should therefore continue looking for other suitable vacancies while waiting for feedback.

Employment Equity Information

DFFE states that it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

The department indicates that preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in accordance with its employment equity plan.

The vacancy information also states that persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should consider this information alongside the qualification, knowledge and skills requirements listed for the vacancy.

Important Scam Warning

Job seekers should be careful when applying for government vacancies.

You should never pay someone to secure DPSA POST 34/49 for you.

Be cautious of anyone who claims to be a DFFE recruiter and asks for:

• An application fee
• A registration fee
• A processing fee
• Money for an interview
• Money to guarantee appointment
• Banking passwords
• PINs or OTPs

The DPSA also explains that enquiries about an advertised vacancy should be directed to the department responsible for the vacancy rather than to DPSA itself.

Who Should Consider Applying?

DPSA POST 34/49 may be relevant to job seekers who meet the stated NQF Level 1 or equivalent qualification requirement and have knowledge of planting and firefighting.

The position may also suit applicants who are comfortable with practical work and working as part of a team.

However, applicants should read the complete advert before applying because the role includes a range of responsibilities, including:

• Silviculture
• Plot marking
• Tree counting
• Tree marking
• Register updates
• Firefighting
• Prescribed burning
• Harvesting
• Propagation activities
• Pole production
• Pole processing

This is therefore a practical forestry position with several different responsibilities.

What Makes This Vacancy Different From a Typical Office Job?

One important thing job seekers should understand is that DPSA POST 34/49 is not primarily an office-based position.

The advertised duties involve plantations, forests, trees, fire management, harvesting and pole processing.

There is also a record-keeping component because the successful candidate must update registers.

Applicants should therefore consider whether they are comfortable with the nature of the work before applying.

The vacancy requirements and duties indicate that candidates need practical skills, communication ability, teamwork and knowledge of planting and firefighting.

Frequently Asked Questions About DPSA POST 34/49

What is DPSA POST 34/49?

DPSA POST 34/49 is a Forestry Service Aid vacancy advertised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in DPSA Circular 34 of 2026.

How many Forestry Service Aid posts are available?

There are three posts available under reference BC14/2026.

Where are the Forestry Service Aid jobs located?

The centre is listed as Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

What is the salary for DPSA POST 34/49?

The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum.

What qualification is required?

Applicants require NQF Level 1 or a relevant equivalent qualification.

Is planting knowledge required?

Yes. Knowledge of planting is listed as a requirement.

Is firefighting knowledge required?

Yes. Knowledge of firefighting is listed as a requirement.

What are the main duties?

The main duties include silviculture functions, marking plots, counting and marking trees, updating registers, fighting forest and veld fires, performing prescribed burning tasks, harvesting services, monitoring propagation activities and producing and processing poles.

Does the job involve working with trees?

Yes. The duties specifically include counting and marking trees and other forestry activities.

Does the position involve firefighting?

Yes. The advert states that the employee will fight forest and veld fires or perform prescribed burning tasks.

Does the position involve harvesting?

Yes. Harvesting services form part of the listed duties.

Does the job involve pole processing?

Yes. The advert gives examples including cutting, drying and sampling poles.

Do applicants need a CV?

Yes. DFFE requires a detailed CV.

How many references are required?

Applicants must provide at least three contactable references.

Is a Z83 required?

Yes. Applicants must complete all sections of the online Z83 application.

Do I need certified documents when applying?

DFFE states that shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and a driver’s licence on or before the interview.

What is the reference number?

The reference number is BC14/2026.

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted online through the DFFE eRecruitment platform.

Apply through DFFE eRecruitment

When does the application close?

The closing date is 5 October 2026.

Can I apply after the closing date?

DFFE states that late applications will not be accepted.

Final Summary: DPSA POST 34/49 Forestry Service Aid

DPSA POST 34/49 is a Forestry Service Aid vacancy advertised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment under DPSA Circular 34 of 2026.

There are three positions available under reference BC14/2026, with the centre listed as Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum.

The minimum qualification is NQF Level 1 or a relevant equivalent qualification. Applicants should also have knowledge of planting and firefighting and demonstrate communication, planning, interpersonal, listening and teamwork skills.

The job involves practical forestry operations. Duties include performing silviculture functions, marking plots, counting and marking trees, updating registers, fighting forest and veld fires, carrying out prescribed burning tasks, providing harvesting services, monitoring propagation activities and producing and processing poles.

Applicants must complete the online Z83 and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references. Shortlisted candidates will subsequently be required to provide certified copies of relevant documents.

Applications must be submitted through the official DFFE eRecruitment platform, and the closing date is 5 October 2026.

Applicants should carefully check their information before submitting the application and should never pay anyone who claims that they can guarantee a government job.

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Official application:
DFFE eRecruitment

Official DPSA vacancy information:
DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circulars