Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Mutare
- Category: Forestry
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04
Key Responsibilities
- Identifies pole plantations.
- Negotiates with potential suppliers.
- Prepares inventory reports.
- Recommends purchase of raw poles.
- Assists in drafting memorandum of agreements of sale documents
- Formulates Annual Plan for raw pole supply.
- Identify logistic challenges and develop Action Plans to resolve challenges.
- Recommends Machine-Site matching for raw pole supplies.
- Ensures continuous supply of raw poles to meet annual budgets .
Requirements
- 5 ‘O’ Level ordinary passes including English and Maths.
- Diploma in Forestry.
- 3 year relevant experience.
- Agood knowledge in SAZ regulations (SAZ 1ZWS125).
- Agood knowledge of Pole Harvesting Systems.
- Clean class 4 driver’s licence.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Field Officer role in forestry in Zimbabwe?
A minimum of a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or a related field from a Zimbabwean institution (e.g., Chinhoyi University of Technology or UZ) is usually required. Relevant short courses from the Forestry Commission or FAO-supported programmes—such as fire management, GIS basics, or community-based natural resource management—are highly valued. Some employers may accept equivalent experience with demonstrable field competence and references from local forestry stakeholders.
What does a typical day look like for a Field Officer in Zimbabwe’s forestry sector?
Daily tasks often include conducting forest patrols, monitoring tree planting and growth, engaging with communal farmers or village trusts on sustainable harvesting, and completing field reports using paper forms or basic mobile data tools. Travel across rural districts is common, requiring flexibility with transport (e.g., shared kombis or employer-provided vehicles) and adaptability to variable road conditions and weather. Coordination with local Rural District Councils and the Forestry Commission is routine and essential.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for Field Officers in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality in community engagements, and strong interpersonal skills—especially in Shona or Ndebele—are critical, as much work involves building trust with rural elders and traditional leaders. Employers expect resilience in remote settings, cultural sensitivity when working with communal lands, and adherence to national forestry laws (e.g., Forest Act Chapter 19:05). Informal mentorship by senior officers and participation in local development meetings are often unwritten expectations.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Field Officers in Zimbabwe’s forestry sector?
With 3–5 years’ experience and continued professional development, Field Officers may advance to Senior Field Officer, Community Forestry Coordinator, or Technical Advisor roles within NGOs or parastatals like the Forestry Commission. Further study (e.g., postgraduate diploma via UNISA or Midlands State University) can support transitions into policy, extension services, or environmental compliance roles. Some move into private-sector agroforestry enterprises or start registered CBOs supporting smallholder timber producers.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—are commonly offered to Field Officers in Zimbabwe?
Most formal employers provide at least 22 days of annual leave, sick leave per the Labour Act, and maternity/paternity leave aligned with national standards. Medical aid is increasingly common but often limited to group schemes with restricted provider networks; pension contributions usually follow NSSA requirements or employer-managed provident funds. Benefits vary significantly between international NGOs, government-linked entities, and private firms—always confirm coverage scope during interviews.
How should I apply for a Field Officer role in Zimbabwe, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted via email with a tailored CV, certified academic documents, and a concise cover letter highlighting relevant field experience in Zimbabwean communal areas or resettlement farms. Employers prioritise proven ability to work independently in rural settings, knowledge of local tree species and land tenure systems, and evidence of stakeholder engagement (e.g., training farmers, reporting illegal logging). References from previous supervisors in Zimbabwean forestry projects carry more weight than generic character testimonials.