Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University - Facility Management in Co-operation with the Department of Forest & Wood Science

Senior Technical Officer (Manager of Mountain Land, Open Areas & Experimental Plots)

This position requires an extremely versatile and motivated person with proven management skills in the forestry sector, good interpersonal relations, as well as the ability to take initiative and work independently when needed.

The appointee’s key performance areas would entail the following:

(1) Management of Stellenbosch University’s mountain land, riparian zones, open areas as well as selected forest plantations;

(2) Management of experimental plots and technical aspects of research by the Department of Forestry & Wood Science; and

(3) Co-ordination and leadership of undergraduate student practical classes, excursions and study tours, as well as the integration of selected student practical sessions that form part of Forest Science teaching modules with activities listed under (1) and (2) above.

Duties:
Function 1
• Compiling an annual budget and work schedule;
• Conducting all silvicultural and harvesting activities;
• Managing contractors where necessary;
• Rehabilitating damaged land;
• Repairing and maintaining infrastructure;
• Integrated fire management, as well as the eradication of invasive plants.

Function 2
• Establishing trials and implementing experimental treatments;
• Scheduling and conducting monitoring events;
• Collecting data during measurement and sampling campaigns in co-operation with postgraduate students and assistants;
• Installing and maintaining electronic equipment;
• Primary analysis of collected data.

• At least a four-year BSc Forestry degree or equivalent forestry qualification;
• Experience in forest or plantation management, including silviculture, harvesting and fire management;
• Excellent communicative ability;
• Computer proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook;
• An excellent track record and recommendations from previous employers;
• A valid Code B driver’s licence;
• Sound health and physical fitness (given the nature of the work).

Recommendations:
• Experience as a research technician in forestry;
• Proven experience in data management and/or analysis;
• Knowledge and experience pertaining to the management of pine plantations and fynbos vegetation in the Western or Southern Cape.

Commencement of duties: January 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date: 23 November 2009
Enquiries: Dr Ben du Toit on +27 21 808 3305 or at ben@sun.ac.za, or Mr John Villet on +27 21 808 4846 or at jvillet@sun.ac.za

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

A competitive remuneration package and excellent service benefits are attached to this position. For further details, contact +27 21 808 2753.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and contact details of at least two referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

Apply online at http://www.sun.ac.za/vacancies.

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.