The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for a Forestry Services Aid: Woodlands & Indigenous Forest Management position in the Eastern Cape.
This is an entry-level government employment opportunity for candidates who have completed Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification. Importantly, no previous work experience is required, making the position accessible to applicants who are looking to begin their working careers or gain practical experience in forestry and environmental management.
The successful candidate will support a wide range of forestry activities, including tree planting, silviculture, forest maintenance, fire protection, harvesting, nursery activities, conservation and pole production.
The position offers a salary of R144,024 per annum, and applications must be submitted online before 14 September 2026.
Forestry Services Aid Vacancy 2026 – Overview
| Vacancy Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 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 | No experience required |
| Employment Sector | South African Government |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 14 September 2026 |
About the Forestry Services Aid Position
The Forestry Services Aid will provide practical support to forestry teams responsible for managing plantations, woodlands and indigenous forests.
The work is largely practical and may involve spending considerable time outdoors. Successful candidates will participate in activities such as preparing planting sites, planting and maintaining trees, controlling weeds and alien vegetation, protecting forests from fires and pests, and assisting with harvesting and pole-processing operations.
Because the role involves physical forestry activities, applicants should be prepared to work in different outdoor conditions and follow established safety procedures and instructions.
Salary
The advertised salary for the Forestry Services Aid position is:
R144,024 per annum
The salary represents the annual remuneration attached to the advertised government position.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- No previous work experience is required.
- Have knowledge of basic planting activities.
- Have basic knowledge of firefighting.
- Possess good communication skills.
- Have good interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate good listening skills.
- Have the ability to plan and execute assigned tasks.
- Be willing to accept responsibility.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Demonstrate self-discipline.
Applicants should understand that although formal work experience is not required, the position involves practical responsibilities and requires candidates to follow instructions, work safely and complete assigned tasks reliably.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Forestry Services Aid will perform a variety of duties supporting forestry and environmental management operations.
Silviculture and Forest Management
Responsibilities may include:
- Rendering silviculture services within plantations and forests.
- Marking plots.
- Counting and marking trees.
- Maintaining equipment used during forestry activities.
- Updating forestry-related registers.
- Grading and recording dried wood.
- Preparing sites for planting.
- Planting trees.
- Carrying out manual or chemical weeding.
- Performing coppice reduction.
- Conducting wattle spacing.
- Rehabilitating degraded sites.
- Maintaining conservation zones.
- Removing alien plant species.
These activities contribute to the establishment, maintenance and responsible management of forest resources.
Forest Protection and Fire Management
The successful candidate will also assist with protecting forests, forestry infrastructure and surrounding areas.
Duties include:
- Performing forest protection activities.
- Supporting fire protection and fire suppression operations.
- Participating in forest and veld firefighting when required.
- Maintaining firefighting equipment.
- Controlling pest and weed infestations.
- Protecting forestry infrastructure.
Applicants should therefore be prepared for situations where they may need to work outdoors during demanding conditions and support emergency fire-control activities.
Harvesting Services
The position also provides support to forestry harvesting operations.
Duties may include:
- Supporting clear-felling activities.
- Debarking.
- Manual slipping of poles.
- Marking logs.
- Measuring poles.
- Supporting the production and processing of poles.
Candidates should be comfortable following operational and safety instructions when working around forestry equipment and harvesting activities.
Plant and Tree Propagation
The Forestry Services Aid may also support activities associated with the propagation and development of plants and trees.
Responsibilities include:
- Propagating plants and trees.
- Monitoring propagation activities.
- Maintaining records of plants and trees.
- Supporting nursery-related forestry activities.
This aspect of the position provides practical exposure to the early stages of plant and tree development.
Pole Production and Processing
Additional responsibilities may involve forestry pole production and processing.
The successful candidate may assist with:
- Cutting poles.
- Drying poles.
- Grading poles.
- Treating poles.
- Sampling poles.
- Supporting the sale of poles.
Accurate handling and processing are important to ensure that forestry products are properly prepared and recorded.
Practical Nature of the Job
Candidates should understand that this is not a conventional office-based position. Much of the work involves practical forestry activities, including planting, vegetation management, forest protection and harvesting support.
