Estate Manger: Woodland and Indigenous Forest Management at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

SALARY: R 468 459 per annum

CENTRE: KZN (Nkwezela State Forest)

REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry or equivalent qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA, coupled with a minimum 3 years relevant experience in Indigenous Forest management. Knowledge and understanding of National Forest Act,1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998) and National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No.101 of 1998),
• National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), National Environmental management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPA), other environmental legislations and regulatory processes. Knowledge and understanding of Public Service Act, Occupational Health, and Safety Act, PFMA, Treasury Regulations.
• Knowledge of Indigenous Forestry and Protected areas operational processes.
• Skills: People management and empowerment, financial management, Project and programme management, Communication (written and verbal), Leadership, Facilitation and negotiation skills,
• Planning and execution. Ability to work long hours, to apply policies. work individually and in team, work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict, Innovative and proactive. A valid driver’s license.

DUTIES:

• Preserving the biodiversity of the estate to ensure the continued livelihood within the forest estate. Management and rehabilitation of degraded forest areas, wetlands, and riparian zones. Implementation of National Forest Act and National Veld & Forest Fire Act. Auditing of forests and implementation of Corrective Action Measures as per PCIS Framework.
• Management of woodlots associated with some Indigenous forests. Manage the infrastructure to ensure the functional utilisation, maintenance, and development within the forest estate. Roads (e.g., management roads, tourist roads, etc.). Office buildings (e.g., offices, stores, gardens, staff houses, guest houses, ablution facilities etc.).
• Tourism facilities (Recreational facilities e.g., hiking huts, guest houses, camp sites, picnic sites, bird hides, etc.). Forest boundary beacons and fences. Promote Environmental Awareness and manage internal and external relationships with all interested and affected stakeholders to the estate.
• Ensure presentations to visitors, schools, and communities.
• Promote indigenous tree planting and Arbor week. Promote, facilitate, and monitor access by users and visitors to educate them on the aspects of forest biodiversity management. Ensure proper functioning of Participatory Forest Management Committees (neighbouring farmers, communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders).
• Participate in biodiversity related forums and workshops. Training of SAPS, Communities and Forest Officers in National Forest Act and National Veld & Forest Fire Act. Manage risk and security aspects on the estate & administrative and related function. Develop and implement resource security plan for the estate. Enforce regulations and legislation applicable on the estate. Coordinate and conduct regular forest patrols. Oversee the issuing of licenses and other relevant permits. Compile and submit monthly and quarterly reports (technical and support related e.g., work plans for PMDS). Develop an Operational Plan for the estate. Manage human resources. Provide inputs into the development of internal standards and guidelines. Coordinate and manage booking for in hiking huts accommodation. Inputs on the formulation of policies and regulations.