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ToggleAre you looking for a government job in forestry, conservation or environmental management in South Africa? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is advertising a Forestry Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management position under DPSA Circular 36 of 2026.
The position is based at Mzimkhulu Estate in KwaZulu-Natal and offers an advertised salary of R144,024 per annum. Applicants need Grade 9 or an ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate. Knowledge of planting, firefighting and coppice reduction is listed among the requirements, together with communication, interpersonal and listening skills.
This opportunity may interest job seekers who enjoy practical outdoor work and want to contribute to forest management, rehabilitation, fire protection and the maintenance of indigenous forests.
In this CareerPosts guide, you will find the advertised requirements, duties, salary information and instructions for applying through the official recruitment system.
| Vacancy detail | Information |
|---|---|
| DPSA circular | Circular 36 of 2026 |
| Post number | POST 36/34 |
| Job title | Forestry Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management |
| Department | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment |
| Reference number | BC16/2026 |
| Location | Mzimkhulu Estate, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Salary | R144,024 per annum |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 9 or ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate |
| Application method | Online through the DFFE eRecruitment system |
These details are taken from the official DPSA Circular 36 of 2026. Applicants should read the original advert before submitting an application.
Official application portal: DFFE eRecruitment
The Forestry Service Aid position supports forestry operations involving indigenous forests and plantations. The work includes planting-related activities, forest rehabilitation, monitoring and marking trees, maintaining work registers, controlling invasive alien species and assisting with fire protection.
Forestry work contributes to the responsible management of forest resources and helps protect natural environments. The position also involves practical activities related to harvesting and the processing of poles.
Applicants should understand that this is an operational role. The advertised duties include physical outdoor tasks, forest maintenance and firefighting responsibilities. Candidates should read the complete vacancy notice to understand the work expected of the successful applicant.
Before applying, check the official requirements carefully.
Applicants must have one of the following:
The advertisement does not specify Grade 12 as the minimum qualification for this position. Applicants should provide accurate details of their completed education.
Knowledge of planting is listed among the requirements. The role involves forestry activities such as planting and maintaining trees, so an understanding of planting practices can be relevant.
Knowledge of firefighting is also listed. The successful candidate will perform fire protection and suppression duties as part of forestry operations.
Applicants should not assume that the advertisement automatically requires a separate firefighting certificate unless the official notice specifies one.
Coppice reduction involves managing shoots that grow from tree stumps or stems. In forestry operations, this activity can help manage regrowth and support the required condition of forest areas.
The advert includes knowledge of coppice reduction as a requirement.
The position requires communication, interpersonal and listening skills. These abilities can help workers understand instructions, cooperate with colleagues and report operational concerns.
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out assigned duties. Forestry work can involve several activities that must be completed in a suitable order and recorded accurately.
The advert highlights acceptance of responsibility, teamwork and self-discipline. These qualities are important when handling equipment, following safety instructions and working in natural environments.
The Forestry Service Aid position covers a range of forestry and environmental activities.
The successful applicant will perform silviculture functions within plantations and indigenous forests. Silviculture involves the establishment, growth, management and maintenance of trees and forest areas.
The duties include rehabilitating degraded sites. This may involve supporting activities intended to improve damaged or poorly maintained forest areas according to departmental procedures.
The position involves marking plots, counting trees and marking trees. These tasks help support forestry operations and maintain records about forest resources.
The successful applicant will carry out coppice reduction as part of the forest management programme. Applicants should be prepared to follow instructions and use appropriate methods for the assigned work.
The duties include updating registers relating to work activities. These records cover aspects such as planting, weeding and other forestry operations.
Accurate recordkeeping helps the department monitor activities and maintain information about work completed.
The role includes planting and manual or chemical weeding. Any use of chemicals must follow the applicable workplace procedures and safety instructions.
The successful candidate will help maintain conservation zones and participate in the removal of alien species. These duties contribute to the management of forest areas and the control of invasive vegetation.
Fire protection and suppression are important responsibilities in forestry environments. The position includes duties related to preventing and responding to fires as directed by the department.
The advert includes controlling pest and weed infection. This work helps protect forest resources and maintain the condition of managed areas.
The employee will assist with infrastructure maintenance. Applicants should follow workplace instructions and report damage, unsafe conditions or problems that require attention.
The role includes harvesting-related activities, such as log marking and pole measuring. These tasks support the management and processing of forest products.
