ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: NURSERY MANAGEMENT (GREENING AND LIVELIHOODS IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

The Assistant Director: Nursery Management position, based in Limpopo at Rusplaas, is a supervisory and operational management role within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, focused on supporting the greening and livelihoods implementation programme. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the daily functioning of a departmental nursery, ensuring that plant production, seedling quality, and infrastructure are maintained to support broader forestry and environmental objectives. This is an operational leadership post that requires a blend of technical forestry knowledge, project management skill, and the ability to engage with communities and stakeholders in support of awareness campaigns and greening initiatives.

To be considered, applicants must hold a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or a related qualification recognised by SAQA. A minimum of three years’ experience in forestry or a related field is required. A sound working knowledge of the National Forests Act and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act is essential, as is familiarity with housing management, operations management, and the functioning of different departments and levels of government. Candidates should also understand government business practices and policies, and demonstrate competence in project management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and client orientation. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work under pressure and handle criticism, gather and analyse information, negotiate in difficult situations, and resolve conflict are all important. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are required.

The core duties of the role centre on managing plant production activities. This includes developing and implementing an annual plan of operation, overseeing seed collection, treatment and storage, and ensuring the propagation of good quality seedlings. The Assistant Director must ensure the nursery operates continuously, with proper tending, watering, transplanting, fertilising, and maintenance of infrastructure. The role also involves managing control programmes for weeds, insects, pests and diseases. Beyond nursery operations, the position provides support for the broader greening programme, including coordinating Forestry Awareness Campaigns and empowerment activities, conducting awareness sessions, distributing trees and promotional materials, and monitoring tree planting and survival rates. Administrative responsibilities include naming, tagging and counting plants, ensuring revenue collection in line with standard operating procedures, supporting stocktaking, providing information to the public, procuring production materials, compiling reports, and developing and maintaining a tree inventory database.

This is an equal opportunity, affirmative action position, and preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting, including criminal record, citizenship, creditworthiness, reference and qualification verification. Applicants should note that this is not an SMS post, but all appointments are subject to security clearance, the signing of a performance agreement, and an employment contract. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and correspondence will be limited to successful candidates. If no feedback is received within three months after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.