The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Department of Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) is offering EPWP Short Term Contract opportunities to suitably qualified and unemployed young South Africans.
The programme is designed for young people between the ages of 18 and 35 and will run for a period not exceeding 12 months. Several opportunities are available across environmental management, waste management, climate change, air quality, occupational health and safety, biodiversity and environmental compliance.
For graduates who are struggling to find their first professional opportunity, these positions can provide valuable workplace exposure within one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities.
The opportunities are particularly relevant to graduates looking to build careers in environmental management, environmental science, occupational health and safety, climate change, conservation, waste management and municipal services.
The programme also offers an opportunity to develop practical skills that can strengthen a graduate’s CV and improve future prospects for permanent employment, internships, graduate programmes and other professional opportunities.
City of Johannesburg EPWP Youth Graduate Programme 2026
The City of Johannesburg’s EISD is responsible for a wide range of environmental and infrastructure-related functions within the municipality.
The EPWP opportunities are intended to provide unemployed youth with practical exposure while supporting municipal programmes and services.
The supplied information identifies the programme as EPWP Short Term Contract Positions and states that the contracts will run for a period not exceeding 12 months. The age range is 18 to 35 years.
The programme is therefore particularly suitable for graduates who have completed a relevant diploma or degree and want to move from academic study into practical employment.
Programme Details
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | City of Johannesburg |
| Department | Environment & Infrastructure Services Department |
| Programme | EPWP Short Term Contract Positions |
| Reference | STC 011/2026 |
| Contract | Short-term contract |
| Duration | Not exceeding 12 months |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Location | 118 Jorissen Street, Traduna House, Braamfontein |
| Salary/Stipend | Not specified in supplied information |
Because the supplied information does not state a salary or stipend, applicants should confirm the remuneration details in the official vacancy advertisement before applying.
Available City of Johannesburg EPWP Graduate Opportunities
The programme includes several specialised opportunities. Most positions require a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in an appropriate field.
This makes the programme particularly relevant to graduates who have studied environmental and related disciplines.
The available opportunities include:
- Waste Management Youth Graduate
- Climate Change Youth Graduate
- Air Quality Youth Graduate
- Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate
- Biodiversity & Open Space Management Youth Graduate
- Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate
- Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate
These roles cover different areas of environmental management and municipal service delivery.
Waste Management Youth Graduate
The Waste Management Youth Graduate opportunity focuses on supporting sustainable waste management services across Johannesburg.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of waste management policies, strategies and plans.
The position also involves supporting sustainable waste projects.
Requirements
Applicants should have a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in one of the following areas:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Health
- Nature Conservation
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Another closely related discipline
The role also requires ICT literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Good written and verbal communication skills and project management ability are also required.
Duties
The graduate will assist with activities such as:
- Auditing Pikitup Buyback and Garden Sites.
- Monitoring service delivery and cleanliness standards.
- Investigating complaints.
- Promoting recycling.
- Promoting waste separation.
- Supporting community clean-up programmes.
- Educating informal reclaimers about waste management practices.
- Assisting with illegal dumping matters.
This role could be useful for graduates interested in waste management, environmental sustainability and municipal environmental services.
Climate Change Youth Graduate
The Climate Change Youth Graduate position focuses on supporting Johannesburg’s climate change initiatives.
The role involves helping coordinate climate-related programmes and supporting the development of policies, strategies and plans.
Requirements
Applicants should have a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Energy Studies
- A closely related discipline
Candidates should also have computer literacy, communication and presentation skills, project management ability and coordination skills.
Report writing and time management are also important. The supplied requirements further mention knowledge of environmental issues and basic knowledge of climate change science and the Climate Change Act.
Duties
The successful graduate may assist with:
- Implementing the Climate Action Plan.
- Monitoring climate-related projects.
- Preparing reports.
- Collecting, analysing and validating climate data.
- Supporting greenhouse gas inventories.
- Assisting with CDP reporting.
- Maintaining climate action monitoring tools.
- Conducting climate change research.
- Reviewing policies.
- Preparing technical reports.
- Supporting stakeholder coordination.
This opportunity may be particularly valuable for graduates interested in climate science, environmental policy, sustainability, energy and environmental consulting.
Air Quality Youth Graduate
The Air Quality Youth Graduate opportunity supports the City’s air quality regulation function.
The role involves supporting the Atmospheric Emissions Licensing System and helping promote compliance with relevant environmental legislation.
Applicants should have a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Conservation Management or a closely related field.
The successful candidate may assist with:
- Atmospheric Emission Licence administration.
- Site inspections.
- Emissions monitoring.
- Compliance assessments.
- Air quality data collection.
- Emissions inventories.
- NAEIS reporting.
