Environment Specialist - Biosecurity

Border Management Authority; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 964,000 - 1,178,000; Full time

Job summary

Border Management Authority in Centurion seeks a Junior Management biosecurity specialist to oversee standards for goods at Ports of Entry, scan for AIS threats, and support environment-related biosecurity initiatives.

The role requires 5+ years in AIS/Biosecurity, SAQA-recognised NQF7, and travel to national and international sites. Proficiency in MS Office and a valid driver’s license are essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate qualification at NQF 7 in Natural / Biological Sciences / Environmental Management / Environmental law or a similar area.
• 5+ years' experience in a specialist Alien and Invasive Species (Biosecurity) management role.
• Computer literacy with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and improve standards related to goods presenting as biosecurity threats at the Ports of Entry.
• Conduct horizon scans for emerging biosecurity threats to South Africa and support capacity building.
• Provide technical support and advice to the Environment division within the BMA.
• Monitor data management, monitoring and evaluation, and research for effective environment biosecurity in the BMA.

Skills

Willingness to travel

Driver's license

Education

Undergraduate NQF7 in Natural/Bio/Env Management/Law

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for, amongst others, the following specific tasks:

• Prepare and improve standards related to goods presenting as biosecurity threats at the Ports of Entry.
• Conduct horizon scans for emerging biosecurity threats to South Africa. Provide inputs into biosecurity capacity building programmes.
• Assist with biosecurity project support.
• Provide technical support and advice to the Environment division within the BMA.
• Ensure data management, monitoring and evaluation, and research for the effective provision of Environment biosecurity management in the BMA.
• Data analysis of port biosecurity interventions.
• Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships for the purpose of expectations management, knowledge sharing and integration. Attend industry related forums, conferences, and workshops to gain industry insight for the purpose of business improvement.
• Support the implementation of timeous communication on relevant information and legislation to the Ports of Entry.
• Represent and participate in the BMA's committees and tasks teams.
• Support advocacy activities on environmental-related matters by engaging and collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in facilitating stakeholder liaison engagements.
• Provide technical inputs into the Operational risk register (AOP).
• Support the development and review of biosecurity risk profiles.
• Monitor changes in the regulatory environment and ensure that appropriate operational controls are implemented to address new requirements

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the South African Constitution.
• Knowledge of the Border Management Authority Act.
• Understanding of legislation and prescripts applicable prevention and management of Alien and Invasive Species
• Knowledge of applicable international Conventions relating to Alien and Invasive Species.
• Knowledge of the Public Service Act and Regulations as well as the Public Finance Management Act.
• Knowledge of the National Treasury's Risk Management Framework.
• Understanding of biosecurity risks associated with Ports of Entry, including passenger baggage, cargo, mail, consignments and other potential pathways for the introduction and spread of AIS.
• Knowledge and understanding of AIS prevention, detection, identification, interception and management measures.
• Knowledge of relevant NEMBA, Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, AIS Lists and applicable environmental/biosecurity prescripts.

Requirements

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12
• An Undergraduate qualification at NQF 7 as recognised by SAQA in Natural / Biological Sciences / Environmental Management / Environmental law or a similar area.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a specialist role in Alien and Invasive Species (Biosecurity) management.
• Proven knowledge and practical application of biosecurity measures, including the inspection and management of alien and invasive species at ports of entry.
• Ability to identify and assess emerging Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) threats, potential pathways of introduction and spread, and relevant national and international biosecurity trends.
• Demonstrated experience working at a Port of Entry.
• Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Will be required to travel nationally and internationally.
• Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet the demands of the role.
• May be required to work overtime.
• Valid driver’s License.

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 line with the BMA employment equity plan. The BMA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions

• It is the applicant's responsibility to have all foreign qualifications evaluated by South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) confirm the appropriate NQF level and to provide proof of such evaluation.
• Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to an interview and technical assessment (s) which assesses the candidate's demonstrated professional and technical competency against the job requirements and duties).
• Candidates potentially considered suitable after the interview and technical test(s) for senior positions, will be subjected to a competency assessment (which tests the candidate's demonstrated proficiency in the professional dimensions attached to the level of the post):
• Employment suitability check will be conducted on the shortlisted candidates (credit, criminal, citizenship, employment references and qualification verifications):
• Appointment will be subjected to a mandatory vetting/security clearance appropriate to the level of the position.

Closing date: 09 September 2026

Work Level

Junior Management

Job Type

Permanent

Salary

964,058.40 - 1,178,293.60

EE Position

Yes

Location

Centurion