Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Assistant Director: Nursery Management Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking an Assistant Director for Nursery Management to support their greening and livelihoods implementation initiatives. This vital role is based in Qwaqwa, Free State, and focuses on the efficient management of plant production and the advancement of environmental awareness programmes.

This position involves hands-on management of nursery operations, ensuring the propagation of high-quality seedlings, and supporting the broader greening objectives of the department. It's an opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental science and sustainable practices to contribute to national greening efforts.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or a related qualification recognised by SAQA.
• Experience: A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Forestry or a related field.
• Knowledge:
• National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998) (NFA)
• National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No 101 of 1998) (NVFFA)
• Housing Management
• Operations Management
• Function of different departments and levels of government
• Government business practices and policies
• Project Management and strategic planning
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Strategic Capability and Leadership
• Financial Management
• Client Orientation and Customer Focus
• Skills:
• Good interpersonal relations
• Good communication
• Ability to work under pressure and handle criticism
• Ability to gather and analyse information
• Ability to negotiate in difficult situations and resolve conflict
• Other: A valid driving license and willingness to travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all plant production activities.
• Develop and implement the annual plan of operation for the nursery.
• Ensure proper seed collection, treatment, and storage.
• Oversee the propagation of high-quality seedlings.
• Manage the tending and watering of plants.
• Ensure continuous production and maintenance of the nursery.
• Maintain nursery infrastructure, including transplanting, fertilising, and watering plants.
• Implement control programs for weeds, insects, pests, and diseases.
• Support the implementation of the greening programme.
• Assist in coordinating Forestry Awareness Campaigns and Empowerment activities.
• Conduct awareness campaigns and provide greening information sessions.
• Distribute trees and promotional materials.
• Coordinate and monitor tree planting and track tree survival rates.
• Provide general administrative support services.
• Name, tag, and accurately count all plants.
• Ensure revenue collection aligns with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support stocktaking processes at the nurseries.
• Provide information to the public as required.
• Ensure the procurement of necessary production materials.
• Compile all required reports.
• Develop and maintain a database for tree inventory.

What the Work Involves

This role primarily involves the daily management of nursery operations. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire plant production cycle, from seed collection and propagation to the care and maintenance of seedlings, including watering, fertilising, and managing pests and diseases. The work also extends beyond the nursery, as you will actively support the department's greening initiatives by conducting awareness campaigns, distributing trees, and monitoring tree planting in various communities.

You will handle administrative tasks such as reporting, managing inventory databases, and ensuring revenue collection. The position requires a willingness to travel, indicating a mix of nursery-based work and field activities to support community greening and awareness efforts. You will be involved in communicating information to the public and engaging with stakeholders as part of your support for departmental programmes.