MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY
CIRCULAR NOTICE NO.1 OF 2026
MEF/CIRC/1
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM SUITABLY QUALIFIED LOCAL CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY.
[12] POSITION DETAILS
POSITION: SENIOR DISTRICT FORESTRY OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: FORESTRY
GRADE: G
NUMBER OF POSTS: THREE (3)
RESPONSIBLE TO: DISTRICT COORDINATOR
LOCATION: MOHALE’S HOEK, QUTHING, QACHA
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of District Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for seed collection; promotion and extension of social forestry; implementation of agro-forestry programmes and projects; forestry information; coordination of forestry reserves and activities; utilization of forestry products; and budget preparation.
MAIN DUTIES
1. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FORESTRY POLICY
1.1 Develops and designs an operational plan in order to enable smooth implementation of the sectional policy throughout the district.
1.2 Conducts workshops for the district field staff on forestry policies and systems so that they are well understood to enable and ease implementation.
1.3 Interprets to the district field staff the developed guidelines and manuals to ensure that they are commonly understood and adhered to for enhanced productivity.
1.4 Monitors the utilization and performance of the set guidelines and manuals and recommends to the next level of supervision their effectiveness and responsiveness to the changing environmental and developmental needs.
2. FOREST MEASUREMENTS
2.1 Interprets the developed guidelines on forest measurements to ensure proper measurement and estimation of tree volume within forest plantations.
2.2 Develops and designs simple guidelines and manuals for agricultural facilitators to enable proper data collection on forest inventory in the district.
2.3 Establishes permanent sample plots for annual sampling and data collection to enable indexing and modeling in order to determine growth rate.
2.4 Establishes temporary sample plots to determine volume of biomass and growth rate response to different treatments.
2.5 Interprets volume tables to simplify and create a common understanding of estimates during harvesting for proper setting of wood prices.
3. SEED COLLECTION
3.1 Develops and designs guidelines on seed collection for agricultural facilitators to ensure high quality seed collection.
3.2 Conducts demonstrations on threshing, cleaning and drying methodologies to produce high quality seeds.
3.3 Interprets moisture content tables to determine relevant seed storage methods.
3.4 Interprets prescriptions for seed treatment methodologies to ensure high seed germination.
4. PROMOTION AND EXTENSION OF SOCIAL FORESTRY
4.1 Facilitates public gatherings and campaigns to publicize government policy on social forestry in enhancing social and economic needs.
4.2 Interprets guidelines on extension approach to enable implementation of Model Villages as a way of social mobilization.
4.3 Provides support measures to NGOs and common interest groups to promote involvement in social forestry programmes.
5. IMPLEMENTATION OF AGRO-FORESTRY PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS
5.1 Conducts workshops for agricultural facilitators on agro-forestry and silvo-pasture.
5.2 Develops and designs guidelines on selection of appropriate projects.
5.3 Facilitates project proposals on agro-forestry programmes to attract donor funding.
6. FORESTRY INFORMATION
6.1 Designs and develops guidelines on data collection on forest inventory.
6.2 Develops a district forest inventory.
6.3 Analyzes district forest inventory to produce silvicultural prescriptions.
7. COORDINATION OF FORESTRY RESERVES AND ACTIVITIES
7.1 Identifies available tree seedlings by species from private and government nurseries.
7.2 Liaises with other District Forestry Officers to meet district needs.
7.3 Liaises with sectional heads and NGOs for mutual support.
7.4 Liaises with local authorities to promote community participation.
8. UTILIZATION OF FORESTRY PRODUCTS
8.1 Develops guidelines for felling ready forest compartments.
8.2 Conducts surveys to determine possible end products.
8.3 Interprets harvesting and processing guidelines for high quality end products.
9. PREPARATION OF THE BUDGET
9.1 Costs overall forestry activities annually.
9.2 Negotiates and justifies budget at district discussions.
9.3 Recommends review of sectional budget when necessary.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Master of Science (MSc) in Forestry / Soil Science / Environmental Science / Natural Resource Management plus Two (2) years working experience in the Department of Forestry
OR
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forestry / Soil Science / Environmental Science / Management / Natural Resource Management plus Three (3) years working experience in the Department of Forestry
OTHER NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Computer literacy
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Persuasive skills
• Technical report writing skills
RESPONSIBILITY
For work of others: Not identified with this job
For property: Safe keeping of office furniture and equipment
For budget and finance: Control of sectional budget
For safety of others: Not identified
For effect of errors: Responsible for work-related errors
COMPLEXITY
Authority for decision-making: Makes recommendations to CFO on appropriate seeds
Problem solving: Solves complex forestry-related problems
Supervision received: Works independently; reports monthly
Dexterity: Minimal
CONTACTS
Principal Forestry Officer – Coordination – As required
District Coordinator – Reporting & Planning – Monthly
District Coordinator – Progress Review – Quarterly
District Coordinator – Appraisal – Annually
Local & International Cattle Organizations – Seed research – As required
Other Sectional Heads – Coordination – As required
Area Supervisors – Coordination – As required
Agricultural Assistants – Coordination – As required
Forestry Farmers – Programme implementation – As required
Departmental Sectional Heads – Coordination – As required
EFFORT
Mental: Budget control, guideline development
Physical: Walking long distances
Emotional: Patience and tolerance required
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occasional work beyond normal hours, weekends and public holidays.
Possible exposure to wild animals and snakes during forest visits.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications on relevant Forms, GP 103 for non-serving officers and GP 104 for serving officers, accompanied by curriculum vitae, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts should be addressed to:
THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY
P.O. BOX 10993
MASERU 100
OR
Hand delivered to the Human Resources Offices at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry at Thaba Bosiu Building, Industrial Area or Post Office Building, 6th Floor.
Only shortlisted applicants shall undergo a competency assessment facilitated by the Assessment Centre (Ministry of Public Service) or Drivers Assessment, where applicable.
Closing Date: 20th February, 2026