SOUTH AFRICAN FORESTRY COMPANY (SAFCOL) VACANCIES

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FORESTER: HARVESTING X3 
Status: Permanent
Location: Blyde, Tweefontein and Wilgeboom Plantation 
Grade: C3 
Reporting line: Plantation Manager 
 
Role Mandate 
To plan, coordinate, and control all plantation harvesting, thinning, and clear-fell operations. 
 
Key Accountabilities 

• Monitor the transport of timber, ensuring timely collection and delivery 
• Ensure Operating Harvesting Plan (OHP) is available for each active harvesting compartment 
• Monitor production and Micro-forest reports on a daily basis 
• Ensure compliance with internal audit requirements related to harvesting operations 
• Ensure the Planning Section completes compartment enumeration prior to the commencement of harvesting operations. 
• Complete volume reconciliations per compartment and submit to the Planning Department 
• Report completed activities on Micro forest and review log quality audits on a daily basis 
• Complete management checklists for all operations on a weekly basis 
• Ensure supervisors complete Best Operating Practices (BOP) quality checklists daily for their respective operations 
• Conduct regular toolbox talks and monitor compliance with forestry best practices 
• Ensure post-harvesting audits are conducted with the Senior Forester/Plantation Manager immediately upon compartment completion 
• Follow up on all customer complaints promptly 
• Control contractor daily operations, ensuring adherence to production, quality, and safety standards 
• Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) standards; report all incidents onto the data management system (DMS) 
• Mark trees for thinning, ensure alignment with the thinning regime, and verify thinning controls are in place before operations commence 
• Perform weekly checklists and post-harvesting audits on completion of operations 
• Report volume variances greater than 10% to the Plantation Manager and Planning Manager 
• Sign Goods Received Vouchers (GRVs) to confirm work completion and quality standards
• Ensure no damage occurs to remaining stands during operations 
• Control plantation road team operations and perform road condition assessments as part of post-harvest monitoring 
• Monitor maintenance schedules for vehicles and equipment to ensure timely servicing, licensing, and compliance without penalties 
• Identify and address training needs for subordinates 
• Complete field checklists and perform in-field quality checks for all operations as per BOPs 
• Enforce safety standards in all aspects of work and control environmental management in the field according to the Environmental Management System (EMS) 
• Manage staff performance and productivity 
• Monitor and control training programs to ensure compliance with safety standards; maintain and update all safety registers 
• Supervise safety committee inspections, meetings, and reporting activities 

 
Minimum Requirements 

• Grade 12 
• National Diploma in Forestry (NQF level 6) 
• B-Tech or BSc Degree in Forestry (NQF level 7) will be added advantage 
• 2 Years’ experience as a Field Forester or similar level 
• Previous experience in harvesting operations will be an added advantage 
• Valid driver’s license 

 
Leadership Competencies 

• Driving change 
• Operational delivery 
• Self-awareness
• Business acumen 
• People management 

 
Behavioural Competencies 

• Planning and organizing 
• Attention to detail 
• Stress tolerance 
• Team player 
• Stakeholder management 

 
Technical Competencies 

• Silviculture practices 
• Safety management 
• Incident investigation 
• Quality management 
• Weed management 

 
 
SAFCOL Group is an equal opportunity company with the focus on gender equality and people with disabilities. 
 
Employment Equity will be taken into consideration in terms of all appointments within SAFCOL. 
 
Interested qualified individuals can e-mail a concise CV and must submit relevant copies of qualifications in confidence to: 
Mr Douglas Malope, Human Capital Practitioner, Douglasrecruitment@safcol.co.za Tel no: 013 754 2700 
 
Closing date: 19 February 2026 
 
Should you not have received a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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GENERAL FORESTER 
Status: Permanent
Location: Uitsoek Plantation 
Grade: C3 
Reporting line: Plantation Manager 
 
Role Mandate 
To plan and control all plantation Silviculture and Harvesting (thinning and clear-fell activities) operations.. 
 
