General Forester at SAFCOL (South African Forestry Company Limited)

Role Mandate

• To plan and control all plantation Silviculture and Harvesting (thinning and clear-fell activities) operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee timber transport, collection, and delivery.
• Implement and maintain Operating Harvesting Plans (OHP) for active compartments.
• Monitor daily production and maintain accurate progress records.
• Review log quality audits and conduct post-harvest inspections.
• Address and resolve customer complaints.
• Support regeneration activities, including fertilizer application, thinning, pruning, and weed control.
• Manage conservation initiatives and coordinate firebreak burning.
• Conduct thinning operations, weekly checklists, and compliance audits.
• Report volume variances exceeding 10%.
• Ensure protection of remaining stands during operations.
• Contribute to annual silviculture, thinning plans, and budget preparation.
• Track operational progress and participate in weekly management meetings.
• Provide operational updates to management.
• Manage plantation road teams and maintain the road register.
• Conduct road condition assessments, stream crossing assessment and initiate required work orders.
• Identify training needs and oversee skills development.
• Perform in-field quality and safety assessments.
• Manage IMS compliance and chemical store inventory.
• Oversee servicing, maintenance activities, and ensure valid licensing and operator competency.
• Maintain vehicle service records.
• Monitor productivity and perform regular in-field inspections.
• Coach, develop, and manage staff performance.
• Implement fire belts in alignment with the Fire Protection Plan.
• Prepare treatment schedules and supervise controlled burning operations.
• Obtain burning permits as required.
• Manage safety appointments, training, and compliance records.
• Maintain and update the SHE system files and registers.
• Oversee SHE committee, inspections, minutes and reporting.
• Submit all required SHE documentation to SHEQ.

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 both harvesting and silviculture operations will be an added advantage
• Valid driver’s license

 Closing date: 13 February 2026