Environment Officer Specialised Production: Criminal Investigations at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements & Qualifications

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

Duties

• Conduct criminal investigations into environmental offences, with a particular focus on waste and pollution-related crimes, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, NEMA and other applicable environmental legislation.
• Conduct inspections, site investigations and crime scene activities. Collect, preserve and manage evidence, including environmental samples, and ensure proper chain of custody procedures are maintained. Gather and analyse information and evidence relating to environmental crimes.
• Obtain affidavits, warning statements and other evidentiary material. Draft and serve subpoenas and other legal documents required during investigations. Register criminal cases with the South African Police Service and maintain accurate records of investigations. Capture and update information on departmental enforcement systems and prepare weekly and monthly reports.
• Finalise investigations and compile comprehensive criminal case dockets, including investigation reports and charge sheets, for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions or Specialised Prosecution authorities for decision. Manage criminal cases during the post-investigation phase, including consultation with prosecutors, witness preparation, attendance at court proceedings and provision of technical support during prosecutions.
• Facilitate successful prosecution outcomes by responding to requests for further particulars, attending consultations and court proceedings, and providing evidence where required. Participate in compliance and enforcement operations, multidisciplinary investigations and strategic projects aimed at addressing environmental non-compliance and environmental crime.
• Assist with operational planning, implementation, reporting and capacity-building initiatives. Co-operate and liaise with national, provincial and local government authorities, the National Prosecuting Authority, SAPS, Environmental Management Inspectors, laboratories and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental compliance and enforcement outcomes.

Candidate Profile

• Applicants must have demonstrable experience in conducting criminal investigations, gathering and managing evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining affidavits and warning statements, compiling investigation reports and preparing case dockets for submission to prosecuting authorities.
• Experience in the application of environmental legislation to cases of non-compliance and working within the criminal justice system will be advantageous. Experience in conducting criminal investigations relating to environmental offences, particularly waste and pollution-related crimes, will serve as a strong recommendation.
• Knowledge: Investigation best practice; environmental policies and legislation; environmental compliance and enforcement methodologies; criminal investigation processes; the Criminal Procedure Act; National Environmental Management Act (NEMA); constitutional law; administrative law; civil procedure; criminal procedure; environmental governance;
• evidence management and chain of custody requirements; the criminal justice system; and the integration of scientific and technical information into criminal investigations. Sound knowledge of environmental crimes associated with waste management, pollution incidents, unlawful disposal of waste, contaminated land, industrial pollution and other environmental offences.
• Skills and Competencies: Good written and verbal communication skills. Strong investigative, analytical and evidence-gathering skills. Ability to compile high-quality investigation reports and criminal case dockets. Computer literacy and information management skills. Ability to analyse complex information and apply legislation effectively. Good interpersonal relations, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Honesty, integrity, objectivity, reliability and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Ability to interact effectively with prosecutors, SAPS, environmental authorities, laboratories and other stakeholders. Must have a valid driver's licence and be willing to travel extensively.​​​​​​