The Border  Management Authority (BMA) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for 2 Biodiversity Officer (Production): CITES positions based at Ramatlabama, North West.

These are permanent positions within the Specialised Functions – Environment department, offering a salary of R330 086,40 – R388 594,51.

Applicants need Grade 12, a relevant NQF Level 6 undergraduate qualification and at least 3 years’ relevant experience in biodiversity management, environmental compliance, conservation or a related field.

Applications close on 15 October 2026.

BMA Biodiversity Officer Job Details

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Grade 12
• An NQF Level 6 undergraduate qualification, recognised by SAQA, in:
  • Biological Sciences
  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Nature Conservation
  • Environmental Management
  • Or an equivalent qualification in the Biodiversity or Natural Sciences field
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in biodiversity management, environmental compliance, conservation or a related field
• Ability to work effectively within a border-control, multidisciplinary and law-enforcement environment
• Flexibility regarding working hours
• Willingness to work overtime, including weekends and public holidays, where operationally required
• Willingness to travel to designated Ports of Entry and other locations

Added Advantage

• Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) designation

Experience Requirements

Applicants should have experience in:

• Conducting compliance inspections within biodiversity, environmental, conservation, regulatory or related environments
• Interpreting and implementing environmental legislation
• Biodiversity governance
• Policy development
• Technical advisory services
• Stakeholder engagement
• Developing and implementing environmental policies, strategies and frameworks
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures and technical guidelines
• Monitoring and evaluating biodiversity compliance programmes
• Analysing compliance trends
• Preparing strategic technical reports for management
• Coordinating multidisciplinary projects, technical committees or stakeholder forums
• Capacity building and mentoring
• Providing specialist technical support within an environmental regulatory environment

Added Advantage

Experience in CITES and/or TOPS permit administration, verification or compliance monitoring will be an added advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates will:

• Conduct biodiversity compliance inspections of CITES-related consignments at Ports of Entry.
• Verify CITES permits and supporting documentation.
• Verify pre-booked CITES consignments.
• Endorse compliant CITES permits to facilitate the lawful release of consignments.
• Verify TOPS permits and supporting documentation where required.
• Facilitate endorsement of compliant permits.
• Identify and report non-compliant consignments.
• Identify non-compliant permits and supporting documents.
• Identify and report suspected biodiversity-related offences.
• Refer non-compliance for further action according to prescribed procedures.
• Participate in joint compliance and enforcement operations with law-enforcement authorities.
• Respond to client and stakeholder enquiries relating to CITES and TOPS.
• Maintain accurate inspection and permit records.
• Maintain records of consignment verifications and identified non-compliance.
• Compile and submit inspection and compliance reports.
• Implement approved Standard Operating Procedures and operational directives.

Knowledge Required

Candidates should have knowledge of:

• Border Management Authority Act, 2020
• National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations
• CITES and TOPS permit requirements
• Biodiversity compliance inspections
• Permit verification and endorsement procedures
• Consignment inspections
• Biodiversity compliance and enforcement procedures
• Identification, reporting and referral of non-compliance

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates may undergo:

• Interviews
• Technical assessments
• Competency assessments where applicable
• Credit checks
• Criminal record checks
• Citizenship verification
• Employment reference checks
• Qualification verification
• Mandatory vetting/security clearance appropriate to the position

Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for obtaining an evaluation from SAQA and providing proof of the appropriate NQF level.

Employment Equity

The BMA is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity and workforce diversity.

Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in accordance with the BMA Employment Equity Plan.

Closing Date

15 October 2026