Key Accountabilities 

• Oversee timber transport, collection, and delivery. 
• Implement and maintain Operating Harvesting Plans (OHP) for active compartments. 
• Monitor daily production and maintain accurate progress records. 
• Review log quality audits and conduct post-harvest inspections. 
• Address and resolve customer complaints. 
• Support regeneration activities, including fertilizer application, thinning, pruning, and weed control. 
• Manage conservation initiatives and coordinate firebreak burning. 
• Conduct thinning operations, weekly checklists, and compliance audits. 
• Report volume variances exceeding 10%. 
• Ensure protection of remaining stands during operations. 
• Contribute to annual silviculture, thinning plans, and budget preparation. 
• Track operational progress and participate in weekly management meetings. 
• Provide operational updates to management. 
• Manage plantation road teams and maintain the road register. 
• Conduct road condition assessments, stream crossing assessment and initiate required work orders. 
• Identify training needs and oversee skills development. 
• Perform in-field quality and safety assessments. 
• Manage IMS compliance and chemical store inventory. 
• Oversee servicing, maintenance activities, and ensure valid licensing and operator competency. 
• Maintain vehicle service records. 
• Monitor productivity and perform regular in-field inspections. 
• Coach, develop, and manage staff performance. 
• Implement fire belts in alignment with the Fire Protection Plan. 
• Prepare treatment schedules and supervise controlled burning operations. 
• Obtain burning permits as required. 
• Manage safety appointments, training, and compliance records. 
• Maintain and update the SHE system files and registers. 
• Oversee SHE committee, inspections, minutes and reporting. 
• Submit all required SHE documentation to SHEQ. 

 
Minimum Requirements 

• Grade 12 
• National Diploma in Forestry (NQF level 6) 
• B-Tech or BSc Degree in Forestry (NQF level 7) will be added advantage 
• 2 Years’ experience as a Field Forester or similar level 
• Previous experience in both harvesting and silviculture operations will be an added advantage 
• Valid driver’s license 

 
Leadership Competencies 

• Driving Change 
• Operational Delivery 
• Self-Awareness
• Business Acumen 
• People Management 

 
Behavioural Competencies 

• Process flow management 
• Time and motion studies 
• Project Management 
• Forestry Planning 
• Safety Management 
• Incident command 
• Incident investigation 
• Quality management 
• Computer literacy 

 
Technical Competencies 

• Process flow management 
• Time and motion studies 
• Project Management 
• Forestry Planning 
• Safety Management 
• Incident command 
• Incident investigation 
• Quality management 
• Computer literacy 

 
 
SAFCOL Group is an equal opportunity company with the focus on gender equality and people with disabilities. 
 
Employment Equity will be taken into consideration in terms of all appointments within SAFCOL. 
 
Interested qualified individuals can e-mail a concise CV and must submit relevant copies of qualifications in confidence to:  Mr Obert Mashabane, Human Capital Practitioner, obertrecruitment@safcol.co.za Tel no: 013 754 2700 
 
Closing date: 13 February 2026 
 
Should you not have received a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

​GROUP MANAGER: LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Status: Permanent
Location: Pretoria/Nelspruit Office
Grade: D4
Reporting Line: Executive: Human Capital
 
Role Mandate
The Group Manager: Learning & Development is responsible for enabling the achievement of SAFCOL’s strategic objectives through the effective design, implementation, and governance of capacity building and skills development initiatives for employees and surrounding communities.
The role focuses on expanding forestry-related training offerings, supporting industry transformation, and contributing to poverty alleviation and employment creation. This includes establishing strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and research bodies to ensure the availability of relevant and future-fit skills for the forestry sector.
The incumbent will ensure full governance, compliance, and quality assurance of all skills development initiatives in line with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), applicable legislation, and SETA requirements, while leveraging modern training methodologies, technologies, and data-driven approaches.
 
