Forestry operations support over 650 000 of South Africa's rural population through employment and provision of ecosystem services and livelihoods. Sustainably managed indigenous forests and plantations secure and support healthy functioning ecosystems, sustainable economies and growth and consequently livelihoods, both directly and indirectly. Arboricultural farming is the cultivation and management of trees, shrubs and woody plants within the forestry sector.

Arboricultural farm managers plan, direct and coordinate production in large scale forestry operations. They inspect forest plantations, ensuring compliance with government regulations and standards. They determine maturity dates of trees, define harvesting schedules and estimate potential crop damage from extreme weather events. They also have oversight over plantation sales and purchases and the selection, training and performance of forestry workers and contractors.

Arboricultural farm managers work on site in forestry plantations and spend some time in an office environment. They can work long hours, particularly during harvesting seasons. They may collaborate with forest scientists or engineers to increase production yields or to determine unknown tree diseases.

SKILLS

Arboricultural farm managers require a comprehensive understanding of the forestry life cycle and plantation practices. They also must be knowledgeable about forestry management regulations and compliance, coupled with:

• knowledge of market trends of forestry and related products
• meticulous planning and organisation ability
• strong financial planning and business management competence
• extensive managerial experience.

TASKS

• direct and coordinate forestry activities
• monitor forestry market activity and plan production to meet contract requirements and market demand
• analyse soil to determine type and quantities of fertilizer required
• establish and manage budgets, monitoring output and farming costs.

STUDIES

• B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Forestry at NMU, SU and UniVen
• M.Sc. in Forest Management and the Environment at UP
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Forestry at NMU
• Diploma in Forestry at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute.

EMPLOYERS

• timber plantations and sawmill organisations
• private forestry and preservation companies.

Forests play a vital role in ecosystem functioning for human and natural wellbeing. They support regulating surface and groundwater flows, reducing water-related risks like landslides, floods and droughts and prevent desertification and salinisation. They also extract and process carbon dioxide into biomass. Forestry could also impact the natural environment, especially water quality and quantity. Engineering design and technology supports practices that maximise benefits and mini-mise impacts of forestry.

Bioengineers design, develop and improve processes to convert raw materials such as wood pulp into products such as paper, tissue and even plastic alternatives. They coordinate forestry processes and trial experimental designs to increase production, quality and reduce impact and costs. They also assist in the development and implementation of remediation projects to address factors such as soil erosion or slope instability, for example.

Bioengineers work closely with technical and operation personnel to monitor and optimise processes. They can work between research and development laboratories, an office environment and will occasionally visit forestry sites to gather samples and information.

SKILLS

Bioengineers require a strong understanding of chemistry and engineering principles and processes. They will further benefit from:

• creative problem-solving and analytical skills
• ability to draft designs based on abstract ideas
• a strong attention to detail
• excellent spatial competence.

TASKS

• conduct research and develop new synthetic materials
• perform tests and propose processes for the manufacture of new products
• design equipment and processes for the manufacture of new products
• report findings, establish control standards and procedures for future production.

STUDIES

• B.Sc.Eng. in Chemical Engineering at UCT, UKZN and Wits
• B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering at NWU, SU, UKZN and UP
• Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Chemical Engineering at CPUT, DUT, MUT, TUT, UJ, UNISA and VUT.

EMPLOYERS

• pulp and paper mill organisations
• private forestry companies and consultancies
• research institutions.

South Africa's forestry resources cover over 40 million hectares of land and need to be managed effectively to maintain and contribute to healthy functioning ecosystems, economies and livelihoods. Forestry science explores the complex dynamics in forest ecosystems and bio-physical and social interactions with dependent production processes and communities who depend on ecosystem services and natural resources for livelihoods.

Forest scientists research, develop and support the management of forest areas for commercial production, recreational uses and conservation purposes. They undertake assessments of changes to the forest environment due to fires, alien infestations, pests and diseases and make recommendations on managing impacts. They also make inputs into developing management plans and policy for sustainable forestry.

Forest scientists work between laboratories when processing data, forestry sites undertaking investigations or fieldwork and an office environment when writing and publishing reports on findings. They may consult with forestry operation managers, firefighters and land use planners and other professionals, finding the most sustainable use of forest resources.

SKILLS

Forest scientists must have a thorough knowledge of all tree species and the ecosystems within which they thrive and key threats to forestry. They will benefit from the ability to map large, forested areas, using geographic data and software, as well as:

• ability to conduct extensive and complex research and fieldwork
• analytical and critical-thinking ability
• project management
• written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

TASKS

• analyse trees and forest conditions, identifying factors that impact growth and production yields
• develop short and long-term plans for the management of forests
• supervise and implement forest and conservation projects
• monitor and evaluate forestry activities according to government regulations.

STUDIES

• B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Forestry at NMU, SU and UniVen
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Forestry at NMU
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Wood Technology at NMU.

