What can I do with a degree in Forest Engineering?

Through their Forest Engineering degree graduates gain a valuable skillset that includes:

• Creativity and innovation
• Logical and quantitative thinking
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Practical application of engineering technology and science
• Balancing ecological and environmental needs with economic and societal requirements
• Bicultural competence.

Experiential learning

Students undertake 100 days of practical work experience as part of this degree. This provides you with industry understanding and the confidence to apply your skills. Learning and networking also take place during fieldtrips and an industry project.

Forest engineers have a wide skillset that provides work opportunities both at home and abroad. Forest engineers work with public and governmental agencies. Many work for:

• Forest companies
• Forest management consultancies
• Industry contractors.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of Forest Engineering, job opportunities are also available in areas including:

• General engineering consultancies
• Local and regional councils
• Government agencies
• Resource management sector
• Research institutions.

UC graduates have been employed as forest engineers, forest consultants, project engineers, civil engineers, infrastructure engineers, site managers and more.

As forest engineers have a broad knowledge and solid technical ability, they are able to work in diverse areas and on a variety of activities such as:

Harvest planning

• Using terrain, stand and soil maps to create cost effective harvest plans
• Walking forest stands and laying out the plans to ensure they are feasible, as well as safe for the workers and the environment

Forest roading

• Finding options for new road locations
• Surveying and laying out these roads for construction
• Designing road standards, including culverts and bridges
• Managing road construction teams

Forestry equipment

• Designing new equipment to make harvesting safer and more cost-effective
• Integrating new technologies so that machines are smarter
• Choosing machinery that can best work together as a system

Optimising logistics

• Scheduling forest transportation to get the logs from the forest to the markets
• Ensuring customers receive the right quantities and qualities of products

Supervising contractors

• Setting up contractors to ensure planned work is carried out
• Ensuring safety and environmental standards are maintained
• Working with contractors to improve their operations

Developing new forest products

• Working together with structural engineers or sawmills to create new wood based products for the building industry

Improving the environment

• Integrating wood based renewable bio-energy programs for heat or electricity
• Expanding and maintaining forest areas for capturing carbon
• Maintaining or improving water quality
• Stabilising soil erosion prone catchments

Geospatial work

Using global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS)
Assisting the design of geospatial systems and managing equipment.

Can I use my skills to work for myself?

Entrepreneurship and innovation are an increasing part of the working landscape. Graduates can:

• Develop an idea to form their own business
• Get involved in a start-up
• Offer their services as a consultant

Get started with Entrepreneurship here.

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others in the same community.

• New Zealand Institute of Forestry
• Forest Industry Engineering Association
• Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand
• The Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand Inc.
• New Zealand Forest Owners Association

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.