SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Forestry Production and Operations Foreman 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119447  Occupational Certificate: Forestry Production and Operations Foreman 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-08-04  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Forestry Production and Operations Foreman. A Forestry Production and Operations Foreman plans, organises, leads, controls, coordinates, and reviews a range of weekly/monthly forestry operations. He or she also interprets at a tactical level, forestry teams in compliance with operational plans, safety, health, environment, risk and quality performance standards and procedures.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Implement tactical plans and transform them into operation plans and report to the manager on production quality and quantity.
  • Control and coordinate a range of forestry processes to drive and obtain production targets.
  • Monitor team production and meeting regularly with supervisors to ensure that the established production criteria are met.
  • Maintain compliance with all occupational safety, health, environment, risk and quality forestry performance standards and labour legislation.

    Rationale:
    The Forestry industry is labour-intensive and has many forestry foremen that do not have formal training making the need for this qualification important. The industry is also changing and shrinking rapidly due to modernisation and mechanisation. It requires managing a high-risk environment and as a result skilled forestry foremen are required. The outsourcing of production processes and activities to large and small contractors leads to diverse employment conditions which require some standardisation.

    This qualification will meet the need of an existing gap in the industry of qualified Forestry Production and Operations Foremen. Currently, supervisors are trained in the industry and courses such as the Supervisory Development Programme are offered to them.

    The skill levels of people living in rural areas will be uplifted through education and training within the forestry industry. Current employees in forestry will be directly targeted and benefit from this qualification.

    Given that forestry is very rural, this qualification presents an opportunity for development of individuals that live in these rural areas in terms of equipping them with knowledge and skills. Previously disadvantaged individuals and women should benefit from this qualification.

    Learners who complete this qualification will have an increased skill level of overseeing operations. This qualification relates to forestry foremen currently employed in the industry.

    Upon completion, learners may pursue other further qualifications such as the NQF level 5 Forestry Technician qualification or NQF Level 6 Diploma in Forestry.

    This qualification will contribute to the strategies on job creation and rural development making it more lucrative for people to remain in rural areas. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 131103-001-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Forestry Sector, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-02, Interpersonal Relations and Communication in Forestry, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-03, Managing Forestry Information and Administration, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-04, Basic Managerial Principles in Forestry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-05, Overseeing Forestry Operating Systems, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-06, Forestry Production Technology, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-07, Occupational Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-08, Overseeing Work Teams, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-09, Map Reading and Terrain Classification, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-10, Oversee Material and Resource Availability, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-11, Fire Protection, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-12, Basic Plantations and Forest, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-13, Basic Fire Management, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-14, Basic Forestry Nursery Practices, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-15, Fire Management in Forestry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-16, Forestry Nursery Practices, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-17, Mathematics for Forestry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-18, Basic Organic and Inorganic Chemistry for Forestry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-19, Plant Growth in Forestry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-20, Forestry Machinery and Equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-21, Forestry Performance Areas, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-22, Silviculture, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-23, Timber Harvesting, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-24, Timber Harvesting Principles, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-25, Forestry Depots and Road, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-KM-26, The Function of Forestry Roads, Level 4, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 123

