The City of Johannesburg has opened applications for its Environmental Youth Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027, giving unemployed graduates aged 18 to 35 an opportunity to gain practical work experience in environmental management, climate change, waste management, biodiversity, air quality, and occupational health and safety.
The Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) is recruiting graduates for 12-month EPWP short-term contracts, with successful applicants based at Traduna House, 118 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Applications close on 10 September 2026, making this one of the major municipal graduate opportunities currently available in Gauteng.
City of Johannesburg Environmental Graduate Internships 2026/2027
EPWP • Environment & Infrastructure Services Department
Closing date
10 September 2026
Location
Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Age requirement
18–35 years
Qualification
NQF Level 6 or 7
Why this internship matters
For many graduates, finding a first job remains one of the biggest challenges after completing a diploma or degree. Municipal internship programmes like this provide practical workplace exposure, professional networking opportunities, and experience that can strengthen future applications in both government and the private sector.
The programme forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and focuses on building environmental skills while supporting the City’s sustainability initiatives.
Successful candidates will contribute to projects linked to:
Climate resilience
Recycling and waste reduction
Air pollution monitoring
Environmental education
Biodiversity protection
Occupational health and safety compliance
Internship overview
Programme Details
Department
Environment & Infrastructure Services Department
Reference Number
STC 011/2026
Programme
Environmental Youth Graduate Internship
Duration
Up to 12 months
Location
Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Closing Date
10 September 2026
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
South African citizen
Unemployed
Between 18 and 35 years old
Hold the required Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7) for the specific internship
Each internship has qualification requirements linked to its specialist field.
Environmental internship opportunities available
1. Waste Management Youth Graduate
Required qualification:
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Environmental Health
Nature Conservation
Occupational Health and Safety
Related qualification
What you’ll do:
Support recycling programmes
Conduct waste-site audits
Monitor cleanliness standards
Assist with illegal dumping investigations
Promote waste separation initiatives
2. Climate Change Youth Graduate
Required qualification:
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Energy Studies
Related qualification
Responsibilities include:
Supporting Johannesburg’s Climate Action Plan
Collecting climate data
Assisting with greenhouse gas inventories
Preparing technical reports
Coordinating stakeholders
3. Air Quality Youth Graduate
Required qualification:
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Conservation Management
Related field
Duties include:
Monitoring emissions
Conducting inspections
Supporting Atmospheric Emission Licences
Investigating pollution complaints
Preparing compliance reports
4. Environmental Education & Awareness Graduate
Required qualification:
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Nature Conservation
Related qualification
You’ll help organise:
School awareness programmes
Community campaigns
Environmental theme days
Educational materials
Programme evaluations
5. Biodiversity & Open Space Management Graduate
Required qualification:
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Town and Regional Planning
Nature Conservation
Related qualification
The role focuses on:
Environmental planning support
Site assessments
Record management
Policy implementation
Reporting recommendations
6. Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Graduate
Required qualification:
Safety Management
Related qualification
Key responsibilities include:
Workplace inspections
Hazard identification
Risk assessments
Incident reporting
Emergency preparedness activities
7. Impact Management and Compliance Graduate
Required qualification:
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Nature Conservation
Related qualification
Applicants should understand environmental legislation, including:
NEMA
NEMWA
NEMAQA
The role supports compliance reviews for development proposals and land-use planning.
Skills that can improve your application
The City is looking for graduates who demonstrate:
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills
Good communication
Report writing
Presentation skills
Project coordination
Time management
Teamwork
For specialist positions, knowledge of environmental legislation and sustainability principles can strengthen an application.
How to apply
Applicants must apply online using the correct application form for the internship they wish to join.
Before submitting your application:
Check that your qualification matches the advertised role.
Complete every section of the online form.
Click here to apply for City of Johannesburg Climate Change Youth Graduate Internship
Submit your application before the closing date
Closing date
Applications close on 10 September 2026.
Late applications may not be considered.
Expert application tips for graduates
Graduates applying for municipal internships often compete against hundreds of applicants. While meeting the qualification requirements is essential, small improvements can help make an application stronger.
Consider these practical steps:
Tailor your CV to the specific internship.
Highlight environmental projects completed during your studies.
Mention volunteer work related to conservation or community programmes.
Include computer skills and report-writing experience.
Double-check contact details before submitting.
Employers often value evidence of practical involvement alongside academic qualifications.
Why environmental careers are growing
South Africa continues investing in environmental compliance, climate resilience, sustainable waste management and biodiversity protection.
Graduates entering these fields may develop experience relevant to careers in
Municipal government
Environmental consulting
Mining environmental compliance
Water management
Conservation agencies
Renewable energy projects
Occupational health and safety
This makes internship experience particularly valuable for building long-term career prospects.
Transparency and publishing information
Publisher’s Note: This article is an independent informational guide created to help South African graduates understand the City of Johannesburg Environmental Youth Graduate Internship Programme. Applicants should always verify details on the City’s official recruitment platforms before applying.
Official programme information
Employer: City of Johannesburg
Department: Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD)
Reference: STC 011/2026
Programme: EPWP Environmental Youth Graduate Internship 2026/2027
Sources
This article is based on the official City of Johannesburg Environmental Youth Graduate Internship Programme announcement, including the published eligibility requirements, internship descriptions, reference number STC 011/2026, programme duration and application closing date.
