SAFCOL invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the permanent position of Driver Operator based at Jessievale Plantation. This opportunity is ideal for individuals with experience operating forestry and plantation machinery, transporting labour, and maintaining heavy-duty vehicles in a plantation environment.

The Driver Operator role plays an important part in ensuring the smooth running of plantation operations through the safe handling of vehicles, machinery, and firefighting equipment. Candidates with experience in tractor operations, transport services, and machine maintenance are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date.

Position Details

• Position: Driver Operator
• Status: Permanent
• Location: Jessievale Plantation
• Grade: B3
• Reporting Line: Forester / Plantation Manager

About the Role

The Driver Operator position focuses on operating specific allocated vehicles and machinery in a safe, productive, and cost-effective manner. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting plantation activities such as road opening, grass cutting, transport of labourers, fire belt preparation, and fire-fighting operations.

The role requires a responsible and safety-conscious individual capable of working independently while maintaining high operational standards. Applicants with a strong work ethic and experience in handling forestry or plantation machinery may find this opportunity suitable for career growth within the forestry sector.

Plantation operations require reliable individuals who can work under different environmental conditions while ensuring machinery remains functional and properly maintained. The Driver Operator will also assist with daily inspections, reporting faults, and ensuring logbooks remain updated at all times.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to perform a variety of operational duties within the plantation environment. These responsibilities include operating different types of machinery and ensuring that all assigned tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

Vehicle and Machinery Operations

Key operational responsibilities include:

• Driving and operating machinery safely without damaging property or equipment
• Operating tractors to open roads within the plantation
• Cutting grass using allocated machinery and equipment
• Preparing fire belts using tractors and related machinery
• Transporting labourers safely within the plantation areas
• Operating a three-wheeler and skidder where required
• Operating fire trucks during firebreak burning and fire-fighting operations

The position requires a high level of awareness and responsibility, especially during fire-fighting operations and when transporting employees within plantation areas.

Maintenance Responsibilities

The Driver Operator will also be responsible for basic maintenance and inspection duties to ensure machinery remains in good working condition.

Maintenance responsibilities include:

• Conducting daily inspections of vehicles and machinery
• Cleaning and greasing machinery regularly
• Maintaining skidders, three-wheelers, labour trucks, and fire trucks
• Reporting faults immediately to management
• Ensuring vehicle and machine logbooks are updated correctly
• Assisting with ad hoc duties when required

Candidates with a mechanical background may have an added advantage due to the maintenance-related responsibilities attached to the role.

Minimum Requirements

Interested and suitably qualified applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 7 qualification
• Valid driver’s license Code EC or EC1 with PDP
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a similar environment
• Mechanical background will serve as an added advantage

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may not be considered for the position.

Skills and Competencies Required

The Driver Operator position requires individuals who can work responsibly, communicate effectively, and remain productive under operational conditions.

Behavioural Competencies

Suitable candidates should demonstrate the following behavioural qualities:

• Efficiency
• Self-motivation
• Diligence
• Reliability

Skills Competencies

Applicants should also possess the following skills:

• Basic safety knowledge
• Good communication skills
• Literacy skills
• Accountability
• Production-oriented mindset
• Decision-making ability

The ability to work safely while meeting operational targets remains essential for this role.

Work Environment

The Driver Operator position is based within a plantation environment where daily activities involve machinery operations, transport services, and fire management support. Working conditions may involve outdoor activities under varying weather conditions.

The successful candidate may be required to assist during emergency fire-fighting situations and must therefore be physically fit and capable of responding effectively under pressure. Plantation operations also require individuals who can work well with supervisors and fellow workers to ensure productivity and safety standards are maintained.

Candidates who enjoy practical fieldwork and machinery operations may find this position rewarding and suitable for long-term employment growth.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SAFCOL is an equal opportunity employer with a focus on gender equality and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Employment Equity considerations will be taken into account during the appointment process.

Applications from designated groups are encouraged in line with the organisation’s employment equity objectives.

Application Process

Interested and suitably qualified individuals can submit a concise CV together with relevant copies of qualifications in confidence to:

Mr Obert Mashabane
Human Capital Practitioner

Email: obertrecruitment@safcol.co.za

Closing Date

• Closing Date: 25 May 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date to avoid disappointment.

Important Notice

If no response has been received within 30 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.

Candidates are advised to ensure that all supporting documents are attached when submitting applications. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date may not be considered.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

The forestry and plantation sector continues to provide important employment opportunities for individuals with operational and machinery-handling experience. The Driver Operator role offers an opportunity to work in a structured plantation environment while contributing to important forestry operations such as road preparation, labour transport, and fire management.

Candidates with experience in operating tractors, skidders, and heavy vehicles may benefit from the long-term stability associated with a permanent position. The role also provides practical exposure to plantation operations and machinery maintenance within a recognised forestry organisation.

Individuals who are dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to work in a production-driven environment are encouraged to apply for this opportunity at Jessievale Plantation.