Scientist Production Grade A: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hiring a Scientist Production Grade A: Small Pelagic Fish and Fisheries, based in Cape Town (Foretrust Building). This is a permanent post, paying R791,604 a year. How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: FIM26/2026 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

• Conduct research on pelagic fish and fish species, conduct research surveys, contribute to stock assessments, and provide scientific advice for optimal resource utilisation and sustainable fisheries management.
• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
• Conduct research and development.
• Identify research gaps and contribute to the development of appropriate scientific interventions.
• Participate in Scientific Working Groups and provide scientific inputs into fisheries management and policy development.
• Engage with fisheries managers, industry, research institutions and other stakeholders.
• Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Manage human capital development.

Requirements

• BSc (Hons) Natural Science (NQF Level 8) or relevant qualification as recognized by SAQA.
• 3 years relevant scientific experience post BSc qualification and compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• Theoretical and/or practical knowledge of fisheries and biological research activities.
• Small pelagic fish and fisheries resources and sustainable management thereof.
• Scientific methodologies and models.
• Scientific research and development.
• Data analysis and statistics with a strong quantitative focus.
• Familiarity with software applications for the storage and manipulation of large datasets and statistical analysis of data, in particular the MS Access database environment and the statistical programming language ‘R’.
• Proven ability to carry out quantitative analyses.
• Research and development, Programme and project management, Decision making, Team leadership, Communication, Planning and organising, and Computer literacy.
• Ability to formulate and write reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers and scientific reviews.
• Ability to develop and apply policies.
• Ability to identify research gaps and develop an appropriate research programme.
• Ability to gather and analyse information.
• Ability to work under pressure and submit documents to local and international fora within required timeframes.
• Ability to work individually and in a team.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure.
• Ability and willingness to work at sea.