Forester: Silviculture at SAFCOL (South African Forestry Company Limited)

Key Accountabilities 

• Complete management checklists for each operation on a weekly basis 
• Conduct in-field quality control checks for all operations and teams in accordance with BOP 
• Monitor safety compliance and environmental standards in the field; perform audits on contractors as per company policy 
• Provide inputs and manage growth stock planning, site assessment and species matching for regeneration. 
• Conduct blanking assessments to replace dead seedlings and evaluate watering needs during winter 
• Plan, implement and monitor the pruning program 
• Plan, implement and monitor Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 
• Execute weed control plan for 0–3 year old period and monitor correct application of herbicides 
• Monitor management of conservation areas, focusing on weeding, erosion control, and removal of invasive species 
• Plan, implement and monitor Integrated Fire Management Plan (IFMP) 
• Evaluate whether fuel reduction burns are required before planting and implement where required 
• Implement fuel reduction burns in mature compartments as required 
• Plan fire belts in accordance with the Fire Protection Plan and execute annual firebreak preparations and burning 
• Provide inputs on operational plans for all silviculture and thinning activities 
• Contribute to the completion of operational plans and budget schedules 
• Present progress reports on work completed and expenditures during meetings with Supervisors and Contractors 
• Report weekly progress to the Senior Forester or Plantation Manager 
• Issue work to Contractors and monitor production, ensuring completed work aligns with operational plans and Best Operating Practices (BOP) 
• Process Goods Received Vouchers to verify work completion and quality standards 
• Organize safety meetings with representatives and management and follow up on all safety reports 
• Submit safety-related documentation to the SHEQ Department 
• Perform post-harvest road condition assessments and maintain an up-to-date road register 
• Supervise plantation road team operations 
• Monitor vehicle and equipment maintenance schedules to ensure timely servicing 
• Identify training needs, coach, and motivate the silviculture operations team 

Minimum Requirements 

• Grade 12 
• National Diploma in Forestry (NQF level 6) 
• B-Tech or BSc Degree in Forestry (NQF level 7) will be added advantage 
• 2 Years’ experience as a Field Forester or similar level 
• Previous experience in silviculture operations will be an added advantage 
• Valid driver’s licence 

Closing date: 11 May 2026