Forestry Plantation Manager

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Accommodation near Rustenburg

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Forestry Plantation Manager to oversee plantation operations near Rustenburg, North West. You will manage silvicultural activities, harvesting, budgets, and safety programs to ensure sustainable yields and strong environmental stewardship.

The role requires extensive forestry management experience, leadership, and a solid understanding of timber resources. The successful candidate will drive performance across teams and ensure regulatory compliance in the North West region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years in forest plantation management or similar forestry role.
• Knowledge of silvicultural techniques, forest mensuration, sustainable forestry practices.
• Experience in harvesting operations and logistics, leadership and team management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term forest management plans (planting, thinning, harvesting).
• Supervise silvicultural activities for optimal tree growth and health.
• Manage harvesting operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor forest health, pests, diseases, invasive species.
• Oversee maintenance of forest roads, firebreaks, and infrastructure.
• Manage budgets for plantation operations (labour, equipment, supplies).
• Ensure compliance with forestry regulations and sustainability standards.
• Lead and train forestry workers; provide guidance.
• Conduct site inspections and prepare operational reports.
• Collaborate with communities, agencies, and timber buyers.

Skills

Forestry management

Team leadership

Budget management

Silviculture

Forest inventory

Safety compliance

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field

Tools

GIS

Forest inventory software

Data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the agriculture and forestry sector, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Forestry Plantation Manager to oversee its operations near Rustenburg, North West . This senior position involves the comprehensive management of forest plantations, from silvicultural practices to harvesting operations, ensuring sustainable yield and environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in forestry management, a strong understanding of timber resources, and a proven ability to lead operational teams. This role is critical to maintaining the health, productivity, and long-term viability of our client's forest assets in the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long‑term forest management plans, including planting, thinning, and harvesting schedules.
• Supervise all silvicultural activities to ensure optimal tree growth and health.
• Manage harvesting operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Monitor forest health, identifying and managing pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Oversee the maintenance of forest roads, firebreaks, and other infrastructure.
• Manage budgets for plantation operations, including labor, equipment, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant forestry legislation, permits, and sustainability standards.
• Lead and manage a team of forestry workers, providing training and guidance.
• Conduct regular site inspections and prepare detailed operational reports.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and timber buyers.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a closely related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in forest plantation management or a similar role within the forestry industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of silvicultural techniques, forest mensuration, and sustainable forestry practices.
• Experience in managing harvesting operations and logistics.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Familiarity with forest inventory systems and data analysis.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and best practices in forestry.
• Proficiency in relevant software for forestry management.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols in a forestry environment.
• Willingness to reside or work extensively in the Rustenburg area and surrounding North West regions.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a performance bonus structure. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, attending industry workshops, and career advancement within a leading forestry company are provided. This role offers the satisfaction of contributing to sustainable resource management in the unique ecological setting of the North West province, with accommodation assistance available for eligible candidates near Rustenburg .