Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Timber Technologist- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
In a few specialist firms, technologists work mainly in research and development, related to the technical aspects of preserving and processing wood. In many firms, large or small, this work is likely to be combined with sales and administration and may sometimes include marketing and distribution. Technologists are involved in supervising:
- The manufacture of wood based panels
- The importation and storage of timber
- The drying of timber by kiln and natural methods
- The chemical preservation of timber
- The conversion of wood pulp and waste paper into paper and board, using woodworking machinery
- The production of timber frame housing, joinery and architectural products, furniture components
Technologists also work as buyers, technical/sales representatives or in customer service. They may deal with a wide range of different customers. These could include civil and marine engineers, the environment agencies, boat builders, shop fitters and joiners.
Qualities - Timber Technologist
You must have a good understanding of the properties of timber and wood based products. You should also have a knowledge of science, particularly chemistry.
You need to be able to solve problems and work on your own initiative. An understanding of business practice and of computer skills is also useful. Organisation and communication skills are also important when dealing with customers.
Interests - Timber Technologist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Timber Technologist
As a Timber Technologist you need to have particular skills and competencies so you are typically required to have a relevant qualification. These may involve carpentry, engineering, manufacturing & production, and management.
With a number of years’ experience you can move into consultancy work as a self-employed consultant for example. Undertaking additional training or postgraduate study, is a good way to increase your chances of progressing in your career.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: construction skills for employment, management, engineering operations, engineering precision manufacturing, engineering technology, CAD, computer-aided design, machine tool operations, CNC, computer numeric control operator.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: furniture making, woodwork, carpentry, joinery studies, construction, design, architectural woodworking, forestry.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Arboriculture, Engineering, Carpentry, Lean Sigma Management.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: general engineering, sustainable timber technology, wood and sustainable building technology, furniture making, architectural woodworking, manufacturing engineering, forestry, agricultural science.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, sustainable energy, green technologies, sustainable resource management, policy and practice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Society of Irish Foresters: Membership in professional bodies is a way of keeping up-to-date and accessing continuous professional development courses.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Timber Technologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €48k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Clark/ Payscale / Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley / Excel/ Osborne
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Timber Technologist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paper and wood machine operatives; Coal mine operatives; Quarry workers and related operatives; Energy plant operatives; Metal working machine operatives; Water and sewerage plant operatives; Printing machine assistants; Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite the strong employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment only returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2022.
Although the green transition may result in an increased demand for elementary workers in energy and sewerage plant operations, the small numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation do not allow for detailed demand analysis.
Useful Contacts - Timber Technologist
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Coillte
- The Irish Forestry Board, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
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- Click Here
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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Association of Irish Forestry Consultants
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Forest Industries Ireland
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Society of Irish Foresters
- Society of Irish Foresters, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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COFORD
- Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
- (01) 607 2487
- [email protected]
- Click Here
