Environmental Officer - Environmental Empowerment Management Services

About the role

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (KwaZulu-Natal) is hiring 3 Environmental Officer - Environmental Empowerment Management Services posts in Environmental Empowerment Management Services, based in Umgungundlovu, Harry Gwala and Ethekwini Districts. This is a permanent post, paying R357,597 – R395,352 a year. Business Unit: Environmental Empowerment Management Services How to apply: Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the KZN online e- Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs or submit their Z83 and CV directly to the following email address: kznjobs@kznedtea.gov.za Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS), where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application. You can find the Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) List At www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs.” Please note that applicants should only use one of the following methods when applying for a post: Either through the online e-recruitment system, emailing the Z83 and CV directly to the relevant department, or submitting a hardcopy application as directed. Applications may alternatively be forwarded to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, or hand-delivered to the Ground Floor, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, in the vacancy box provided for the attention of Ms Nondumiso Buthelezi / Mr Sipho Zangwa. Reference number to quote: EO–EMS 03/SEPT 2026 Closing date: 23 October 2026 (at 16h00). Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: All the appointments will be made in accordance with the employment equity targets of the department, which are African male, coloured male, Indian male and people with disabilities who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply. successful candidates must note that they will have to serve in the districts where they are placed for a minimum of five (05) years before any transfers within the department can be considered.

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will be required to: Promote and implement environmental awareness programs implement environmental education programs to assist with the implementation of environmental education into formal education structures (such as schools, SETAs, AET, Higher Education, etc).
• Identify and implement environmental capacity building programs for the general public and stakeholders through physical interaction and/or web conferencing Develop and implement community-based natural resource management and environmental action projects for sustainable development Perform administrative support and internal cooperation.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate must have: An appropriate Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Natural Science, or Geography at NQF7 as recognized by SAQA.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience as an Environmental Management intern, or a demonstration of affinity or passion for environmental education, awareness, and capacity building, will serve as an added advantage.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Skills, Training, And Competencies:
• Practical knowledge of Environmental Legislation (NEMA), including an understanding of the objectives and provisions of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, and associated legislation
• Knowledge of Project Management, Facilitation of workshops, and Information Management protocols
• Knowledge and understanding of the Republic of South Africa Constitution, National Environmental Management Act, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, Public Finance Management Act, Labour Relations Act, Community Development, Public Participation, Community Outreach, Project Management principles, Millennium Development Goals, National Youth Development Agency Act, Youth Development Policy, Promotion of Access to Information Act, Service Delivery Framework, National Development Plan, Provincial Growth and Development Plan, National Environmental Education policy.
• Skills:
• Organizational planning skills
• Analytical thinking
• Project management
• Computer literacy
• Report writing
• Research skills
• Presentation skills
• Decision-making
• People management
• Strategic planning skills
• Conflict management
• Interpersonal relations
• Problem-solving
• Communication skills (verbal and written)