Biodiversity Officer Specialised Production: Biosecurity Enforcement at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements & Qualifications

• Honours degree (NQF8) in Natural/Environmental Sciences or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA coupled with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the relevant field.

Duties

• Ensure enforcement of Biodiversity related legislations. Coordinate enforcement operations. Do criminal investigations, crime scene management and open criminal cases to prosecute offenders, Co-operate and liaise with enforcement stakeholders on matters relating to Biodiversity enforcement activities, programmes and projects. Consult with prosecutors, police and all other stakeholders regarding criminal investigations.
• Follow and implement the National Compliance and Enforcement Information system. Develop and facilitate the implementation of national policies, strategies and programmes relating to the enforcement of the TOPS, CITES, AIS and BABS regulations.
• Provide strategic enforcement support to EMI’s. Participate in inter-departmental forums and processes regarding policy and legislative reform.

Candidate Profile

• Knowledge and experience in criminal and administrative enforcement. Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA), its associated subordinate legislation, and other relevant acts that deal with biodiversity matters.
• Knowledge and relevant experience in criminal procedures including the Criminal Procedures Act, court processes and document management. Knowledge of relevant legal processes. Knowledge and experience in criminal investigations and processes, in particular but not limited to alien and invasive species, threatened or protected species and applicable MEA’s such as CITES and the CBD.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures. Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA), and its associated subordinate legislation, or experience in a law environment.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and other acts affecting biodiversity. A Certificate in Environmental Management Inspector will be an added advantage. Advanced skills in policy formulation. Negotiation skills.
• Good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills. Stakeholder engagement skills. Presentation skills. Ability to work under extreme pressure. Ability to work under pressure, willingness to travel. Computer literacy. A valid driver’s licence.