Forestry Management Officer - Conservation Focus

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary commensurate with experience

Medical aid plan

Provident fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Forestry Management Officer to oversee Durban operations focused on conservation and sustainable forestry. The role emphasizes planning, implementation, and supervision of forestry activities in KwaZulu-Natal, with a strong regulatory and biodiversity protection focus.

You will supervise field staff, manage budgets, and promote environmentally sound practices while engaging with local communities and government agencies to support conservation progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant forest management or conservation experience.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, and sustainable practices.
• Experience in developing and implementing forest management plans.
• Familiarity with GIS and field monitoring technologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote conditions and hold a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement forest management plans and reforestation strategies.
• Conduct inventories, site assessments, and ecological surveys.
• Monitor forest health and advise on pest, disease, and invasive-species control.
• Ensure compliance with South Africa forestry regulations and environmental standards.
• Lead field teams and coordinate contractors.
• Prepare detailed reports on forest conditions and conservation progress.
• Manage project budgets and oversee fire prevention plans.

Skills

Forest ecology

Silviculture

GIS

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Fieldwork

Driver's license

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity dedicated to sustainable resource management, is seeking a proactive and experienced Forestry Management Officer to oversee operations in the lush region of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical for the effective planning, implementation, and supervision of forestry activities, with a strong emphasis on conservation and ecological balance. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of forest ecosystems, sustainable harvesting techniques, and biodiversity protection within the unique environmental context of KwaZulu-Natal . You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with national forestry regulations and promoting environmentally sound practices that benefit both the industry and the natural heritage of the area. This position offers the chance to make a tangible difference in forest conservation and sustainable forestry in a key ecological zone.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing comprehensive forest management plans, including sustainable harvesting and reforestation strategies.
• Conducting forest inventories, site assessments, and ecological surveys.
• Monitoring forest health, identifying threats such as pests, diseases, and invasive species, and recommending control measures.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant forestry legislation, regulations, and environmental standards in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Supervising field staff and contractors involved in forestry operations.
• Implementing and managing conservation initiatives to protect biodiversity and sensitive habitats.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and government agencies.
• Preparing detailed reports on forest conditions, operational activities, and conservation progress.
• Managing budgets for forestry projects and operations.
• Overseeing the implementation of fire prevention and management plans.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in forest management, conservation, or a similar role.
• Proven knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, and sustainable forestry practices.
• Experience in developing and implementing forest management plans.
• Familiarity with GIS software and other relevant technologies for forest monitoring and mapping.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation pertaining to forestry in South Africa, especially within KwaZulu-Natal .
• Excellent leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote and challenging conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• An attractive salary package, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.
• a comprehensive medical aid plan
• a provident fund
• generous annual leave
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in specialized forestry techniques

The role is based in the vibrant city of Durban , offering a superb work-life balance in a region renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. You will be part of an organization committed to environmental excellence and sustainable resource management.