Forester

Prudent HR Solutions; Stutterheim; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 550 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading human resources firm is seeking a Forester in Stutterheim, South Africa. This role will require you to manage plantation operations, ensure compliance with safety measures, and mentor a team. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Forestry, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and strong leadership skills. Benefits include a pension fund, housing, and a company vehicle for business purposes.

Benefits

Pension fund

Company accommodation

Company vehicle

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ operational plantation management experience.
• Experience managing own forestry operations is an advantage.
• Firefighting experience essential (ICS300).

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal compliance inspections across all operations.
• Lead on-site inspections to ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Manage silviculture Annual Production Operations (APO) and related budgets.
• Mentor and manage team supervisors on technical silviculture.

Skills

Health and Safety management

Knowledge of legislation

Environmental management system experience

Mechanical repairs and maintenance

Communication in Xhosa

Education

Degree or Diploma in Forestry (National Diploma or BSc)

Matric Certificate / Grade 12

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

VACANCY: FORESTER – STUTTERHEIM

Reporting To: Silviculture Manager

Technical Competencies

• Experience in Health and Safety management to ensure a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation: Forests Act, Veld and Forest Fire Act, Labour Relations, Conservation Acts, and CARA.
• Environmental management system (EMS) experience and understanding of FSC™ principles & criteria.
• Ability to identify and establish effective action plans for teams.
• Experience managing mechanical repairs and maintenance for vehicles and plantation equipment.

Personal Competencies

• Strong leadership: motivate and guide teams to achieve objectives.
• Commitment to staff development via mentoring, training, and coaching.
• Self‑motivated, independent, and committed.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal compliance inspections across all operations and activities.
• Lead on‑site inspections to ensure staff and contractors follow safety procedures and FSC standards.
• Manage silviculture Annual Production Operations (APO) and related budgets.
• Oversee contractor management activities.
• Support Roads/Transport Manager with equipment management.
• Ensure maximum stocking within silviculture standards.
• Conduct regular operations inspections to identify risks and take corrective action (e.g., blanking, pest control).
• Plan and monitor field activities to optimize crop yields within cost constraints (weed control, pest & disease management).
• Manage the plantation budget and monitor expenditure per hectare.
• Ensure compliance with safety, productivity, quality, environmental, and social performance standards.
• Maintain company assets including vehicles, buildings, villages, and houses in line with hygiene, legal, and budgetary requirements.
• Active involvement in fire management operations.
• Mentor and manage team supervisors on technical silviculture, estate management, and fire protection requirements.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Matric Certificate / Grade 12.
• Degree or Diploma in Forestry (National Diploma or BSc).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum 5 years’ operational plantation management experience, including silviculture, conservation, harvesting, fire protection, and road maintenance.
• Experience managing own forestry operations is an advantage.
• Computer literate (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is advantageous.
• Firefighting experience essential (ICS300).
• Willingness to perform operational and firefighting standby duties.
• Contractor management experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of financial administration and budgeting.
• Stakeholder relations experience.
• Ability to communicate in Xhosa is an added advantage.

Benefits

Pension fund

Housing: The company provides accommodation for the successful candidate

Vehicle: Company vehicle provided for business purpose only.