Senior Driver Operator: Harvester at SAFCOL (South African Forestry Company Limited)

Role Mandate 

• Operate a Harvester machine on a shift basis within high-production harvesting environments (clear-fell and thinning operations) across various plantations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production 

Key Accountabilities 

• Comply with all applicable Harvesting Best Operating Practices (BOP), forest management procedures, and company standards 
• Operate a harvester machine accordance with the approved harvesting operational plan 
• Achieve and maintain planned shift production targets consistently 
• Operate machinery at optimal speeds to maximize productivity while minimizing operational costs 
• Maintain high operational quality standards to prevent tree damage and product mixing 
• Perform harvester head calibration as prescribed by management to ensure log quality compliance 
• Perform daily preventative maintenance, including: greasing and completion of preventative maintenance checklists 
• Conduct weekly servicing in accordance with company standards and maintenance schedules
• Identify, report, assist with fault findings, breakdowns and planned maintenance activities 
• Attend to minor breakdowns and record all actions taken 
• Strictly adhere to safety standards, environmental practices, and procedures at all times
• Complete all required documentation accurately, including: daily Production Asset Card (DPAC), equipment checklists and mechanised harvesting production sheets 
• Perform ad-hoc duties as assigned by management 

Minimum Requirements 

• Grade 8 
• 2-3 Years’ experience in forest operations 
• Harvester Machine certificate 
• Previous experience in both thinning and clear-felling operations will be an added advantage 
• Mechanical background will be an added advantage 

Technical Competencies 

• Computer literacy and smart device proficiency 
• Numeracy
• Decision making 
• Good hand-eye coordination 
• Production orientated 
• Safety management 
• Harvesting operations Knowledge 

Behavioural Competencies 

• Production orientated 
• Ability to work in an adverse condition 
• Self-motivated
• Reliable
• Ability to Work independently 
• Ability to Work under pressure 
• Communication skills