EMPLOYERS

• national, provincial and local government
• NGOs, community-based and development organisations and private consultancies
• timber plantations and sawmill organisations
• research institutions.

The forestry sector plays a key role in the South African economy contributing just over 10% from plantations and 5% from related value chain industries. It employs approximately 165 000 people, from growing timber to processing primary and by-products and all related services. Managing forestry operations involves the design and control of wood production processes and by-products.

Forestry operations managers plan, organise, direct and control the production activities of a forestry operation to maximise yield and profit. They oversee planning, planting and harvesting schedules of plantations and reforestation procedures once crops are cleared from the land. They also have oversight of key requirements to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of land and associated resources.

Forestry operations managers are most often stationed in rural forestry settings where they work with diverse groups of forestry personnel. They mainly work in an office environment and will often undertake site inspections across plantations.

SKILLS

Forestry operations managers must have a comprehensive and sound understanding of the operations of a plantation and associated pro-duction processes and a working knowledge of legislation and policy regarding land and resource use, coupled with:

• extensive business management and leadership experience
• excellent planning and organisation competence
• strong project management skills
• good interpersonal skills.

TASKS

• direct and coordinate activities such as planting, irrigation, chemical application, harvesting and grading
• inspect plantations and fields to determine maturity dates of crops or estimate crop damage due to pests or weather
• monitor agricultural and forestry market activity and plan production
• establish and manage budgets, monitor production output and costs.

STUDIES

• B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Forestry at NMU, SU and UniVen
• M.Sc. in Forest Management and the Environment at UP
• Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Forestry at NMU
• Diploma in Forestry at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute.

EMPLOYERS

• timber plantations and sawmill organisations
• private forestry and preservation companies.

The forestry industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for around 1% of its GDP. Forestry operations could however have significant impact on the natural environment, which could compromise both ecosystems functioning as well as the sustainability of the industry. Improved and responsible logging practices is key to promoting sustainable timber extraction and long-term ecosystem health.

Logging plant operators operate machinery to shear tree limbs, fell, drag and organise cut pieces into preassigned areas. They confirm the tree species and log and load cut logs on transporter trucks and prepare relevant documentation as needed. Some purchase supplies and replacement parts to assist with or maintain and repair vehicles and machinery. They also work with specialists for the upgrade and repair of machinery and vehicles.

Logging plant operators work as part of a logging team. Due to the dangerous nature of their work, they are required to wear protective gear. Weather conditions also determine the work of logging plant operators.

SKILLS

Logging plant operators need a basic understanding of tree species and the capability to operate varied types of tree felling equipment and machinery. They will further benefit from:

• excellent hand-eye coordination and multitasking ability
• astute attention to detail
• good communication skills
• ability to work well as part of a team.

TASKS

• prepare and position logging equipment for operations
• drive logging machinery to transport logs from felling sites
• inspect equipment for safe and effective operation
• perform basic maintenance tasks on logging machinery.

STUDIES

Logging plant operators can benefit from a General Education and Train-ing or Further Education and Training Certificate in General Forestry or a National Certificate in Forestry (Silviculture) at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 offered at Opelong Business Institute, Uphiwe Skills Training College and the South African Forestry Company Limited. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced mentor.

EMPLOYERS

• timber plantations and sawmill organisations
• private forestry and preservation companies.

The forestry industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for around 1% of its GDP. Forestry operations could however have significant impact on the natural environment, which could compromise both ecosystems functioning as well as the sustainability of the industry. Improved and responsible logging practices is key to promoting sustainable timber extraction and long-term ecosystem health.

Tree feller operators use hand-held chain saws to trim top branches and cut down trees. Prior to cutting, they make observations to determine the safest and natural way for the branches and trees to fall. Once the tree has been cut down, they cut the tree into more manageable pieces so that it can be easily transported. Some can also assist other crew members by attaching cut trees to tractors to transport to preassigned areas.

Tree feller operators work as part of a logging team coordinating areas of forests to fell. Due to the dangerous nature of work, they are required to wear protective gear. Weather conditions and seasons determine work frequency and hours.

SKILLS

A good knowledge of tree species and their characteristics as well as cutting techniques is required by tree feller operators. They will further benefit from:

• physical stamina and strength
• astute attention to detail
• good communication skills
• ability to work well as part of a team.

TASKS

• plan and decide on best felling methods for a forested area
• clear area around intended fall of each tree
• remove or trim branches and tree tops
• operate manual and machine saws to fell trees.

STUDIES

Logging plant operators can benefit from a General Education and Train-ing or Further Education and Training Certificate in General Forestry or a National Certificate in Forestry (Silviculture) at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 offered at Opelong Business Institute, Uphiwe Skills Training College and the South African Forestry Company Limited. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced mentor.

EMPLOYERS

• timber plantations and sawmill organisations
• private forestry preservation companies
• national, provincial and local government.