About the Role
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated Forestry Service Aid to join their team at the Mzimkhulu Estate in KwaZulu-Natal. This vital role involves engaging with the natural environment and contributing to the management of indigenous forests and plantations. As a Forestry Service Aid, you will play an essential part in rehabilitating degraded areas and ensuring the health of our forests, impacting both local ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
Working in this position means you will be directly involved in activities that support sustainable forestry practices, including the marking and counting of trees, coppice reduction, and maintaining conservation zones. Your efforts will help preserve South Africa’s rich biodiversity, making a meaningful difference to the environment and enhancing the quality of life for those living nearby.
About the Department
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to promoting sustainable management of South Africa’s natural resources. Its mission revolves around ensuring that forestry practices are environmentally sound and socially beneficial, aligning with the country’s broader goals of conservation and biodiversity. Working within this department provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that protect and enhance our natural heritage.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with silviculture functions within plantations and indigenous forests
- Rehabilitate degraded sites to restore ecological balance
- Mark plots, count, and mark trees as part of management reports
- Conduct coppice reduction and maintain conservation zones
- Remove alien species and control pest and weed infections
- Perform fire protection and suppression duties
- Maintain infrastructure and provide harvesting services, including log marking
- Propagate plants and trees while maintaining accurate records
- Produce and process poles through cutting, drying, and treatment
- Support the sale of poles and related products
What You’ll Need
- A minimum of Grade 9 or ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate
- Basic knowledge of planting and firefighting techniques
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to plan and execute tasks effectively
- Teamwork and self-discipline with a sense of responsibility
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Grade 9 or ABET Level 1 or 2 Certificate.Knowledge of planting, firefighting, coppice reduction Communication skills, interpersonal skills and listening skills.
Planning and execution, Interpersonal relations, acceptance of responsibility, teamwork and self-discipline.
Job Duties
Render Silviculture functions within plantations and indigenous forests.Rehabilitate degraded sites.
Conduct the marking of plots, counting and marking of trees, coppice reduction.
Update the variety of registers regarding the aspects of work, planting, weeding/manual/chemical, maintain conservation zones, removal of alien species.
Perform fire protection and suppression duties.
Control pest/ weed infection, protect infrastructure.
Infrastructure maintenance.
Render harvesting services: conduct log marking and pole measuring.
Propagate plants and trees: conduct record keeping of plants/trees.
Produce and process poles: cutting/drying/treatment of poles, provide support in selling poles.
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