Director: State Forest Management at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

REQUIREMENTS :

• An undergraduate qualification in Forestry or Natural Resource Management (NQF 7) or relevant qualification within the related field recognized by SAQA. A minimum of Five (5) years of experience in Commercial Forestry or related field at middle / senior managerial level within the related field. Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) must be submitted prior to appointment. Furthermore, all shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
• One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Knowledge of relevant policies, legislations and frameworks relating to Forestry e.g. National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998) (NFA) and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No 101 of 1998) (NVFFA). Knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation and regulations that govern the Public Service including Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and treasury regulations, Public Service Act, Labour Relations Act etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of National Priorities of government e.g. National Development Plan 2030, Commercial Forestry Sector Master Plan, Accelerated and shared growth Initiative South Africa. Knowledge and understanding of Silviculture and Harvesting practices in relation to sustainable management of biological assets. Skills: Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Knowledge Management and People Management and Empowerment. Ability to negotiate in difficult situations and to resolve conflict. Good interpersonal relations skills. Good Communication skills. A valid Driving license and willingness to travel. 

DUTIES :

• Manage the state-owned plantations and implement the annual plan of operations for the plantations. Manage State Forests, personnel and associated assets. Develop and implement Fire Management Plans, Ensure the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management in line with the National Forest Act and National Veld and Forest Fire Act.
• Proactive mitigation of audit risks, develop and implement audit interventions. Stakeholder Liaison. Provide post settlement support and support state forest Land administration and State Forest Land transfer programmes. Plan and initiate EPWP to serve as force multiplier for commercial forestry operations.