Director: Oceans and Coasts Enforcement

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hiring a Director: Oceans and Coasts Enforcement, based in Cape Town. This is a permanent post, paying R1,317,384 a year. How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: RCSM22/2026 Closing date: 02 November 2026 at 16:00. No late applications will be accepted Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate criminal investigations in relation to environmental transgression related to oceans and coasts.
• Enforce environmental legislation related to oceans and coasts through facilitation of inspections and investigations to verify environmental transgressions.
• Coordinate joint operations and national projects.
• Facilitate and undertake awareness and capacity development focused on compliance and enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Management Act and other legislation that applies within the ocean and coastal environment.
• Plan and execute training for Prosecuting Authority, Justice and other Law Enforcement agencies.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Co-operate with and liaise with enforcement stakeholders on matters relating to oceans and coasts enforcement activities at a national level, programmes and projects.

Requirements

• An Undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in natural science/conservation/environmental science/environmental management or law or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
• At least 5 years’ experience at middle/senior managerial level within the environmental management space, primarily focusing on coordinating national enforcement activities and coordinating enforcement operations.
• Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) must be submitted prior to appointment.
• Functional experience and knowledge of enforcement processes and criminal justice system.
• Knowledge:
• Environmental/biodiversity policies
• Legislation
• Relevant international instruments
• Civil procedure
• Criminal procedure and processes
• Constitutional law and administrative law
• Audit procedures and risk management, Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts, Planning and performance management legislation, Skills & Competencies: Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact with and provide assistance to a wide range of stakeholders as well as an understanding of intergovernmental relations and co-operative governance.
• Adequate skills in computer use, Adequate skills in respect of formal presentation and public speaking, Good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills, Relationship Management, Stakeholder engagement, Public Relations, Strategic Capability and Leadership, Performance Management, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation (SDI), Problem Solving and Analysis, People Management and Empowerment, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Ability to work individually and in a team, Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict, Sense of responsibility and loyalty, Objectiveness, Integrity, Service orientated, Self supervision, Highly developed sense of honesty, Protect the confidentiality of documents.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.