ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT

Job Overview

The Department is seeking an Assistant Director for Forest Land Management based in Pretoria with a salary of R487 197 per annum. Candidates must hold a National Diploma (NQF 6) in Forestry or Natural Sciences alongside at least three years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include managing state forest land, maintaining land registers, handling lease agreements, mediating land disputes, and ensuring compliance with relevant environmental legislation such as the National Forests Act.

Requirements & Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF 6) in Forestry / Natural Sciences or equivalent qualification within the related field as recognized by SAQA.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Forestry or relevant field.
• Knowledge of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998) (NFA) and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No 101 of 1998) (NVFFA), Protected Areas, NEMA, and NEMBA including Public Finance Regulations, and Public Service Regulations.
• Knowledge of Forestry and Environmental Management Sector.
• Knowledge of enumeration for collection of data.
• Project and Programme Management skills.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Computer literacy.
• Report writing skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and with a team.
• Ability to gather and analyse information.
• Ability to develop and apply policies.
• Ability to work with difficult people and to resolve conflicts.
• Good interpersonal relations skills and creativity.
• A Valid Driving License and willingness to travel.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide state forest land management services.
• Update and record changes on land register for State Forest Land.
• Release land no longer needed for forestry purposes.
• Evaluate applications for public works developments, servitudes, cessions and other real rights on released state forest land.
• Establish and manage land register.
• Facilitate registration of lease against title deeds.
• Provide support in the negotiations of terms and conditions for lease agreements.
• Develop specification terms for the leases.
• Draft lease agreements, obtain legal opinion from legal services.
• Facilitate the signing of leases.
• Manage land reform issues affecting state forest land.
• Liaise and mediate disputes regarding land boundaries, land use and access to state forest land.
• Liaise with other stakeholders such as Public Works, Public Enterprise and Rural Development and Land Reform regarding land issues.
• Manage the collection/calculation of rentals.
• Monitor forest lease and third-party agreements.
• Establish and implement system for monitoring, identify areas of non-compliance, and develop intervention to address any deviation.

Enquiries & Contact