City of Joburg Environmental Internships 2026/2027: Gain Experience in Braamfontein

The City of Johannesburg is offering environmental internships for unemployed youth in 2026/2027. This programme provides valuable work experience in various environmental fields within the Environment & Infrastructure Services Department. It is open to graduates aged 18 to 35 with relevant qualifications.

Application Closing Date: 10 September 2026
Location: Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not exceeding 12 months
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7)
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the City of Joburg Environmental Internships

The Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) of the City of Johannesburg is providing these Environmental Youth Graduate Internship Programme opportunities. These are short-term contract positions designed to offer practical experience to young South Africans. The programme aims to equip graduates with skills and knowledge in environmental management, conservation, and related areas.

This initiative is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and focuses on developing the next generation of environmental professionals. Participants will gain exposure to real-world challenges and solutions within a major metropolitan municipality. The internships are structured to provide meaningful learning experiences over a period of up to 12 months.

About the City of Johannesburg

The City of Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and a major economic hub on the African continent. It is a diverse and dynamic municipality committed to providing essential services and improving the quality of life for its residents. The city’s Environment & Infrastructure Services Department plays a critical role in managing the urban environment, ensuring sustainability, and promoting responsible resource management.

Available Environmental Internship Opportunities

The City of Johannesburg has several environmental internship positions available within its Environment & Infrastructure Services Department. Each role focuses on a specific area of environmental work.

• Waste Management Youth Graduate: Support sustainable waste management programmes, conduct audits, monitor service delivery, and assist with recycling and illegal dumping issues.
• Climate Change Youth Graduate: Assist with the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, collect climate data, and support greenhouse-gas inventory efforts.
• Air Quality Youth Graduate: Help with atmospheric emission licenses, conduct site inspections, monitor air quality, and investigate pollution complaints.
• Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate: Support environmental education campaigns, school programmes, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Biodiversity & Open Space Management Youth Graduate: Provide administrative support, assist with City policies, conduct site-related work, and compile reports.
• Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate: Support the implementation of OHS policies, conduct workplace inspections, and assist with emergency preparedness.
• Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate: Review development proposals to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and policies.

What the Internship Offers

Successful candidates will benefit from a structured learning environment and practical workplace experience. This internship programme offers:

• Exposure to various environmental sectors within a municipal setting.
• Development of professional skills in areas like waste management, climate change, air quality, and biodiversity.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant environmental projects within Johannesburg.
• A chance to build a professional network and gain industry-specific knowledge.
• Short-term contract experience that can enhance future employment prospects.

Programme Duration and Location

These internships are offered as short-term contracts, not exceeding 12 months in duration. The programme is based at the Environment & Infrastructure Services Department offices located at Traduna House, 118 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for these environmental internships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Hold a Diploma or Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Nature Conservation, Occupational Health and Safety, Energy Studies, Town and Regional Planning, or Safety Management.
• Be unemployed.

Competencies Required

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants should possess certain skills and competencies:

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Presentation and project-management abilities.
• Coordination and report-writing skills.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Depending on the specific role, knowledge of environmental legislation, climate change, land-use management, or occupational health and safety may be required.

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for unemployed South African youth who have recently completed a relevant diploma or degree and are eager to gain practical experience in the environmental sector. If you are passionate about environmental conservation, sustainability, or public service and want to contribute to the City of Johannesburg’s environmental initiatives, this opportunity is for you. It is particularly suited for graduates looking to kick-start their careers in fields like waste management, climate action, or biodiversity.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of South African identity document (ID).
• Certified copies of relevant qualification certificates (Diploma/Degree).
• Academic transcripts or record.
• Proof of residence.

Applicants must ensure all documents are certified and submitted as per the application instructions.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must use the specific online application link provided for each internship opportunity. These links are available under each listed position on the source website. Applicants should carefully select the correct internship they wish to apply for and complete the online application form accurately. Ensure all requested information and documents are uploaded correctly before submitting.

Important Notes

These internships are part of the City of Johannesburg’s EPWP Short-Term Contract Programme and will last for a maximum of 12 months. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Late applications may not be considered. Applicants are advised to double-check all information and documents before submission to avoid disqualification.

Closing Date

The application closing date for these environmental internships is 10 September 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this deadline to ensure they are considered.

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