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 131103-001-00-00-PM-01, Develop the Operational Plan by Interpreting the Tactical Plan and Report Accordingly, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-PM-02, Control and Coordinate a Range of Forestry Processes to Drive and Achieve Production Targets, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-PM-03, Manage Performance and Productivity and Determine Time Lapse Versus Productivity, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-PM-04, Ensure Application and Implementation of Legislation, Standards and Procedures, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-PM-05, Identify and Review Specific Elements of the Company and SHERQ Production Systems in any of the Disciplines and Make Recommendations for Improvement, Level 4, Credits 27.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 131103-001-00-00-WM-01, Implement Tactical Plans and Transform into Operational Plans and Report to the Manager on Production Quality and Quantity, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-WM-02, Control and Coordinate a Range of Forestry Processes to Drive and Obtain Production Targets, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-WM-03, Monitor Team Production and Meeting Regularly with Supervisors to Ensure the Established Production Criteria is Met, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-WM-04, Maintain Compliance with all Occupational Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality Forestry Performance Standards and Labour Legislation, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 131103-001-00-00-WM-05, Forestry and Related Industries Operational Systems, Processes and Compliance, Level 4,32 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 69 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Compile a detailed production plan for a forestry operation and worksite such as a compartment, nursery or depot.
    2.Organise and coordinate the activities of forestry teams.
    3. Apply system balancing principles referring to current, continuous and future needs to achieve the execution of the production plans.
    4. Implement and maintain a monitoring system to achieve safety, health, environment, risk and quality forestry performance and operational standards.
    5. Inspect work sites, forestry activities and machines for compliance, safety, health, environment, risk and quality (SHERQ).
    6.Report to management on the achievement of forestry standards.
    7.Communicate a detailed production plan to subordinates ensuring clarity of understanding.
    8. Advise workers and management on compliance of workplace and work activities with all occupational safety, health, environment, risk and quality forestry performance standards and labour legislation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret and apply forestry work-study data to ensure correct action by supervisor.
  • Compile a daily plan for the forestry activities of a team to meet the monthly targets.
  • Compile a worksite plan (e.g., compartment plan for harvesting) using production targets, deadline, and work objectives.
  • Compile and interpret a map of the forestry worksite.
  • Identify and observe deviations on the map and effect changes.
  • Plans that impact on forestry production activities according to external factors e.g. adjust weather.
  • Recommend a hazard analysis and identify risk conduct exercise and mitigation strategies.
  • A production contingency plan e.g., draw up breakdown of a machine or absence of employees or any other
    unforeseen changes to deal with contingencies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Take forestry daily production output to measure against targets is calculated and analysed and corrective action.
  • Access analysed and evaluate and justify corrective action Production of forestry supervisors in comparison with planned production.
  • Analyse the effect of deviations and bottlenecks and the adjustment to the overall monthly operational plan.
  • Determine the area covered by the area processed/worked (e.g. using a map, pacing or GPS, etc.).
  • Apply the planned work/yield per hectare over the area.
  • Determine the stock/completed work by applying these calculations.
  • Reconcile reported production data from forestry supervisor to actual forestry production achieved.
  • Determine and plan the logistics of a forestry operation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Pre-empt and prevent bottlenecks.
  • Prevent time and forestry resources wastage.
  • Achieve the maximum utilisation of forestry resources in the execution of the forestry production plan.
  • Achieve daily weekly monthly production targets whilst maintaining forestry standards and procedures.
  • Arrange the free flow of forestry activities between various forestry operations for optimal use of time and forestry resources.
  • Analyse the processes to ensure process flow without bottlenecks or serious deviations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Determine the impact of production deviations against targets and the formulation of corrective measures for
    mitigation.
  • Outline the reporting procedure and requirements.
  • Determine monitoring intervals of forestry standards.
  • Ensure compliance with the monitoring system to achieve the required standard.
  • Allocate tasks and responsibilities to forestry supervisors.
  • Receive feedback from supervisors on the monitoring system and dealt with.
  • Conduct a disciplinary hearing to address transgressions and correct behaviour.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Visit, inspect forestry work sites and compare actual standards to required forestry standards.
  • Conduct machine appraisals to ascertain the working condition of the machines and the identification of abnormal wear and tear.
  • Perform job observations on forestry supervisors and subordinates to determine safety, health, environment, risk and quality (SHERQ) compliance.
  • Complete appraisal documentation from subordinates (safety reps, clerks, drivers, store man, security, and supervisors).
  • Conduct inspection of equipment and processes to prevent deviations from standards and initiate preventative steps.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify information and data required in a forestry operation for reporting.
  • Describe the purposes and value of forestry information and data and how it can be utilised against forestry standards.
  • Verify information and records against forestry standards to ensure legal compliance (e.g. witness signatures on toolbox talks and writes safe work procedures.
  • Record and report daily production and deviation from targets and key performance indicators safety, health, environment, risk and quality (SHERQ).
  • Record and report incidents and accidents using required forestry procedures.
  • Record and report condition and utilisation of forestry resources.
  • Verify information received from subordinates (report output i.e. actual against planned forestry productivity targets).
  • Prepare and submit a consolidated forestry productivity report to the manager (verbal/written) with recommendations on the achievement of forestry standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • An agenda is compiled and a meeting with forestry supervisors to communicate forestry tasks and forestry productivity targets in production is planned.
  • Communicate forestry supervisors with to ensure that they know what is expected of them for a period (day or week) in the execution of their tasks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Identify and review specific elements of the company and safety, health, environment, risk and quality of forestry production systems in any of the disciplines such as nurseries, silviculture, harvesting, fire protection and depot management.
  • Understand the requirements for efficient and procedurally compliant work activities and recommendations to improvement.
  • Understand the production conditions of any of the disciplines such as nurseries, silviculture, harvesting, fire protection and depot management.

