Assistant Environmental Officer: Marion Island

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hiring an Assistant Environmental Officer: Marion Island, based in Marion Island. This is a contract post, paying R280,278 a year. (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract) How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: OC37/2026 Closing date: 09 November 2026, 16:00. No late applications will be accepted Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. 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 South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental wellbeing 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the senior ECO with the implementation of the Alien Species Eradication Plan (plants, invertebrates and rodents) and the Prince Edward Islands Management Plan and associated legislation.
• Monitor compliance to Environmental Authorisations issued under the EIA Regulations for activities at the Prince Edward Islands (PEIs).
• Provide support in the implementation of biosecurity measures and promote general environmental awareness.
• Ensure implementation of the SANAP Waste Management Handbook and undertake country clean-up activities.
• Provide support in ensuring environmental compliance and auditing and compile monthly and annual ECO reports.
• Manage threats to environmental integrity and conserve ecosystems.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Environmental Sciences/Management/Conservation or equivalent relevant qualification (NQF6) in Natural Sciences as recognised by SAQA.
• 0-1 years’ experience required.
• The incumbent must have knowledge of Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts.
• Knowledge of Environmental Legislation.
• Strategic coordination/planning.
• Skills, Adequate skills in computer use.
• Report/professional writing, Computer Literacy, good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills, relationship management, stakeholder engagement presentation, research verbal and written communication skills.
• The incumbent must have the following competencies:
• Teamwork
• Honesty integrity reliability
• Ability to gather and analyse information
• Ability to work individually and in a team
• Good interpersonal relations skills
• Ability to walk in the field under extreme weather conditions and work under minimal supervision and ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict