Keyword

Wood Technologist

Wood Scientist

Minimum Bachelors in Wood Science and Technology

Not required

The tasks a Wood Technologist is expected to perform include:

Conducting experiments and investigating problems connected with seasoning, preservation and utilisation of timber and its by-products

Evolving methods for curing timber, testing it for strength, converting it into charcoal, plywood, etc.

Studying physical properties of wood such as hardness, pliability, moisture, shrinkage, stresses during drying, etc.

Devising scientific and economical methods of improving properties of wood and wood by-products

Maintaining ledger files, containing collection of tropical and other forestry literature

Coordinating procurement and supply of seeds of various species

Studying the occurrences and causes of soil erosion and determine suitable preventive measures

Conducting trainings for State Forest Officers and students of Forest colleges

Skilled in research and development, especially related to forestry

Knowledge of characteristics of different types of trees, wood fibres, usages, etc.Knowledge of computer programmes and data analysis techniques

Proficient in English language

Knowledge of scientific rules and methods to solve problems

Familiar with the methods of curing wood and exploring methods for converting wood into commodities

Knowledge of analysing physical, chemical and biological properties of wood

Knowledge of wood anatomy

Skilled in sectioning and mounting small particles for microscopical study

Post-graduation in Wood Technology

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Team player

Analytic thinker

Hardworking and persistent

Result-oriented

Self-motivated

Good communication skills

Observant

It is not a desk job

Need not handle a team

Local travelling is necessary

Part-time work and contractual jobs are not available

Work from home option is not available

Working hours

Companies usually work for 5/6 days a week and 8/9 hours everyday. This may vary from company to company Shift system maybe available

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needsNo

This job is not considered hazardous or dangerous as per The Factories Act, 1948 (section 87)One may develop occupational hazards like poor eyesight, injury to body from using sharp tools/equipment in the laboratory, etc. if not taken care of

For freshers - INR 8,000 to INR 16,000 per monthFor candidates with experience - INR 33,000 to INR 41,000 per month(These figures are indicative and subject to change)

Importance of Wood in India

According to a report released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Indian forestry revolves around social and environmental elements of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). The demand for wood and wood products will continue to increase in the future. The present need is met mainly from the agro-forestry sector and balance demand through imports. The requirement for wood and wood products is bound to witness an unprecedented upward trend due to various economic and policy initiatives recently taken in India. Technological advances allow more efficient use of raw material for better quality of products. Despite the technological advances relating to efficient use of wood, reduction of wastage, diversity of raw materials and recycling, the gap between demand and supply is widening.

With depleting wood resources the importance of research is felt to improve and fill the gap of the demand of wood and wood products. The Wood Technologist will help to reduce this gap, hence the opportunities for this profile are widening and almost every forestry department has a separate division for this research.

Central and state governments

Private research institutes

Companies engaged in manufacturing wood by-products

Cities and towns across India