Research Officer at Sappi

The Role

Sappi Southern Africa requires a Research Officer I - Mensuration to assist with Precision Forestry programs that enhance and refine effective yield estimation, yield prediction and yield optimisation capability through the maintenance and further development of growth and yield processes and models, as well as the maintenance of the growth and yield system and key datasets.

This role reports to the Precision Forestry Programme Leader.

The main responsibilities of this job are:

• Assist with the maintenance of existing growth models for all tree species and varieties grown by Sappi and make sure they are as accurate as possible using statistical analysis to prevent errors in growing stock estimation.\
• Assist with the development of new growth models as necessary by means of statistical analysis and relevant growth modelling processes for accurate growing stock measurement.
• Document the process used and results obtained by publishing scientific and/or technical reports for future reference.
• Drive industry collaboration by representing Sappi on relevant growth and yield technical committees to access external expertise and data.
• Monitor Sappi growing stock condition through analysis of historic measurement information to identify and explain changes and trends in growth over time.
• Assist in advising Sappi on new technologies applicable to mensuration as well as development and implementation of such technologies at an operational level.
• Assist in advising Sappi on effects of climatic factors over time on growth, by researching and publishing recommendations for potential operational implementation.
• Ensure that accurate growing stock data is obtained by assisting with the implementation and the driving of relevant measurement programs from which models can be developed and maintained.
• Assist with the management of the permanent sample plot (PSP) program of Sappi Forests by determining plot locations to ensure good representation of growing stock and driving the measurement program.
• Assist with the management and acquisition of stem volume and taper data from internal and external measurement trial plots for the development of stem form models.
• Assist with the management and acquisition of trial data from internal and external measurement trial plots for the development of spacing and mortality models
• Assist with the management of the permanent plot position (PPP) program by ensuring that the programme is implemented as planned to integrate the programme within Sappi Planning and Research departments
• Conduct annual PSP audits by doing field visits to check tree and plot measurements, as well as doing an electronic audit of the data in the database to ensure data integrity
• Assist in driving an effective enumeration program with the Planning department by participating in enumeration planning process to ensure that growing stock is effectively quantified within the available budget

The ideal candidate should have:

• A relevant BSc degree in statistics, mathematics, biometry, or related
• An Honours Degree will be an advantage.
• Up to two years relevant experience or a relevant MSc
• Experience with statistical modelling/biometry will be advantageous.
• Experience with current statistical packages like SAS, R or Python will be advantageous.
• GIS and database experience will be advantageous