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Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Communications Engineer/Technician

  • Marion Island
  • Western Cape
  • R932k /yr
  • Fixed term
  • Engineering and Built Environment
Closing date
Monday, 9 November 2026 at 16:00 Closes today
Reference
OC30/2026
Source
DPSA · 23 Oct 2026

About the role

(Fifteen Months Contract)

Requirements

National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Electronic, Computer Science Engineering, IT or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA with a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience. Competency in electronic maintenance, diagnostics and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities. Preferably have experience in V-Sat Satellite Systems, IT (managing a computer network with LINUX servers and routers), HF and VHF 2-way radio equipment and operation, Telephone systems (PABX's and VOIP), PC's, Fire Detection Systems, GPS's, general electronic equipment repair.

The incumbent has to be competent in the use of an Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyser, etc., and be familiar with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools and an understanding of current work, health and safety policies. The incumbent has to be able to work independently with minimal support under extreme pressure and without supervision. The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team.

Duties

The incumbent will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding on and repairs of all the communication services and equipment of our Marion Base including the satellite, radio, IT, GPS, alarm and telephone systems. Operate cargo handling equipment. The incumbent will report to the team leader and will be part of the technical team, led by the technical team leader that has to perform any additional base related technical functions.

Prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order spares and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members.

How to apply

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

Enquiries

Mr Willem Boshoff Tel No: (021) 493 7379

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 SouthAfrica before May 2028.

The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being 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.

General 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.

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