Biodiversity Officer Production Grade A: TOPS/CITES/BABS/AIS at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

REQUIREMENTS :

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF 6) or higher in Nature / Environmental Sciences or relevant equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of one (1) years’ experience in a relevant field.
• Knowledge and Understanding of Legal Administration, Investigation best practice, Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts, Environmental policies, Biodiversity Legislation, Strategic coordination/ planning, Natural resource management

DUTIES :

• Attend to tip offs and complaints that require enforcement action. Conduct preliminary investigations in relations to tip offs and complaints that requires enforcement actions that refer as per protocol. Assist with preliminary investigations in relations to tip offs and complaints that require enforcement actions and as per protocol. Assist with compilation of comprehensive criminal case docket with legally admissible evidence in each investigation including Witness statement obtained, Warning statement obtained, Search warrant applications and executions,
• Request information / evidence from investigative sources Warning statements, Meeting with prosecutors and SAPS Investigating officers on key cases, Opening criminal cases against the offenders and arresting them when necessary, Drafting of legal documents, including charge sheet, affidavits, plea and sentence agreement where needed, Support in Sec 205 & Sec 252A application, Conducting post investigations including Serving of summons when needed,
• Attend and testify in court where necessary. Corporate and liaise with enforcement stakeholders on matters related to biodiversity enforcement activities, programmes and projects. Assist with planning and attendance of meetings. Communicate/ check implementation of international requirements related to enforcement.
• Participate in inter- departmental and intra- departmental forums and processes regarding policy and legislative reform. Liaise with scientific institutions dealing with analysis, SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory, University of Johannesburg, and Pretoria ZOO support in relation to information resources.