Forester: Silviculture

About the role

SAFCOL is recruiting a full-time Forester for its silviculture operations in Gauteng. The role covers day-to-day management of plantation operations, including quality control, safety and environmental compliance, contractor oversight and reporting to the Senior Forester or Plantation Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Complete weekly management checklists for each operation and carry out in-field quality control checks in line with Best Operating Practices (BOP)
• Monitor safety compliance and environmental standards, audit contractors and organise safety meetings
• Manage growth stock planning, site assessment and species matching for regeneration, and conduct blanking assessments to replace dead seedlings and assess winter watering needs
• Plan, implement and monitor the pruning programme, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the Integrated Fire Management Plan (IFMP), including fuel reduction burns and firebreaks
• Run the weed control plan for 0-3 year old trees and monitor conservation areas (weeding, erosion control, invasive species)
• Contribute to operational plans and budget schedules, issue work to contractors and process Goods Received Vouchers
• Report weekly progress to the Senior Forester or Plantation Manager and present progress and expenditure reports to supervisors and contractors
• Assess post-harvest road conditions, supervise the plantation road team and monitor vehicle and equipment maintenance
• Coach and motivate the silviculture operations team

Required profile

• Grade 12
• National Diploma in Forestry (NQF level 6); a B-Tech or BSc in Forestry (NQF level 7) is an added advantage
• 2 years' experience as a Field Forester or similar level
• Previous silviculture experience is an added advantage
• Valid driver's licence