Member Services Co-Ordinator

NCT is a vibrant Forestry company based in KZN, with district offices throughout the province and further afield and manufacturing facilities in Durban and Richards Bay.  NCT employs 700+ staff, and with an annual turnover of more than R3 billion, is a major force in the forestry sector in Africa.  Established in 1949 as an agricultural co-operative, NCT markets its members’ timber to both domestic and international markets.  NCT prides itself as being the preferred market choice for independent timber growers in Southern Africa.

NCT is looking for a qualified and experienced Forester to provide forestry technical, logistical and marketing advice to NCT members and suppliers in the Vryheid / Piet Retief area.

Key Responsibility Areas:

Pulpwood Marketing: Ensure that targets in terms of the total supply and rateability as per area of responsibility is achieved. Advise growers of alternative markets where necessary. Verify timber as per COC requirements. Monitor Availability vs. Actual supply to ensure that all available timber is supplied. Notify growers and attend to rejections and/or penalties to minimize re-occurrence. Arrange farm visits as and when required                                                                                                                      

Resource Availability Planning: Establish, maintain, communicate and plan closely with a core reliable grower base providing a rateable volume supply. Do accurate annual volume projections on available supplies and map updates.                                                                                                        

Logistics: Assist members to use the most cost-effective transport available                        

Administration: Update member data. Process new member applications. Support Administrators when they are away. Compile annual budget and control monthly budget                                        

Complete required monthly schedules and reports iro vehicle, business card, etc.                 

Member Contact / Technical Assistance: Establish and/or assist Technical Department with study groups/workshops and forestry extension work where there is a demand. Assist with and support field days, zonal meetings. Support development dept as required                                                           

Qualifications Matric plus a formal forestry qualification. An alternative tertiary qualification and proven work experience in a forestry related field would also be considered

Professional memberships Southern African Institute of Forestry a recommendation (SAIF)

Prior training required Well-rounded knowledge of technical forestry. Driving licence and proven driving skill record (incident free).

Skills required Strong communication skills given need to interact with private growers regularly. Proven communication skills (verbal and written). Intimate knowledge of local culture and customs.

Job specific technical skills A working forestry knowledge of hardwood pulpwood (Eucalyptus and Acacia). Competent with Microsoft 365 products, specifically spreadsheets on MS Excel

Some experience with plantation mapping / planning would be an advantage.

Personal attributes Able to work to deadlines and deal with peak workloads from time to time. Ability to work independently. Local resident with knowledge of the Piet Retief / Vryheid area.

Prior experience 5 plus years’ experience in a similar field

Language Skills Business English, Afrikaans with isiZulu as an added advantage

Working conditions Piet Retief office based with frequent travelling around the area.