What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Scientific evaluation of progress reports, general queries relating to current research topics and processing new research proposals, field visits, representing DAFM at meetings, etc.

Describe a typical day?

Typical day in the office starts at 9am, check emails and prioritise duties for the day. I am always in contact with project co-ordinators and with my own colleagues processing queries and evaluating progress reports. When I am in the forest doing inspections I am cross checking progress reports against trial sites.

What are the main challenges?

Responding to queries in a timely manner, organising work schedule.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Extensive knowledge of forest operations on the ground, good communicator and works in a timely manner.

What's cool?

This job doesn’t restrict me to forestry alone I am also involved in the agriculture side of research and often represent the research division at various meetings that also includes foreign travel!

What's not so cool?  

Office duties on a sunny day

How did you go about getting your current job?  

Planning was essential to securing my current job, I quit a permanent job and took up a temporary job on a 2 year contract. I believed this would enhance my skills and abilities in order for me to secure my current permanent role as forest inspector! You have to be prepared to put the work in, take risks and make some sacrifices in life!!

What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

A Degree in Forest Management wasn’t on the agenda among my friends when I was completing my leaving cert but that didn’t stop me and this was a major turning point in my life. Following that I completed a HDip in business management, part-time. I felt I needed something extra on my CV to give me some advantage in an interview.  

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction? 

I think I was self-influenced, but support from family allowed me to achieve this. 

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Currently YES! A work life balance is very important

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

Geography and Biology are the main subjects I found were a good foundation to my studies.

What is your education to date?  

BSc Forest Management from GMIT, BAgrSc (Forestry) from UCD and HDip in Business Management.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

Analysing scientific information, problem solving, critical thinking, communication skills.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

Always open to further training to enhance my skills and abilities. At the early stages of your career you are in your prime for further training.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Completing the HDip in Business Management part time!

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

Good communicator, motivated and ambitious.

What is your dream job?

I’m currently in my dream job and hope this will continue as my career progresses

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Good communicator, self motivated, analytical thinking

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Great opportunity to broaden you CV and not only limited to forestry alone in an Irish context, but involvement in agriculture and forestry at an EU level. More detail to add to the CV and gives stronger presence in an interview.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Knowledge and Involvement in some element of research. A broad range of ground experience in as many forest operations as possible prepares one for the role of forest inspector. Being part of active forest operation groups outside of your job role profile is always beneficial.

Forestry Careers Ireland