The successful candidate will help propagate plants and trees, keep relevant records, and participate in producing and processing poles. This includes cutting, drying and treating poles, as well as providing support in selling poles.
The full list of duties is available in the official circular.
The advertised salary for DPSA POST 36/34 is R144,024 per annum.
Applicants should use the official advertisement as the source for remuneration information. Do not assume that additional allowances or benefits apply unless they are expressly stated in the advert or confirmed in the appointment terms.
Before accepting an offer, review the employment conditions and any further information provided by the department.
Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s official eRecruitment system.
Use this step-by-step guide to prepare your application.
Visit the DFFE eRecruitment portal.
Use the official system to find the vacancy and follow the application instructions displayed for the post.
Look for Forestry Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management, reference number BC16/2026.
Confirm that the centre is Mzimkhulu Estate in KwaZulu-Natal. Checking the title and reference number helps you avoid applying for a different vacancy by mistake.
The DFFE advertisement instructs applicants to complete all sections of the online Z83 form.
Enter your personal details, educational information and other requested particulars accurately. Check the information before submitting.
The official instructions require a detailed CV containing at least three contactable references.
Make sure the CV includes your education, work history where applicable, relevant skills and correct contact details. Your references should be people who can appropriately confirm information about you.
Before submitting, check that you have selected the correct vacancy and completed the required fields. Confirm that the CV is attached and readable.
Keep any application confirmation or reference information provided by the recruitment system.
The closing date is 26 October 2026 at 16:00. The advert states that late applications will not be accepted.
Do not wait until the final afternoon to start the process. Technical problems, incomplete information or missing documents could prevent you from submitting on time.
Use this checklist before submitting:
The DFFE advertisement specifies the online Z83 and detailed CV with at least three contactable references. Consult the portal for any additional instructions displayed during the application process.
A clear CV helps the recruiting department understand your background and assess your application.
State your highest completed qualification. Do not list a certificate or qualification that you have not obtained.
If you have experience in planting, landscaping, agricultural work, forest maintenance, fire protection, weeding or outdoor labour, describe your actual duties.
If you have no formal work experience in these areas, do not invent it. Instead, provide accurate information about your education and relevant skills.
Where truthful, include skills such as teamwork, following safety instructions, communication, recordkeeping and the ability to complete assigned tasks responsibly.
Ensure your phone number and email address are correct. The department must be able to contact you if further information is required.
The advert requires at least three contactable references. Check that the details you provide are correct and that the individuals can be contacted.
This vacancy may interest people who meet the educational requirements and are interested in forestry operations, environmental work and practical outdoor duties.
It may be worth considering if you have relevant knowledge of planting, firefighting or coppice reduction and can demonstrate the required communication and teamwork skills.
However, applicants should assess the full requirements in the official circular rather than relying only on a short article or social media post. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or appointment.
Job seekers should use the official DFFE eRecruitment system and verify the vacancy details against the official DPSA circular.
Be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed government employment in exchange for payment. Do not pay unofficial recruiters who claim they can secure the position for you.
Never disclose your banking PIN or online banking password to someone claiming to assist with a job application. If you need clarification about the position, use the contact information provided in the official advertisement.
CareerPosts shares job information to help readers understand opportunities and prepare applications. It does not recruit or appoint candidates on behalf of DFFE.
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It is a Forestry Service Aid: Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management vacancy advertised under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in DPSA Circular 36 of 2026.
The advertised centre is Mzimkhulu Estate in KwaZulu-Natal.
The reference number is BC16/2026.
Applicants need Grade 9 or an ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate.
The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum.
Duties include forestry and silviculture activities, rehabilitation of degraded sites, planting, tree marking, coppice reduction, weeding, fire protection, infrastructure maintenance, harvesting support and pole production.
Submit your application through the official DFFE eRecruitment portal. Complete all sections of the online Z83 and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references.
Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.
DPSA POST 36/34 offers an opportunity for eligible candidates to work as a Forestry Service Aid at Mzimkhulu Estate in KwaZulu-Natal. The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum, and the minimum qualification is Grade 9 or an ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate.
The position involves practical forestry work, including planting, maintaining forest areas, supporting fire protection, managing tree records and assisting with harvesting and pole production.
Applicants should read the official circular, prepare a detailed CV with at least three contactable references, complete the online Z83 and submit through the official recruitment portal before the closing time.
Apply through the official DFFE eRecruitment portal and verify all requirements before submitting your application.