The South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL) is inviting applications for Forester: Harvesting (x3) permanent positions. These roles are based at Blyde, Tweefontein, and Wilgeboom Plantations and report directly to the Plantation Manager.
If you have a background in forestry and hands-on harvesting experience, this opportunity offers long-term career growth within one of South Africa’s leading forestry companies.
Position Details
- Job Title: Forester: Harvesting (x3)
- Status: Permanent
- Grade: C3
- Locations: Blyde, Tweefontein & Wilgeboom Plantations
- Closing Date: 19 February 2026
Main Purpose of the Role
The successful candidates will plan, coordinate, and control harvesting, thinning, and clear-fell operations across designated plantation compartments.
This includes ensuring:
- Operational efficiency
- Timber transport compliance
- Environmental management
- Safety and quality standards
- Accurate production and reconciliation reporting
Key Responsibilities
The role covers full harvesting lifecycle management, including:
- Monitoring timber transport and daily production reports
- Ensuring an Operating Harvesting Plan (OHP) for each compartment
- Completing volume reconciliations and reporting variances above 10%
- Conducting toolbox talks and safety compliance monitoring
- Managing contractor operations and quality standards
- Performing thinning regime alignment and tree marking
- Conducting post-harvest audits and weekly management checklists
- Ensuring compliance with Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) standards
- Managing staff performance and productivity
- Controlling plantation road operations and vehicle maintenance compliance
This is a highly operational role requiring strong field presence and attention to detail.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, you must have:
- Grade 12
- National Diploma in Forestry (NQF Level 6)
- B-Tech or BSc in Forestry (NQF Level 7) – added advantage
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Field Forester or similar role
- Harvesting operations experience (advantage)
- Valid driver’s license
Core Competencies Required
Leadership
- Driving change
- Operational delivery
- Business acumen
- People management
Behavioural
- Planning and organizing
- Attention to detail
- Stress tolerance
- Stakeholder management
Technical
- Silviculture practices
- Safety management
- Incident investigation
- Quality management
- Weed management
Employment Equity
SAFCOL is an equal opportunity employer. Employment Equity and representation of women and persons with disabilities will be considered in line with company policy.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must email:
Mr Douglas Malope
Human Capital Practitioner
Email: Douglasrecruitment@safcol.co.za
Tel: 013 754 2700
Submit:
- A concise CV
- Certified copies of qualifications
Important Notes
- Closing Date: 19 February 2026
- If you do not receive feedback within 30 days after closing, consider your application unsuccessful.
- SAFCOL reserves the right not to make an appointment.