The role may require candidates to:
- Work outdoors for extended periods.
- Perform physically demanding tasks.
- Work as part of a forestry team.
- Follow safety procedures.
- Use and maintain forestry-related equipment.
- Participate in fire protection activities when required.
- Work in varying weather and environmental conditions.
Applicants who prefer practical outdoor work and have an interest in forestry, conservation or environmental management may therefore find the position particularly suitable.
Pre-Entry Assessments
Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in pre-entry assessments as part of the recruitment process.
The assessments include:
- Practical Assessment
- Integrity/Ethical Conduct Assessment
Candidates should therefore prepare not only by reviewing their application information but also by being ready to demonstrate their practical ability, responsible conduct and understanding of workplace expectations.
Who Can Apply?
The vacancy may be suitable for applicants who:
- Have completed Grade 9 or an equivalent qualification.
- Do not have previous formal work experience.
- Are interested in forestry, conservation, environmental management or related practical work.
- Are comfortable working outdoors.
- Can perform physically demanding duties.
- Can follow instructions and safety procedures.
- Work well with others.
- Are disciplined and dependable.
- Are willing to participate in forest and veld fire protection activities.
The absence of an experience requirement makes this a potentially useful entry-level opportunity for candidates seeking to gain practical exposure within the government forestry sector.
How to Apply for Forestry Services Aid Vacancy 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment e-Recruitment portal.
Applicants should:
- Access the official DFFE e-Recruitment system.
- Search for the Forestry Services Aid: Woodlands & Indigenous Forest Management vacancy.
- Confirm that the reference number is BC20/2026.
- Review the vacancy requirements carefully.
- Complete the required application information.
- Provide accurate personal, educational and contact information.
- Upload any documents requested through the recruitment system.
- Review the completed application before submitting it.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Candidates should keep their application information and any confirmation received after submission for future reference.
Application Portal
Applications are submitted through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment e-Recruitment portal.
Applicants should use the official recruitment platform and ensure they select the correct vacancy and reference number.
Reference Number: BC20/2026
Application Tips
Although the position does not require previous work experience, candidates should take the application process seriously.
First, ensure that your Grade 9 qualification or equivalent is correctly represented in your application. If you have completed any additional forestry, environmental, agricultural, firefighting, occupational safety or practical training, make sure it is accurately included where relevant.
Additionally, candidates should highlight transferable abilities such as teamwork, discipline, communication, physical readiness and the ability to follow instructions.
Because a practical assessment forms part of the recruitment process, applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate that they can perform practical tasks safely and responsibly.
Finally, submit the online application well before the deadline. This gives you time to address any technical problems that may occur during the submission process.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding the vacancy, applicants may contact:
Ms Nomakhaya Mengqani
Telephone: 066 328 7869
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
14 September 2026
Applicants should not wait until the last day to submit their applications. Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forestry Services Aid vacancy?
It is an entry-level government position supporting forestry activities involving plantations, woodlands and indigenous forest management.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
Is work experience required?
No. Previous work experience is not required.
How much does the position pay?
The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum.
Where is the position located?
The vacancy is located in the Eastern Cape.
What is the reference number?
The reference number is BC20/2026.
Is there a practical assessment?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a practical assessment as well as an Integrity/Ethical Conduct Assessment.
What kind of work will the successful candidate perform?
The duties include tree planting, silviculture, forest maintenance, fire protection, harvesting support, tree propagation, conservation activities, alien plant removal and pole production and processing.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 14 September 2026.
Final Thought
The Department of Forestry Forestry Services Aid Vacancy 2026 provides an accessible entry point into government forestry work for candidates with Grade 9 and no previous work experience.
The position offers practical exposure to tree planting, forest management, conservation, firefighting, harvesting, plant propagation and forestry product processing. It is particularly suited to applicants who enjoy outdoor work, can perform practical tasks and are interested in contributing to the protection and management of South Africa’s forest resources.
Eligible candidates should prepare their applications carefully, use Reference Number BC20/2026, and complete the online application before 14 September 2026.