Key Accountabilities
Strategy, Leadership and Governance
• Develop and implement a Learning, Training and Development (LTD) and Skills Development strategy aligned to SAFCOL’s business and Human Capital strategy.
• Translate the Human Capital strategy into an actionable capacity building and skills development plan and oversee its execution.
• Establish and operationalise a SAFCOL Academy of Excellence to professionalise the forestry sector through high-quality training and development.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and development across all levels of the organisation.
• Provide strategic advisory services to management on learning, skills development, and capacity building initiatives.
Skills Development and Transformation
• Lead learning and development initiatives for employees at all levels, including leadership and executive development programmes.
• Drive transformation by prioritising previously disadvantaged groups, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
• Support government-led skills development initiatives and contribute to building a sustainable forestry talent pipeline for the industry.
• Design and implement training interventions, graduate programmes, learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes.
• Align skills development initiatives with Economically Active Population (EAP) targets and BBBEE requirements.
Compliance, Quality Assurance and Reporting
• Develop and implement the SAFCOL Forestry Academy Training Quality Assurance Framework (TQAF) and Training Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensure all training programmes comply with NQF, SAQA unit standards, and relevant SETA requirements.
• Maintain SAFCOL accreditation with FP&M SETA and facilitate the extension of scope to other SETAs where required.
• Ensure registration and compliance of assessors, moderators, artisans, learners, and interns with relevant authorities and systems.
• Oversee the development and submission of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), Annual Training Report (ATR), PIVOTAL Plan, and Quarterly Monitoring Reports (QMR).
• Manage Skills Development Levies (SDL) and claim mandatory and discretionary grants.
• Ensure accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to SAFCOL management, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), SETAs, and other stakeholders.
BBBEE and Stakeholder Engagement
• Provide oversight and expert guidance on the Skills Development element of the BBBEE Codes of Good Practice.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with BBBEE-related legislation and reporting requirements.
• Oversee accurate BBBEE reporting on the BEE Toolkit.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with SETAs, ETQAs, SAQA, standard-generating bodies, training institutions, and funding agencies (e.g. NSF, UNIDO).
• Collaborate with the Shareholder (DPE), government departments, and transformation units to deliver capacity development programmes for communities.
• Participate in quarterly Skills Development Committee meetings with the Shareholder.
People and Financial Management
• Lead, manage, and develop the Learning and Development team, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Set team objectives, monitor performance, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Manage budgets, negotiate annual targets, and oversee expenditure for Shareholder Compact and sector-specific programmes.
• Ensure adherence to NOSA and all applicable safety standards.
• Contribute to business unit risk management and ensure closure of internal and external audit findings.
Research and Innovation
• Conduct ongoing research and benchmarking on forestry training offerings to position the Forestry Academy as a centre of excellence and future income-generating entity.
• Identify skills gaps and recommend targeted development interventions based on performance and organisational needs.
 
Minimum Requirements (Qualification/Experience)
• Postgraduate Degree or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in Human Resource Development, Training & Development, or related field
• Registered Assessor and Moderator
• ODETDP will be an added advantage
• NQF Level 9 qualification will be an added advantage
• Management Development Programme (MDP) will be an added advantage
• BBBEE qualification or certification will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a Learning & Development or Skills Development environment, with at least 3 years at senior management level
• Proven experience in strategy development, project management, and budgeting
• Strong understanding of the Human Capital Value Chain
• In-depth knowledge of learning methodologies, learning technologies, and e-learning platforms
• Experience working with SETAs, ETQAs, SAQA, and BBBEE legislation
• Valid driver’s licence
• Coaching and mentorship experience will be an added advantage
 
Leadership Competencies
• Strategic Thinking
• Developing Others
• Driving Change
• Operational Delivery
• Commercial Insight
• Self-Awareness
 
Behavioural Competencies
• Networking
• Risk Management
• Facilitation
• Stakeholder Management
• Financial Management
• Creativity & Innovation
 
Technical Competencies
• Training Design & Development
• Learning Principles & Blended Approaches
• Assessment, Moderation, Testing & Evaluation
• Skills Development Facilitation
• Governance, Compliance and BBBEE Reporting
• Mentorship & Leadership Development, Mentorship & Coaching
 
 
SAFCOL Group is an equal opportunity company with the focus on gender equality and people with disabilities.
 
