Forestry Services Aid Vacancy at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Department of Forestry Forestry Services Aid Vacancy in Eastern Cape: Grade 9, No Experience Required

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting applications for a Forestry Services Aid: Woodlands & Indigenous Forest Management vacancy in the Eastern Cape.

This government job opportunity may be suitable for job seekers looking for an entry-level position because applicants only need a Grade 9 qualification or equivalent, and no previous work experience is required.

The successful candidate will assist with forestry operations, tree planting, forest maintenance, fire protection, harvesting activities and the management of plantations and indigenous forests.

Applications must be submitted online before the closing date of 14 September 2026.

Forestry Services Aid Vacancy Overview

Employer: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Position: Forestry Services Aid: Woodlands & Indigenous Forest Management
Reference Number: BC20/2026
Location: Eastern Cape
Salary: R144 024 per annum
Minimum Qualification: Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or equivalent
Experience Required: No experience required
Closing Date: 14 September 2026
Application Method: Online application

Salary

The Forestry Services Aid position offers a salary of:

R144 024 per annum

Applicants should note that the advertised salary is the annual remuneration attached to the position.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the Forestry Services Aid vacancy must have:

• Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• No previous work experience is required.
• Knowledge of planting activities.
• Basic knowledge of firefighting.
• Good communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good listening skills.
• Planning and execution skills.
• Ability to accept responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Self-discipline.

This makes the vacancy particularly attractive to applicants looking for an entry-level government job in the Eastern Cape.

Pre-Entry Assessments

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments as part of the recruitment process.

These will include:

• A practical assessment.
• An Integrity or Ethical Conduct Assessment.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate both their practical ability and suitability for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support the Department with a wide range of forestry and forest-management duties.

Silviculture and Forest Management

Responsibilities will include:

• Rendering silviculture services within plantations and forests.
• Marking plots.
• Counting and marking trees.
• Maintaining equipment used during forestry activities.
• Updating registers relating to forestry work.
• Grading and recording dried wood.
• Preparing sites for planting.
• Planting trees.
• Conducting manual or chemical weeding.
• Performing coppice reduction.
• Conducting wattle spacing.
• Rehabilitating degraded sites.
• Maintaining conservation zones.
• Removing alien plant species.

Forest and Fire Protection

The Forestry Services Aid will also assist with the protection of forests and infrastructure.

Duties include:

• Performing forest protection tasks.
• Carrying out fire protection and fire suppression duties.
• Fighting forest and veld fires when required.
• Maintaining firefighting equipment.
• Controlling pest and weed infestations.
• Protecting forestry infrastructure.

Because firefighting may form part of the job, applicants should be comfortable working outdoors and performing physically demanding duties when required.

Harvesting Services

The successful candidate may also be responsible for supporting forestry harvesting activities, including:

• Clear felling.
• Debarking.
• Manual slipping of poles.
• Log marking.
• Measuring poles.
• Supporting the production and processing of poles.

Plant and Tree Propagation

Additional responsibilities include assisting with the propagation and development of plants and trees.

These duties may involve:

• Propagating plants and trees.
• Monitoring propagation activities.
• Keeping records of plants and trees.
• Supporting forestry nursery-related activities.

Pole Production and Processing

The position also involves the production and processing of forestry poles.

Tasks may include:

• Cutting poles.
• Drying poles.
• Grading poles.
• Treating poles.
• Sampling poles.
• Providing support during the sale of poles.

Who Should Apply?

This vacancy may be suitable for applicants who:

• Have completed Grade 9 or an equivalent qualification.
• Are currently unemployed or looking for an entry-level government opportunity.
• Are interested in forestry, environmental management or conservation.
• Are willing to perform physical outdoor work.
• Can work well as part of a team.
• Are willing to participate in forest and veld fire protection activities.
• Are responsible, disciplined and able to follow instructions.

Since no experience is required, applicants who meet the minimum educational requirements are encouraged to consider applying.

How to Apply for the Forestry Services Aid Vacancy

Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment e-Recruitment portal.

When applying, make sure you select the correct vacancy and quote:

Reference Number: BC20/2026

Applicants should carefully complete the online application and ensure that all information provided is accurate.

It is advisable to submit your application before the final day to avoid possible technical problems or high traffic on the recruitment portal.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is:

14 September 2026

Late applications may not be considered, so interested candidates should apply as early as possible.

Enquiries

For enquiries regarding the Forestry Services Aid vacancy, contact:

Ms Nomakhaya Mengqani
Telephone: 066 328 7869

Final Thoughts

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Forestry Services Aid vacancy in the Eastern Cape provides an opportunity for applicants with Grade 9 and no previous work experience to enter the public service and gain practical exposure to forestry operations.

With responsibilities covering planting, forest maintenance, harvesting, conservation, tree propagation and firefighting, the position is suited to candidates who enjoy practical outdoor work and are interested in protecting and managing South Africa’s forestry resources.

Eligible applicants should complete their online applications before 14 September 2026 and use Reference Number BC20/2026 when applying.