SAFCOL

Nursery supervisor

Qualifications:

• Matric

• Programme in Safety Management (NFQ Level 6)

Forestry career: 17 years

I supervise a team of 54 workers who are responsible for producing all the seedlings required across SAFCOL’s plantations. During planting season, we deliver between 34,000 and 50,000 seedlings every day. It takes six months from planting before a seedling is ready to leave the nursery and we are responsible for every aspect of its care. We water them every day, even on weekends and public holidays, and monitor for pests and diseases to ensure that the plants that leave our nursery are in the best condition they can be. I recently gained my diploma in safety management as I feel this is an important aspect of running a successful nursery.

WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR

I love my job and am passionate about everything that goes with it. I want to see this nursery succeed and help move it to the next level. I love finding ways to solve problems and working in a nursery setting enables me to do this. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY

I speak to a lot of students who want to one day be part of this industry. I tell them that as a woman, there is no role in forestry you cannot pursue. All you need is dedication and the determination to succeed. It is an industry that will help you achieve this, that supports you if you want to go forward and learn more. That is the beauty of working in the forestry sector.