Forestry Consultant - Sustainable Forest Management

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 332,000 - 590,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Conservation impact

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Forestry Consultant to support sustainable forest management in the George, Western Cape region. You will conduct inventories, develop management plans, assess timber resources, and advise on reforestation and restoration projects.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Forestry or Environmental Management with 6+ years of experience, strong GIS skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently while collaborating with a team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Forestry, Environmental Management, or related natural resource field.
• 6+ years of experience in professional forestry or forest resource management.
• Strong knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, and sustainable forest management principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forest inventories, including tree species identification, measurement, and spatial mapping.
• Develop comprehensive forest management plans balancing timber production, conservation, and recreation.
• Assess timber volumes, quality, and market potential.
• Provide recommendations for sustainable harvesting techniques and reforestation efforts.
• Evaluate forest health, identifying threats from pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Develop and implement strategies for fire prevention and management.
• Advise on soil and water conservation within forested areas.
• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and grant proposals.
• Ensure compliance with forestry regulations and certifications.
• Stay abreast of advancements in forestry science and sustainable management practices in George.

Skills

Forest ecology

Silviculture

GIS

Forest inventory

Report writing

Communication

Education

Degree in Forestry or Environmental Management

Tools

GIS software

Mapping software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized environmental and resource management firm, is seeking a highly qualified Forestry Consultant to advise on sustainable forest management practices. This role will involve working with diverse clients across various forest ecosystems, with a primary focus on the George, Western Cape region. You will be responsible for conducting forest inventories, developing management plans, assessing timber resources, implementing conservation strategies, and advising on reforestation and ecological restoration projects. This is an opportunity to contribute to the responsible stewardship of natural resources and promote sustainable forestry in a critically important area. You will leverage your expertise to ensure ecological health and economic viability of forest assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct forest inventories, including tree species identification, measurement, and spatial mapping.
• Develop comprehensive forest management plans that balance timber production, conservation, and recreational use.
• Assess timber volumes, quality, and market potential.
• Provide recommendations for sustainable harvesting techniques and reforestation efforts.
• Evaluate forest health, identifying threats from pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Develop and implement strategies for fire prevention and management.
• Advise clients on best practices for soil and water conservation within forested areas.
• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and grant proposals.
• Ensure compliance with national and provincial forestry regulations and certifications.
• Stay abreast of advancements in forestry science, technology, and sustainable forest management practices relevant to George.

Requirements

• Degree in Forestry, Environmental Management, or a related natural resource field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in professional forestry or forest resource management.
• Strong knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, and sustainable forest management principles.
• Experience with forest inventory techniques, data analysis, and mapping software (e.g., GIS).
• Familiarity with timber harvesting operations and log grading.
• Understanding of forest pest and disease dynamics and management.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct fieldwork in varied terrain.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive contractor rate and the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement.
• Opportunities for professional development and engagement with cutting-edge forestry projects.
• Contribution to vital conservation and sustainable resource management efforts in the Western Cape.
• Collaborative work environment with experienced professionals.
• The chance to shape the future of forest management in the George area.