GIS-Driven Forestry Operations Planner

Sappi Southern Africa; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement funding

Annual leave

Housing allowance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Sappi Southern Africa is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Planner for Pietermaritzburg. You will design and optimize harvesting and planting schedules, forecast yields with GIS tools, and coordinate with logistics to maintain supply chain efficiency while meeting strict environmental standards.

The role divides time between the regional office and active field sites, emphasizing collaboration, safety, and sustainable forestry practices. 5+ years of experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ progressive experience in forestry planning/operations.
• Proficiency with GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS) and data modeling for forecasting yields and planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize short and long-term forest harvesting and regeneration plans.
• Utilize GIS and spatial data to map resources and plan infrastructure.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with logistics to optimize timber transport and reduce costs.
• Conduct field audits to verify inventory and forest health.
• Ensure all planning activities comply with FSC certification requirements.

Skills

GIS software

Data modeling

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Forestry planning software

Job description

Sappi Southern Africa is seeking an experienced Forestry Operations Planner for Pietermaritzburg. You will design and optimize harvesting and planting schedules, forecast yields with GIS tools, and coordinate with logistics to maintain supply chain efficiency while meeting strict environmental standards.

The role divides time between the regional office and active field sites, emphasizing collaboration, safety, and sustainable forestry practices. 5+ years of experience is preferred.