Ask me a question!
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
I think my decision to stop working as a timber measurement contractor for Coillte and take up a position as manager with the Forestry Development Association Co-Op was the most important decision in terms of my career. I liked working with Coillte and I had an excellent mentor but the manager's position was an extremely interesting opportunity and I had to give it a try.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
I think my decision to stop working as a timber measurement contractor for Coillte and take up a position as manager with the Forestry Development Association Co-Op was the most important decision in terms of my career. I liked working with Coillte and I had an excellent mentor but the manager's position was an extremely interesting opportunity and I had to give it a try.
How did you go about getting your current job?
I started my position as manager in Lismore Estate in 2003 after the retirement of the previous manager. I had to attend two interviews before I was offered the position in Lismore. In Waterford Institute of Technology, I started off doing part-time lecturing hours in 2003 and then was given a Contract of Indefinite Duration after I had been working for the college for a number of years.
Describe a typical day?
During term time for WIT, I deliver lectures on the above subjects or prepare lecture plans, mark exams, attend meetings, organise and run field trips. In Lismore Estate I manage operations dependant on the time of year (establishment in the winter, harvest management in the spring and summer, management of maintenance operations, management of pesticide operations, staff training). I also measure timber, conduct inventory and survey the forest in general.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
Currently, I have two part-time positions: as a lecturer on the Bachelor of Science in Forestry at Waterford Institute of Technology and as manager of Lismore Estate forest. In WIT, I deliver lectures to forestry students in WIT on various modules including forest harvesting, sustainable forest management, forest engineering, forestry in the environment, forest economics, forest establishment and fundamentals of forestry. Also, I manage the forest resources for Lismore Estates including budgeting and financial management; harvest management, grant applications, health and safety, forest operations management, legislative requirements, personnel management.
What are the main challenges?
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
What is your education to date?
I have, and it is still my most treasured award, a National Diploma in Science in Forestry from Waterford Institute of Technology, which is now called the Bachelor of Science in Forestry. I also have a BSc (Hons.) in Forest Management, an MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management, a Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment and two Certificates in Renewable Energy Development.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
What is your dream job?
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Yes, I would still like to attend further courses. I think that a forester is always capable of learning something new because the field of interest for a forester is vast. A forester must have an understanding of economics, engineering, ecology, biology, chemistry, hydrology, silviculture, environmental science, and be knowledgeable in all the potential digital tools for use in forest management. And this is not even a complete list of the potential disciplines involved in forestry!
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?