|
|
Given the diversity in the ways we use forest products; it is no surprise that the career opportunities for wood technologists and scientists are just as numerous. Nationwide the wood products industry employs over 2,000,000 people in almost 100,000 manufacturing plants and related business facilities.
-
Wood scientists study wood and its fundamental characteristics in order to develop more productive, efficient and sustainable ways to use it, or to create new wood-based products. Many work in research and/or development for industry, government or universities.
-
Wood technologists work mainly in industry and are concerned with manufacturing processes, product quality, process control, end-use applications, marketing and sales. They combine their technical knowledge of wood as a material with knowledge of business, manufacturing and consumer use to ensure that quality products are available to the consumer and used properly.
There are, of course, many variations of these two categories
and jobs often have elements of science, technology and business.
In general, there are four broad areas in which wood science
and technology graduates find employment.
.jpg)
Manufacturing careers are especially
diverse and involve product and process development, quality
control, production and management. Entry level-positions
are typically in production and management training.
.jpg)
Marketing is a key element in forest-product
business strategies and deals with many activities connected
with the flow and exchange of ideas, goods and services from
initial concept to consumer use. Entry-level positions are
often in sales, market analysis, and management training.
Technical service representatives
work for suppliers, industry associations or manufacturers
and use their knowledge of wood and the industry to solve
problems, enhance the efficiency or profitability of clients,
or to provide technical advice. University Extension programs
are another source of employment.
.jpg)
Research scientists and technologists
use imagination, inquisitiveness and insight in understanding
wood, solving problems, or developing new products. Research
areas are many, especially with product development and behavior,
or process improvement. These careers often require graduate
degrees.
|
"Career opportunities in wood science and
technology are incredibly diverse and challenging" |
|
Some examples of recent jobs taken by OSU Wood Science & Engineering graduates: |
|
Brightwood Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Quality Assistant/Lean Manufacturing |
|
JELD-WEN Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Management Trainee |
National Assn. of Home Builders . . . . . . . . |
Market Research Analyst |
|
OSU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Graduate Research Assistant |
|
Roseburg Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Quality Control |
|
Western Wood Products Association . . . . . |
Technical Support, Marketing |
|
Boise Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Product Manager |
Sustainable Northwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Program Associate |
|
Other titles of current jobs held by OSU WS&T Graduates: |
|
Plant Engineer |
Design Engineer |
|
Project Engineer |
Wood Chemist |
|
Production Foreman |
Technical Support Writer |
|
Technical Director |
International Lumber Trader |
|
Wood Products Pathologist |
Trade Association Representative |
|
Management Trainee |
Wood Technologist |
|
Quality Control Technician |
Wood Products Technologist |
|
Sales Manager |
Extension Specialist |
|
Marketing Manager |
Research Scientist |
|
Research General Engineer |
Quality Control Supervisor |
|
Technical Service Manager |
Research Technologist |
|
Editor, Trade Journal |
Product Development Specialist |
|
Account Representative |
Software Analyst |
|
Extension Agent |
Total Quality Trainee |
Market Researcher |
New Product Development Manager |
CEO and President |
Vice-President, Operations |
Last updated: August 25, 2009