✅ Attention Job Seekers: Be sure to read through the entire post for important details! You'll find the application link or email provided at the end of the post.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites qualified applicants to apply for Project Support – Youth & Contractor Development vacancies. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2026.
What the job is about
The Department is running the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to give unemployed young people a chance to work on real government projects. The placement lasts for 12 months and is offered in every province of South Africa. While you’re on the job you will help with planning, paperwork, data entry, reporting and visits to project sites. The main aim is to teach you useful skills and help you find a permanent job later on.
Why this programme matters
- Skill‑building: You will learn how a public‑sector project runs from start to finish.
- Workplace readiness: The tasks you do will teach you how to organise, talk to others and meet deadlines.
- Community impact: Your work will support projects that help local communities and small contractors.
Where the jobs are open
| Province | City / Town | Reference Code |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | East London | EPS15EC/2026 |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Durban | EPS16KZN/2026 |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | EPS17WC/2026 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | EPS18Polokwane/2026 |
| Limpopo | Waterberg | EPS18Waterberg/2026 |
| North West | Mafikeng | EPS19Mafikeng/2026 |
| North West | Brits | EPS19Brits/2026 |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit | EPS20MP/2026 |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | EPS21NC/2026 |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | EPS22FS/2026 |
| Gauteng | Pretoria | EPS23GP/2026 |
If you want to apply for more than one location, you must send a separate application for each one and clearly write the province, reference number and city or town in the subject line.
What you will do (Project Support – Youth & Contractor Development)
Main tasks
- Help plan youth‑empowerment and contractor‑development projects.
- Support the rollout of training sessions and EPWP activities.
- Collect data, fill spreadsheets and keep project files tidy.
- Upload training records, contracts and timesheets into the system.
- Write short reports on how projects are progressing each month.
- Visit project sites, take notes and send feedback to the team.
Administration and reporting
- Enter project numbers and details into databases.
- Organise and archive all paperwork related to the project.
- Assist in preparing the final report when a project ends.
Finance and compliance
- Help process invoices and attach the required supporting documents.
- Submit invoices for payment approval.
- Check that the project follows all rules and guidelines.
- Support the team when the project is being closed out.
Coordination and stakeholder support
- Keep communication flowing between the project team and outside partners.
- Help set up meetings and events connected to the project.
- Aid government officials in planning and reporting tasks.
Who can apply
Education
- A bachelor’s degree, a three‑year national diploma, or an equivalent qualification in a related field.
Experience
- 0–2 years of work experience (the more, the better).
- Any previous exposure to EPWP or other government programmes is a plus.
Technical know‑how
- Basic skills in handling data and writing simple reports.
- Familiarity with the structure of EPWP and South African government bodies.
- Basic understanding of how projects are coordinated.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Personal skills
- Good spoken and written communication.
- Strong organisational and planning abilities.
- Ability to talk with different people and keep calm under pressure.
- Willingness to travel and work extra hours when the project needs it.
Personal traits
- Dependable and disciplined.
- Pays attention to small details.
- Works well in a team.
- Eager to learn and adapt.
- Committed to serving the public.
What you will get
- Monthly stipend: R 8 800 (paid only for days you actually work).
- One year of structured work experience in a government setting.
- Hands‑on exposure to project management, reporting and community development.
- Improved chances of finding a permanent job in the public or development sectors.
- Practical skill‑building in administration, data handling and stakeholder coordination.
Important conditions
- The contract is fixed for 12 months; there are no extra benefits beyond the stipend.
- Payments follow the “no work, no pay” rule used by EPWP.
- You must arrange your own transport and accommodation.
- Shortlisted candidates will go through background checks and verification.
- The Department may decide not to fill a position if it feels necessary.
Why you should consider this role
If you are a recent graduate or a young adult who is currently unemployed, this placement offers a solid start to a career. It gives you a real glimpse into how government projects are run, teaches you valuable office skills and adds a credible entry on your résumé. The experience you gain can open doors to future jobs in the public sector, NGOs, or private companies that work on development projects.
Ready to apply?
Click the link below to download the application form and submit your details before the deadline.
Take the first step toward gaining real‑world experience and building a brighter future.