Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Director: Forestry Scientific & Technical Services Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated professional for the role of Director: Forestry Scientific & Technical Services in Pretoria. This key leadership position is central to guiding the scientific and technical direction of forestry in South Africa.

This opportunity involves managing critical aspects of forestry research, ensuring the development of national standards for sustainable forest management, and providing expert technical advice across the sector. The successful candidate will play a vital role in shaping future forestry practices and policies.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this Director position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate qualification in Forestry or a relevant qualification (NQF7) in a related field, as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience at a middle or senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in Research and Forestry Management or a related field.
• Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) is required prior to appointment.
• Extensive knowledge of the National Forestry Act, 84 of 1998 (NFA), the National Veld & Forestry Fire Act, 101 of 1998 (NVFFA), and the Management of State Forests Act, 128 of 1992.
• Understanding of law enforcement legislation and relevant regulations.
• Understanding and knowledge of spatial and non-spatial information systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant national legislation and international agreements and commitments pertaining to Forestry Management, including their impact.
• Key skills required include Leadership Management, Programme and Project Management, Knowledge Management, People Management and Empowerment, and Financial Management.
• Applicants must possess sound Research, Analytical, Organising, Planning, and Presentation skills.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills, Computer literacy, and good communication skills (verbal and written) are essential.
• Ability to work effectively with others, resolve conflict, and perform under pressure for extended hours.

Key Responsibilities

The Director: Forestry Scientific & Technical Services will be responsible for a range of strategic and operational duties, including:

• Managing forestry research, development, and innovation within the sector.
• Ensuring the research function remains current with global trends.
• Overseeing the research function and its funding.
• Managing the development of national norms and standards for sustainable forest management.
• Leading the development of principles, criteria, Indicators, and Standards for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
• Ensuring the provision of scientific forest management guidelines, best practices, and assistance to the Branch and broader forestry sector.
• Managing the provision of specialist technical advice and support to the Branch and other relevant stakeholders.
• Managing the provision of forestry subject inputs towards integrated environmental management.
• Facilitating and monitoring the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of sustainable forestry management business processes.
• Providing strategic forestry information.