Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment Assistant Director: State Forest Management Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment is inviting applications for two Assistant Director positions in State Forest Management for 2026. These roles are based in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces.

This opportunity involves crucial work in ensuring the sustainable management of South Africa's state forests. Successful candidates will be instrumental in implementing and monitoring forestry business processes, providing technical support, and contributing to the development of robust forestry strategies within their respective regions.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Forestry or Natural Resource Management or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in Forestry Management, Commercial Forestry, or a related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of:
• The National Forest Act 1998 (Act 84 of 1998)
• The National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA)
• The National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) and NEMBA, including relevant regulations and policies.
• Policies impacting the forestry sector.
• Enumeration for data collection.
• Financial Management.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle criticism.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Project management skills.
• Good interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to negotiate in difficult situations and to resolve conflict.
• Ability to work long hours.
• A valid Driving License and willingness to travel.
• All shortlisted candidates will undertake two pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate and coordinate the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) business processes.
• Facilitate and implement strategies for technical forest management support services in the province.
• Facilitate and provide support to the development, review, and implementation of forest growth and yield models for commercial forest plantations.
• Provide support in monitoring and assessing state forest plantations against the principles, criteria, and indicators of sustainable forest management, including policy and regulation implementation.
• Monitor the implementation of risk mitigation plans for state forest plantations in the region.
• Provide support in the development and strengthening of human resource capacity, technical capacity, and cooperation at a regional level to ensure appropriate forest management legislation is implemented.
• Facilitate the creation of work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
• Provide support to liaison forums within the sector.
• Participate in forestry provincial development forums and development initiatives by other sector organisations.

What the Work Involves

As an Assistant Director, you will be involved in the day-to-day coordination and implementation of sustainable forest management practices. This includes providing essential technical support, actively monitoring the health and compliance of state forest plantations, and assisting with the development and review of important forestry models.

Your role will require you to engage with various stakeholders, participate in provincial development forums, and contribute to building human resource capacity within the forestry sector. The work environment will likely combine office-based tasks with frequent travel to state forest plantations across either the Eastern Cape or KwaZulu Natal, reflecting a dynamic blend of strategic oversight and practical on-the-ground engagement.