Forestry Operations Leader: Sustainability & Field Ops

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Professional development

Accommodation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Manager to oversee operations in and around Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead silviculture, harvesting, and reforestation efforts while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and budget discipline.

You will manage a diverse team of foresters and field staff, monitor forest health and biodiversity, and align resource use with sustainability goals. This role drives operational excellence in a challenging, rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum 7 years progressive forest management experience, with at least 3 years in supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainable forestry principles, silviculture, inventory, and harvesting techniques.
• Experience with environmental regulations, land use planning and conservation practices in forestry.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L, and operational resources effectively.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in forestry software and GIS applications.
• Experience with forest certification schemes (e.g., FSC, PEFC) desirable.
• Understanding of KwaZulu-Natal forestry industry dynamics and capacity to work in remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual and long-term forest management plans for silviculture, harvesting, and reforestation.
• Oversee all field operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage budgets for forest operations, including resource allocation and financial reporting.
• Supervise and lead foresters, supervisors, and field staff with performance management.
• Monitor forest health, biodiversity and environmental impact, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with forestry laws, permits and certification standards (FSC/PEFC).
• Manage relationships with contractors, suppliers and stakeholders including government agencies and communities.
• Implement harvesting plans, ensuring sustainable yield and efficient timber extraction.
• Oversee maintenance and utilization of forestry equipment and machinery.
• Contribute to strategic planning for forest resource utilization and conservation.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

GIS

Forestry software

Education

Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a related field

Tools

GIS applications

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Manager to oversee operations in and around Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead silviculture, harvesting, and reforestation efforts while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and budget discipline.

You will manage a diverse team of foresters and field staff, monitor forest health and biodiversity, and align resource use with sustainability goals. This role drives operational excellence in a challenging, rewarding environment.