Mondi

Operations research specialist

Qualifications:

• National Diploma in Forestry

• BSc Honours Forestry

• Post Graduate Certificate in Ergonomics

Forestry career: Four years

In my position, I wear two hats. The first relates to improving ergonomics at Mondi Forests where I conduct assessments and drive and implement best practice. The second involves work studies for the development of statistically sound productivity standards across Mondi Operations. An average day in the office typically entails organising fieldwork with foresters, data analysis and day-to-day admin. Working in the field means interacting with teams and collecting data.

WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR

I love nature and working with people; forestry is a perfect combination of both. Every day is different and has its own challenges because we are working with two unpredictable elements: people and nature to supply timber to the mill sustainably.

MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY

The industry is moving into the fourth industrial revolution where words like ‘digitisation’ and ‘big data sets’ are starting to become part of the forestry language. The industry has found itself looking for skill sets that did not exist 20 years ago. To excel, you need to be open-minded, have an inquisitive mind and be willing to learn from everyone around you. Girls in forestry rock!