The Work

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.

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.

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. 

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Construction Skills for Employment, Management, Engineering Operations, Engineering Precision Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, (CAD) Computer-Aided Design, Machine Tool Operations, CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Operator courses in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Furniture Making & Woodworking, Carpentry & Joinery Studies, Carpentry: Construction Technology, Carpentry Techniques, Woodwork with Furniture Making & Design, Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking, Forestry at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Arboriculture, Engineering, Carpentry, Lean Sigma management Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Sustainable Timber Technology, Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology, Furniture Making & Architectural Woodworking, Manufacturing Engineering, Forestry - Agricultural Science, Forestry  NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development & Associations

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Sustainable Energy & Green Technologies, Sustainable Resource Management - Policy & Practice NFQ level 9

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.

-Society of Irish Foresters: Membership in professional bodies is a way of keeping up-to-date and accessing continuous professional development courses.

Teagasc

Manufacturing Skillnet  

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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.

• Coillte

  • The Irish Forestry Board, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
  • Click Here

• Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

  • Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow
  • (059) 917 0200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Association of Irish Forestry Consultants

  • Click Here

• Forest Industries Ireland

  • Click Here

• Society of Irish Foresters

  • Society of Irish Foresters, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• COFORD

  • Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
  • (01) 607 2487
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here