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Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Marine Research Assistant

  • Cape Town (Foretrust Building)
  • Western Cape
  • R237k /yr
  • Science and Research
Closing date
Monday, 23 November 2026 at 16:00 14 days left
Reference
FIM33/2026
Source
DPSA · 6 Nov 2026

Requirements

National Diploma (NQF level 6), in Natural Science or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA and one (1) year experience in biological sampling, data collection and capturing in relevant field. Applicant will be expected to undergo and pass a medical for seafarers in line with section 101 of the SAMSAAct 57 of 1951. Knowledge of the Marine Living Resource Act and other relevant acts.

Knowledge of data capturing procedures and record management principles. Planning and execution skills. Computer literacy.

Good communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Ability and willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and spend extensive periods away from home while on sea/field trips. A valid driving license.

Duties

To deliver a support service to the Technical and Research staff in the collection of data for research programmes directed at the sustainable utilisation of Inshore Resources. Participate in the collection and processing of fisheries and observer data and the population of data systems towards South Africa’s reporting to International Fisheries Management Organisations. Participate in fisheries and environmental monitoring activities, including sampling of catches at harbours and factories for size and species composition.

Assist with biological sampling of fish and sharks and research related processes. Participate in ship and field based fisheries and marine ecological research. Assist with preparation, operation and maintenance of research equipment.

Assist in the procurement of equipment and consumable items. General administrative activities and office routines

How to apply

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

For attention: Human Resource Management

Enquiries

Ms Wendy West at 076 128 2245

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, 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 QualificationAuthority (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. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.

One must be a practical exercise, 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. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.

Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity 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. ERRATUM: Kindly note that the post of Groundsman: Greening and Livelihood Implementation Support with Ref No: FOM75/2026 advertised in the Public Service Vacancy Circular 39 dated 30 October 2026 with the closing date of 16 November 2026 has been withdrawn.