Senior Silviculturist - Sustainable Forest Management

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance bonuses

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Silviculturist to oversee the sustainable management and development of extensive forest plantations in the Eastern Cape, including Port Elizabeth. You will lead nursery operations, planting, thinning, and harvesting strategies to maximize timber yields while upholding environmental standards.

The role requires a Masters in Forestry/Silviculture with 7+ years of plantation experience, expertise in SA tree species, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Forestry, Silviculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in silviculture, with plantation management.
• In-depth knowledge of South African tree species used in commercial forestry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing silvicultural prescriptions.
• Familiarity with forest inventory techniques and growth modeling software.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive silvicultural plans for forest plantations, optimizing growth and yield.
• Oversee nursery operations, seed selection, and planting programs to ensure establishment success.
• Manage thinning, pruning, and other intermediate treatments to improve timber quality and stand health.
• Conduct site assessments and prescribe silvicultural treatments based on species, site conditions, and management objectives.
• Monitor forest health, identifying and managing pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Utilize forest growth models and inventory data to forecast yields and plan harvest schedules.
• Ensure compliance with South African forestry regulations and environmental best practices.
• Supervise and train field crews involved in silvicultural operations.
• Contribute to research and development initiatives aimed at improving silvicultural techniques.
• Manage budgets for silvicultural activities and prepare operational reports.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Fieldwork

Education

Master's degree in Forestry/Silviculture

Tools

Forest inventory software

Growth modelling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the **Eastern Cape** forestry sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Silviculturist to oversee the sustainable management and development of extensive forest plantations. This role is crucial for ensuring the long-term health, productivity, and ecological integrity of the forest resources. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in silvicultural principles, forest growth modeling, and an understanding of plantation dynamics. You will be responsible for developing and implementing effective silvicultural strategies, from nursery operations and planting to thinning, harvesting, and reforestation. This is a critical leadership position within the organization, offering the chance to influence sustainable forestry practices in **Port Elizabeth** and contribute to the economic development of the region. We are looking for a dedicated professional committed to maximizing timber yields while upholding environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive silvicultural plans for forest plantations, optimizing growth and yield.
• Oversee nursery operations, seed selection, and planting programs to ensure establishment success.
• Manage thinning, pruning, and other intermediate treatments to improve timber quality and stand health.
• Conduct site assessments and prescribe appropriate silvicultural treatments based on species, site conditions, and management objectives.
• Monitor forest health, identifying and managing pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Utilize forest growth models and inventory data to forecast yields and plan harvest schedules.
• Ensure compliance with **South African** forestry regulations and environmental best practices.
• Supervise and train field crews involved in silvicultural operations.
• Contribute to research and development initiatives aimed at improving silvicultural techniques.
• Manage budgets for silvicultural activities and prepare operational reports.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Forestry, Silviculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in silviculture, with a focus on plantation management.
• In-depth knowledge of **South African** tree species, particularly those used in commercial forestry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing silvicultural prescriptions.
• Familiarity with forest inventory techniques and growth modeling software.
• Strong understanding of forest health principles and pest/disease management.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork and manage operations in remote forest areas around **Port Elizabeth**.
• Commitment to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship.
• Valid driver's license required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary.
• comprehensive medical and retirement benefits
• performance bonuses
• significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the forestry industry.