Assistant Director: Forest Resource Protection at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

REQUIREMENTS :

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry / Natural Science / Environmental Management or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Forestry or related field. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. 

DUTIES :

• Implement, monitor and enforce National Forest Act and National Veld and Forest Fire Act policy and strategies. Identify areas that can be dealt with through other mechanisms such as regulations, guidelines, or capacity building and awareness. Review and comment on documents such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other specialist reports for development impacting forests and trees in accordance with the National Forest Act. Promote compliance and enforcement regarding the National Forests Act No. 84 of 1998 and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 1998 (Act 101 0f 1998). Liaise with Directorate of Legal Services and State Law Advisor regarding legal opinions and interpretation of provisions of the Act.
• Facilitate the appointment of Forest Officers as Peace Officers in terms of Criminal Procedure Act, 1977. Implement capacity building and communication programmes for stakeholders. Conducts NFA and NVFFA training course to various stakeholders such as SAPS, Judiciary, Magistrate and Prosecutors, State Organs. Provide technical advice in the issuing of licenses for protected trees, State and natural forests. Manage and maintain database of license statistics. Monitor the uniformity of licensing by evaluating the quality and assurance process and procedures in the Forestry Regions. Provide information & advisory services on NVFFA to existing FPA’s, landowners & other stakeholders and support Fire Protection Associations to ensure compliance and functionality.