- Regulatory reporting.
- Investigating air pollution complaints.
- Environmental awareness campaigns.
- Stakeholder engagements.
Graduates interested in air quality, environmental compliance and environmental regulation may find this pathway especially relevant.
Environmental Education and Awareness Youth Graduate
This opportunity focuses on environmental awareness programmes across the City of Johannesburg.
The successful graduate will support the implementation of environmental education and awareness strategies.
Applicants should hold a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Nature Conservation or a closely related discipline.
Responsibilities include supporting:
- Environmental education programmes.
- Awareness campaigns.
- Behaviour-change programmes.
- Environmental theme days.
- School and community initiatives.
- Environmental education materials.
- Digital content.
- Stakeholder coordination.
- Environmental awareness reporting.
- Event planning.
- Procurement processes.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
This position combines environmental knowledge with communication, project management, administration and community engagement.
Biodiversity and Open Space Management Youth Graduate
The Biodiversity and Open Space Management position focuses on supporting initiatives related to open-space planning and management.
The required qualification is a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Town and Regional Planning
- Nature Conservation
- A closely related discipline
The role also requires computer literacy, communication and presentation skills, project management and coordination abilities. Basic knowledge of land-use management and environmental management is also required.
Key duties include:
- Administration.
- Record keeping.
- Supporting policy development.
- Supporting the development of municipal tools.
- Compiling reports.
- Summarising findings from site visits.
- Communicating recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
This could be a useful starting point for graduates interested in biodiversity conservation, environmental planning and municipal environmental management.
Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate
The Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate opportunity is aimed at graduates with a background in Safety Management or a closely related discipline.
The role supports the implementation and monitoring of occupational health and safety programmes within the City.
Applicants require a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7. They should also have knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant legislation.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring OHS policies and procedures.
- Supporting workplace inspections.
- Conducting hazard identification activities.
- Supporting risk assessments.
- Monitoring corrective actions.
- Recording occupational incidents.
- Preparing OHS documentation.
- Supporting OHS awareness activities.
- Assisting with training.
- Supporting fire drills and emergency preparedness.
- Assisting OHS committees.
- Maintaining compliance records.
This opportunity can help graduates build practical experience for future occupational health and safety careers.
Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate
The Impact Management and Compliance opportunity focuses on reviewing development proposals and applications relating to land use.
The position aims to support adherence to environmental policies, principles and standards while helping protect environmental assets and promote sustainability.
The required qualification is a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Nature Conservation or a closely related discipline.
The role requires strong communication, report-writing and stakeholder-management skills.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Professionalism.
- A positive attitude.
- Creativity.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Commitment to environmental career development.
- Computer literacy.
- Good written and verbal communication.
- Attention to environmental legislation.
The supplied information refers to legislation including NEMA, NEMWA and NEMAQA, making knowledge of environmental regulatory frameworks useful for this position.
Skills Graduates Can Develop
One of the biggest advantages of an EPWP graduate opportunity is the chance to develop workplace skills alongside academic qualifications.
Depending on the position, graduates may gain experience in:
- Environmental management.
- Project management.
- Data collection and analysis.
- Report writing.
- Microsoft Office.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Environmental monitoring.
- Policy implementation.
- Community engagement.
- Risk assessment.
- Occupational health and safety.
- Waste management.
- Climate change.
- Air quality management.
- Biodiversity management.
These skills can be transferred to other employers and sectors.
For example, experience with environmental data and reporting may help when applying for environmental consulting positions, while project management and stakeholder engagement experience can strengthen applications for graduate programmes and professional development opportunities.
Career Opportunities After an Environmental Graduate Programme
Graduates should think beyond the immediate contract.
The experience gained through a municipal environmental position can become the foundation for longer-term career development.
Depending on their qualifications and interests, graduates may later pursue careers such as:
- Environmental Officer.
- Environmental Consultant.
- Environmental Scientist.
- Environmental Management Practitioner.
- Waste Management Specialist.
- Climate Change Officer.
- Sustainability Officer.
- Air Quality Specialist.
- Environmental Compliance Officer.
- Occupational Health and Safety Officer.
- Biodiversity Officer.
- Conservation Officer.
- Environmental Project Coordinator.
Additional professional certifications, postgraduate study, short courses and specialised training can also strengthen a graduate’s career profile.
Graduates interested in project management can consider recognised project management training, while those pursuing environmental compliance can continue developing their understanding of South African environmental legislation.
Who Should Apply?
These opportunities are primarily suited to unemployed young people who have completed relevant tertiary qualifications.
Applicants should carefully match their qualification to the requirements of the specific position.
For example, an Environmental Management graduate may be suitable for several of the environmental positions, while a Safety Management graduate would be better aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance opportunity.
