YOUR CAREER AS A
FORESTRY VALUE CHAIN/LOGISTICS SCIENTIST

Any product supply chain is only as efficient as its slowest or limiting point. A researcher in forestry logistics may examine the entire flow of logs from the forest to its end product as a timber house framing or a log arrived in China. Where in the chain does the wood slow down on its journey and efficiency is reduced? Is it during loading on the truck, as timber waiting to be dried in a kiln, or on the ship stuck in a queue in the Suez Canal?

These questions will excite a logistics scientist, and they will be motivated by finding solutions to practical problems within the forestry industry.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

To work in logistics you may have a degree in commerce or business with a Graduate Diploma or Masters in Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management. But a research career in this field may require a specialist Doctorate that utilised mathematics, computational modelling, and showed an in-depth understanding of the forestry value chain. This may also have been achieved by having worked in the industry.

Skills required include:

• statistical and analytical skills including modelling techniques

See the Careers NZ website for more information about science careers in forestry.

SIMILAR JOBS

• Modeller
• Logistics and supply

CAREER PROGRESSION

Researchers can move into more senior research positions and management roles, and consultancy. There is also potential for an academic career e.g. at a university. There is often the opportunity to work overseas for varying periods of time.