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Forest Biometrician

A Forest Biometrician is someone who collects and analyzes data about the trees managed by a forestry company. This work involves designing methods to sample the trees, developing forecasts to predict future growth and determining what forest management would best maximize financial returns. Through this work, forest companies gain sound biological and mathematical information to make well-informed business decisions.

In the forestry industry, the Forest Biometrician utilizes imagery such as LiDAR, numbers and data to accurately estimate the trees growing within a working forest. Collected data is put into statistical software, such as SAS and R, to create growth and yield models that predict future tree growth.  These models after being developed are often implemented using a variety of programming languages (C++, C#, Fortran, etc.).

This position may also be referred to as a Research Biometrician.

Stephanie Patton

Forest Biometrician

As a biometrician in the forest industry, I get to utilize data and statistics to predict the growth of trees into the future, which influences all of the management that we do in the forest. This work is really essential for us to continue to have a sustainable forest resource.

Education

A Master’s Degree with a strong foundation in statistics and forestry is recommended. Expertise in silviculture, operations research and forest finance is desirable. For higher-level positions, a PhD-level Degree may be required.

Helpful courses to take in high school include biology, mathematics, statistics, and any agricultural-focused course.

Tools of the Trade

  • The majority of the Forest Biometrician’s work is spent on a computer working in statistical software. Such software includes R or SAS. Biometricians may also develop software for other people to use in R, Python, C++, C#, or other computer languages.
  • While out in the forest, measurement tools will be needed to collect data. A diameter tape (for measuring the diameter of the trees), a hypsometer, clinometer, or relascope (for measuring tree height and/or diameter), and a prism (for determining which trees to measure in a single location). Many of these tools have been invented specifically to accomplish forestry field jobs.
  • A tablet for recording all measurement numbers; pin flags for marking; and protective gear such as hard hats, vests, and snake chops while walking through the working forest.

Important Skills

This position is driven by numbers and measurements, so a working knowledge and love for numbers and statistics is a must. In addition, use of a variety of statistical techniques, statistical software and programming skills are often required. 

The ability to think holistically is a necessary skill because the Research Biometrician also considers information about the forest. This includes the types of trees growing, the conditions where the trees are growing, and the history of the trees.

Many Forest Biometricians work in collaboration with teams. Good teamwork and communication skills are needed. This position requires the individual to speak with various department heads, sharing forest data and analysis.

Job Responsibilities

Use growth and yield models provide a landowner, such as a forestry company, with valuable information used for business decisions. From financial decisions to developing timber management schedules, these models are valuable assets to the company as a whole.

Forest Biometricians spend most of their time on a computer working in statistical software. But when they are not behind the desk, they are out in the forests collecting tree data to further their research efforts. Tree height, diameter, site quality, stand conditions, and stand history are all important components of the research conducted by the Biometrician.

Learn more about Forest Biometricians in the video story, What does a Forest Biometrician do?

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