Employment Equity will be taken into consideration in terms of all appointments within SAFCOL
 
By submitting your CV to SAFCOL, you hereby give permission to circulate your information to the interview panel members for this vacancy only. Your information will not be used for any other position/purpose and will be disregarded after an offer has been made.
 
Interested qualified individuals can e-mail a concise CV with relevant copies of qualifications in confidence to:
Ms. Sandra van der Walt, Human Capital Practitioner, sandrarecruitment@safcol.co.za, contact number 082 079 1092
 
Closing date: 13 February 2026
 
If you not have received a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

​SPECIALIST : WOOD /LUMBER 
Status : Permanent 
Location: Research Centre (Sabie)
Grade: D2 
Reporting line: Senior Manager: Research and Development 
 
Role Mandate 
To provide expert technical support on wood quality, timber processing, and utilisation by assessing wood properties, ensuring quality control, and delivering advisory services to optimise timber value. 
 
Key Accountabilities 

• Collaborate with the Specialist: Tree Breeding to develop and implement wood‑quality breeding strategies for pine and eucalypt species 
• Conduct research projects addressing operational and strategic needs 
• Integrate wood‑quality objectives into the broader tree‑breeding programme 
• Manage sampling and laboratory analysis for progeny, provenance, and CAMCORE trials 
• Select and assess trees prior to thinning, evaluating growth potential, stem form, and branching 
• Analyse thinning material to identify within‑family trends and genotype performance 
• Evaluate wood‑quality attributes including density, radial variation, spirality, shrinkage and acoustic properties 
• Generate and interpret wood‑quality data for CAMCORE trials and hybrid material 
• Study natural growth phenomena affecting quality (e.g., resin defects, compression wood, juvenile wood) and assess genetic, environmental, and operational influences 
• Investigate factors affecting wood properties, including silviculture, site, genetics, and log storage 
• Assess impacts of increased growth rates on wood and sawmilling properties 
• Address emerging wood‑quality issues through targeted investigations 
• Identify and assess new wood product opportunities, including feasibility and processing requirements 
• Design, develop, and test wood products using SAFCOL and academic resources 
• Compile annual research work plans in collaboration with internal stakeholders 
• Coordinate trial sampling schedules aligned with breeding and thinning operations 
• Prepare and manage the annual operational budget for wood‑quality research 
• Produce monthly progress reports and comprehensive project technical reports 
• Prepare annual performance reports comparing planned and actual outcomes 
• Engage with plantation and sawmill managers to support trial sampling, transport, and processing of research material 
• Build and maintain networks with wood‑quality experts, research facilities, and universities 
• Support knowledge transfer to operational teams and stakeholders 
• Manage postgraduate research programmes and co‑supervise MSc projects 
• Ensure publication and dissemination of research outputs 

 
Minimum Requirements 

• Grade 12 
• Master’s Degree (MSc) in Wood Science, Forestry or Wood Technology (NQF Level 9) 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in forestry or wood quality research, of which at least two (2) years must be in technical research related to wood science, wood properties, or wood product development. 
• Valid drivers’ license 

 
Leadership

• Self-Awareness
• Operational Delivery 
• Commercial Insight 
• Driving Change 
• Strategic Thinking 
• Business Acumen 

 
Behavioural

• Problem Solving 
• Result driven 
• Planning and Organising 
• Attention to Detail 
• Passionate
• Stakeholder Engagement and Management 

 
Technical

• Tree Breeding & Wood Quality Improvement 
• Wood Science & Laboratory Analysis 
• Environmental & Operational Research 
• Wood Product Development 
• Forest Management 

 
 
SAFCOL Group is an equal opportunity company with the focus on gender equality and people with disabilities. 
 
Employment Equity will be taken into consideration in terms of all appointments within SAFCOL. 
 
By submitting your CV to SAFCOL, you hereby give permission to circulate your information to the interview panel members for this vacancy only. Your information will not be used for any other position/purpose and will be disregarded after an offer has been made. 
 
Ms Magdeline Selopyane, Human Capital Practitioner, magdalinerecruitment@safcol.co.za Tel no: 013 754 2700 

Closing date: 12 February 2026 
 
Should you not have received a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.