    Integrated assessment
    Integrated formative assessment
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated formative assessment
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with two qualifications, namely the:
  • New Zealand Certificate in Forest Industry Operations (Planning and Monitoring) (Level 4) all 3 strands), 45-72 credits: and the
  • Australian Certificate lll in Forest Growing and Management (NQF Level 3).

    New Zealand
    The purpose of the New Zealand Certificate in Forest Industry Operations Planning and Monitoring (Level 4) qualification is to provide the forest industry with individuals who have the advanced skills and knowledge to be employed in a supervisory role in a forestry, mensuration or harvesting operation. They will be able to plan and supervise day-to-day activities within a harvesting, forestry, or mensuration operation. Graduates will be able to work without supervision and be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forestry employees, plant and equipment. Qualified learners will also be capable of maintaining productivity within the operation. The qualification includes three strands which represent distinct activities within forestry, inventory and harvesting operations.

    Qualified learners of this qualification will be able to:
  • Apply effective planning, communication, and supervision to a forestry operational team.
  • Apply health and safety management in a forestry operation.
  • Carry out safe behavioural audits within a forest operation.

    Graduates of the Harvesting strand will also be able to:
  • Apply environmental management and landing management in a forest harvesting operation.

    Graduates of the Inventory strand will also be able to:
  • Plan and implement forest inventories, and manage the delivery, quality and integrity of collected data.

    This qualification is offered by Competenzi and Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, training institutions in New Zealand.

    Australia
    The aim of the Australian Certificate lll in Forest Growing and Management which is at level 3 prepares learners for jobs in the forest growing and management sector of the forest and forest products industry and includes a combination of compulsory and effective units. The compulsory units are genetic in nature and focus on critical cross field outcomes and generic forestry related aspects such as health, safety and team effectiveness. The elective units focus on typical forestry related aspects such as fire control, breeding and propagation, site establishment and maintenance, grading and testing, tree growing and maintenance, planning and analysis, machinery and equipment. These aspects are specific to forestry contexts.

    There are 14 training providers that are accredited to train this certificate programme (www.myskills.gov). Two of them being Down Under Training and FITEC Australia Inc.

    This qualification is designed for job roles in the forest growing and management sector of the forest and forest products industry. The target audience in Australia for this qualification are Forestry and Nursery Technicians. In Australia, the Supervisor (Forestry Operations) is one of the seven employment pathways for typical operational environments of forest growing and management.

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Forestry Production and Operations Foreman compares well with the above international qualifications from Australia and New Zealand. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety, Health and Environment Officer), NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Veldfire Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Forestry Technician, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are: Forestry Production and Operations Foreman: 131103-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education Training and Authority (FP&MSETA).

    Related Part-Qualification
  • Occupational Certificate: Forestry Production Foreman, Level 4. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.