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

The City of Johannesburg is offering unemployed youth the chance to gain valuable experience through its Environmental Youth Graduate Internship Programme for 2026/2027. This programme provides short-term contract opportunities within the Environment & Infrastructure Services Department, focusing on various environmental fields. It is an excellent chance for graduates to build their careers and contribute to the city’s environmental initiatives.

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 Johannesburg Environmental Internships

The Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) of the City of Johannesburg is providing EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) short-term contract opportunities. These internships are designed for unemployed South African youth aged between 18 and 35 years old. The programme aims to equip graduates with practical experience in environmental management, conservation, and related fields.

These internships offer a structured learning environment for 12 months, allowing participants to work on real-world projects. The focus is on developing skills in areas such as waste management, climate change mitigation, air quality monitoring, and biodiversity conservation. This initiative is part of the City’s commitment to youth employment and environmental sustainability.

About the City of Johannesburg

The City of Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and a major economic hub. Its Environment & Infrastructure Services Department plays a critical role in managing the city’s natural resources, ensuring service delivery, and promoting sustainable development. The department oversees various functions, including waste management, water and sanitation, energy, and environmental protection.

Through initiatives like this internship programme, the City of Johannesburg aims to foster a skilled workforce and address environmental challenges. The department is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its residents by ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable urban environment.

Available Environmental Internship Opportunities

The City of Johannesburg has several environmental internship positions available, each requiring specific qualifications and offering unique learning experiences.

• Waste Management Youth Graduate: Support sustainable waste management programmes, conduct audits, monitor service delivery, and assist with recycling and illegal dumping issues. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Health, Nature Conservation, or Occupational Health and Safety.
• Climate Change Youth Graduate: Assist in implementing the Climate Action Plan, collect climate data, and contribute to greenhouse-gas inventories and reporting. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, or Energy Studies.
• Air Quality Youth Graduate: Help with atmospheric emission licenses, conduct site inspections, monitor emissions, and investigate pollution complaints. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, or Conservation Management.
• Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate: Support environmental education campaigns, school programmes, and stakeholder engagement. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, or Nature Conservation.
• Biodiversity & Open Space Management Youth Graduate: Provide administrative support, assist with City policies, conduct site-related work, and compile reports. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, Town and Regional Planning, or Nature Conservation.
• Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate: Support the implementation of OHS policies, conduct workplace inspections, and assist with emergency preparedness. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Safety Management.
• Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate: Review development proposals to ensure compliance with environmental legislation like NEMA. Requires a Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Management, or Nature Conservation.

What the Internship Offers

Successful interns will gain significant practical experience and exposure to various environmental sectors within a major metropolitan municipality.

• Hands-on experience in specific environmental fields.
• Exposure to municipal operations and environmental management practices.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects related to waste, climate, air quality, and more.
• Development of professional skills, including report writing and project coordination.
• Networking opportunities within the environmental sector.
• A certificate of completion upon successful programme fulfilment.

Programme Duration and Location

These internships are offered as short-term contracts, not exceeding 12 months in duration. The work placement will be at the City of Johannesburg’s Environment & Infrastructure Services Department, located at Traduna House, 118 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

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 environmental, safety, planning, or related field, as specified for each opportunity.
• Be unemployed.
• Have completed the required qualification.

Competencies Required

In addition to the minimum qualifications, successful candidates should possess a range of skills and competencies:

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Presentation and project-management abilities.
• Strong coordination and report-writing skills.
• Effective time-management skills.
• Depending on the role, knowledge of specific environmental legislation, climate change concepts, land-use management, or occupational health and safety may be required.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for recent graduates who hold a relevant Diploma or Degree and are seeking to gain practical work experience in the environmental sector. If you are unemployed, between 18 and 35 years old, and passionate about making a difference in areas like waste management, climate action, or biodiversity, this opportunity is for you. It’s a chance to kick-start your career with a leading municipal department.

Required Documents

Applicants are advised to prepare the following documents for their application:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of your South African Identity Document (ID).
• A certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• A certified copy of your Diploma or Degree certificate.
• An academic record or transcript.
• Proof of residence.
• Any other documents specifically requested on the application portal.

Ensure all copies are certified by a Commissioner of Oaths and are not older than three months.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply online using the specific link provided for each internship opportunity. Please ensure you select the correct position and fill out the application form completely and accurately.

• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Waste Management Youth Graduate Internship
• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Climate Change Youth Graduate Internship
• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Air Quality Youth Graduate Internship
• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Environmental Education & Awareness Youth Graduate Internship
• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Biodiversity & Open Space Management Youth Graduate Internship
• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Youth Graduate Internship
• Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Impact Management and Compliance Youth Graduate Internship

Applicants should double-check all personal details and uploaded documents before submitting their application.

Important Notes

These opportunities 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 must ensure they meet all the specified requirements for the position they are applying for. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Closing Date

The application closing date for all City of Johannesburg Environmental Youth Graduate Internships is 10 September 2026. It is advisable to submit your application well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

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