The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites applications for 27 internship positions in Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production and Environmental Laboratory work.
These internship opportunities are listed in Pretoria, Gauteng and Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The Resource Efficiency internship closes on 28 October 2026, while the Environmental Laboratory internship closes on 5 November 2026.
Quick Key Details
| Detail | Information |
| Organisation | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Total positions | 27 |
| Programmes | Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production; Environmental Laboratory |
| Locations | Pretoria, Gauteng and Stellenbosch, Western Cape |
| Application method | Online through the CSIR careers portal |
| Closing dates | 28 October and 5 November 2026, depending on the position |
Who Should Apply?
The opportunities are suitable for applicants with qualifications in fields related to Engineering, Natural Science, Environmental Science or Analytical Chemistry, depending on the position.
Applicants must check the requirements for the internship they choose and use the correct job reference when applying.
About the CSIR
The CSIR is a South African scientific and technology research organisation. It conducts research and develops solutions across a range of industries and scientific fields.
These internships offer workplace exposure in resource efficiency and environmental laboratory activities.
Available Internship Positions
1. Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Internship — 25 Positions
| Detail | Information |
| Programme | Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Implementation Programme in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector |
| Job reference | 315248 |
| Listed location | Scientia, Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Department | National Cleaner Production Centre |
| Date posted | 21 October 2026 |
| Closing date | 28 October 2026 |
The programme focuses on resource efficiency and cleaner production in the tourism and hospitality sector.
2. Environmental Laboratory Internship — 2 Positions
| Detail | Information |
| Position | Environmental Laboratory Intern |
| Job reference | 315249 |
| Location | Stellenbosch, Western Cape |
| Department | Coastal Systems |
| Contract duration | 12 months |
| Closing date | 5 November 2026 |
The internships provide practical exposure to laboratory activities, including sample preparation, analysis and reporting.
Minimum Requirements
Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Internship
A published summary of the vacancy lists:
- A National Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Natural Science or Environmental Science.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
- A South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation report for international qualifications.
The summary also refers to passing the RECP end-user training examination with at least 70%. Applicants should check the full advert for how and when this requirement applies.
Environmental Laboratory Internship
A published summary of the vacancy lists:
- A National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Sound knowledge of analytical chemistry.
- Proficiency in Microsoft applications.
- Good numerical skills.
- Attention to detail.
Experience in an environmental laboratory is listed as preferred.
Qualification note: The CSIR careers portal confirms both vacancies, reference numbers and closing dates. The detailed requirements above are from published vacancy summaries and should be checked against the full CSIR adverts before applying.
Duties and Responsibilities
Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Interns
Duties may include:
- Participating in the RECP training programme.
- Preparing questionnaires before host-site visits.
- Conducting site walkabouts and resource-efficiency assessments.
- Preparing assessment reports and case studies.
- Supporting host maintenance teams with RECP methods.
- Assisting with procedures for improving resource efficiency.
- Taking care of work equipment provided for the programme.
- Writing examinations at the end of training modules.
Environmental Laboratory Interns
Duties may include:
- Conducting routine laboratory analyses.
- Preparing samples for analysis.
- Monitoring laboratory consumable stock.
- Setting up, operating and checking laboratory instruments.
- Checking results against quality criteria.
- Participating in environmental sampling.
- Reporting on laboratory processes and results.
- Providing administrative support to the project leader.
Skills Gained
Depending on the internship, participants may develop skills in:
- Resource efficiency and cleaner production.
- Energy and water management.
- Workplace assessments and report writing.
- Sample preparation and laboratory analysis.
- Environmental sampling and quality checks.
- Operating laboratory instruments.
- Collecting and reporting information.
- Working with project teams and host organisations.
Required Documents
Follow the document instructions for the selected vacancy on the official CSIR careers platform.
Applicants can prepare the following:
- An updated CV.
- Identity document.
- Qualification certificate.
- Academic record.
- Driver’s licence details for the Environmental Laboratory position.
- A SAQA evaluation report for international qualifications, where required.
Upload the documents requested by the application form.
Useful Career27 Links
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official CSIR careers portal.
- Open the CSIR careers page using the link below.
- Search for the relevant reference number:
- 315248 — Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Internship.
- 315249 — Environmental Laboratory Internship.
- Open the vacancy and read the full requirements.
- Complete the online application and upload the requested documents.
- Review your information and submit before the relevant closing date.
Apply through the official CSIR careers portal
Closing Dates
- Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Internship: 28 October 2026.
- Environmental Laboratory Internship: 5 November 2026.
Applicants should use the closing date and reference number for their selected position.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many internship positions are available?
There are 27 positions in total: 25 Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production positions and two Environmental Laboratory positions.
2. Where are the internships based?
The Resource Efficiency internship is listed in Pretoria, Gauteng. The Environmental Laboratory internship is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
3. Which qualifications are listed for the Resource Efficiency internship?
A published vacancy summary lists a National Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Natural Science or Environmental Science. Confirm the requirements on the CSIR portal.
4. What qualification is listed for the Environmental Laboratory internship?
A published vacancy summary lists a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. Confirm the full requirements on the CSIR portal.
5. Is a driver’s licence required?
A valid driver’s licence is listed in the published summary for the Environmental Laboratory internship.
6. How long is the Environmental Laboratory internship?
The CSIR portal lists a 12-month contract.
7. Can applicants with international qualifications apply?
Applicants with international qualifications should check the CSIR requirements and prepare a SAQA evaluation report where required.
8. Do both internships close on the same date?
No. The Resource Efficiency internship closes on 28 October 2026 and the Environmental Laboratory internship closes on 5 November 2026.
9. Where do applicants apply?
Applications are submitted through the official CSIR careers portal using the relevant job reference.
Sources and References
- CSIR Careers Portal — References 315248 and 315249.
- Resource Efficiency Internship vacancy summary.
- Environmental Laboratory Internship vacancy summary.
Disclaimer
Career27 shares opportunity information. Applications and recruitment are handled by the CSIR.