Candidates should also consider their skills.
Strong communication, computer literacy, report writing, project management and organisational skills appear repeatedly across the advertised opportunities.
Therefore, applicants should ensure their CV clearly demonstrates these competencies where they genuinely possess them.
What Should You Include in Your CV?
A graduate CV should make it easy for a recruiter to identify your qualifications and relevant skills.
Consider including:
- Full name and contact details.
- Educational qualifications.
- NQF level where relevant.
- Relevant subjects or modules.
- Computer skills.
- Project management experience.
- Research experience.
- Environmental projects.
- Work-integrated learning.
- Volunteer experience.
- Relevant short courses.
- Professional memberships where applicable.
- A brief career profile.
Do not add skills or experience that you do not have.
Instead, use your academic projects, fieldwork, research and community activities to demonstrate transferable abilities.
EPWP Graduate Opportunities and Career Development
The City of Johannesburg opportunities demonstrate how graduate employment can connect academic qualifications with practical public-sector work.
For graduates, the value of an opportunity is not limited to the contract period.
Workplace experience can help candidates understand professional standards, reporting structures, project deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
It can also help graduates identify the area of their profession they want to specialise in.
For example, an Environmental Science graduate might discover an interest in climate change after working with climate data. Another graduate may develop an interest in waste management, environmental compliance or biodiversity conservation.
This type of career exploration is an important part of career development.
Salary and Benefits
The supplied vacancy information does not provide a salary, stipend or detailed employee benefits package.
Therefore, applicants should not rely on unofficial salary figures when making decisions about the opportunity.
| Employment Detail | Information Available |
|---|---|
| Salary/Stipend | Not specified in supplied information |
| Medical Aid | Not specified |
| Pension Fund | Not specified |
| Life Insurance | Not specified |
| Disability Cover | Not specified |
| Employee Wellness | Not specified |
| Bonuses | Not specified |
| Paid Leave | Not specified |
| Training Opportunities | Practical workplace exposure and EPWP experience |
The main confirmed benefit from the supplied information is the opportunity to gain practical experience through a short-term municipal programme.
NB. Use the links given below to Apply
Waste Management Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the Waste Management Youth Graduate Internship
Climate Change Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the Climate Change Youth Graduate Internship
Air Quality Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the Air Quality Youth Graduate Internship
Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate Internship
Biodiveristy & Open Space Management Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the Biodiveristy & Open Space Management Youth Graduate Internship
Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate Internship
Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate
Apply Online for the OImpact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate Internship
How to Prepare Before Applying
Competition for graduate opportunities can be high. Therefore, candidates should prepare their applications carefully.
Before submitting an application, check that:
- Your qualification matches the advertised position.
- Your CV is updated.
- Your contact details are correct.
- Your academic information is accurate.
- Your relevant skills are clearly presented.
- Your CV is easy to read.
- You have included relevant practical or academic experience.
- Your application follows the stated instructions.
Candidates should also keep copies of their academic records and qualification documents available in case they are requested during the recruitment process.
Important Information for Applicants
The programme is identified under Circular/Reference No. STC 011/2026.
The supplied information places the relevant department at 118 Jorissen Street, Traduna House, Braamfontein.
However, the provided information does not include a closing date or application procedure.
Applicants should therefore confirm the latest official application instructions before submitting personal information.
They should also verify whether additional requirements, documents, remuneration information or application deadlines have been published in the complete vacancy notice.
Why These Opportunities Matter for Unemployed Graduates
Finding the first job after university or college can be difficult, particularly when employers request previous workplace experience.
An opportunity such as this can help address that gap.
Graduates can gain exposure to real municipal projects while developing professional skills. They can also build a work history that may strengthen applications for future internships, graduate programmes and permanent jobs.
Furthermore, the positions cover areas that are increasingly important to cities and businesses, including waste management, climate change, environmental compliance, air quality, occupational health and safety and biodiversity.
This makes the experience potentially useful well beyond the City of Johannesburg.
Final Thoughts
The City of Johannesburg EPWP Youth Graduate Opportunities 2026 provide unemployed young South Africans with potential entry points into several environmental and municipal career fields.
The programme includes opportunities in waste management, climate change, air quality, environmental education, biodiversity, occupational health and safety, and environmental compliance.
Most positions require a relevant Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7, making them particularly suitable for recent graduates who need practical workplace experience.
If you meet the requirements, do not wait until the last minute to prepare your application. Update your CV, identify the opportunity that best matches your qualification and verify the official application instructions before submitting.
Apply as soon as the official application process is confirmed, and continue exploring other environmental jobs, internships, graduate programmes, learnerships and professional development opportunities that can help you build a long-term career.
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