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Forestry and the associated value-adding industries are complex businesses that require a major stream of qualified people who are versatile, adaptable, technologically literate and team-oriented.
The significant diversity of activity within the industry ranges from agriculture tending of trees in forests, through the technical/engineering skills required to move the wood from the forest, to the specialised capabilities required to convert forest product into end products.
It follows that there is place within the industry for almost every kind of skilled person. Forest companies are usually quite large and require all the usual management infrastructure – accounting, sales and marketing, quality control, human resources, information technology, logistics, science, engineering, etc.
The opportunities are almost endless – but one thing most employees have in common is an affinity with trees and their products.
Non-commercial careers
There are many employment opportunities with organisations such as the Department of Conservation and local authorities which are responsible for the protection and management of natural forests, parks and reserves.
There are also opportunities for scientifically trained people to work in research and technology. For instance, at Scion, which is a Crown Research Institute.
The entry points and requirements for such careers vary widely and good advice on options can be obtained from organisations such as FITEC – New Zealand’s forest industries training organisation.
Click on the hotlink opposite to visit the FITEC website. |