Forest Road Design Engineer
りんどうせっけいぎじゅつしゃ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A technical position that plans, surveys, and designs forest roads in forested areas, proposing road structures that consider safety and environmental considerations.
Description
Forest road design engineers conduct terrain surveys and soil investigations for the purpose of developing road networks in forests, designing safe and easy-to-maintain forest roads. Main tasks include calculating longitudinal and cross-sectional gradients, designing the layout and structure of drainage facilities (side ditches and culverts), examining subgrade thickness and pavement composition, cost estimation, and organizing construction conditions. CAD and GIS are used in design, with consideration for environmental impact assessments and conservation of surrounding forest resources. They collaborate with local governments, construction consultants, and forestry businesses to improve regional access and support sustainable forest management.
Future Outlook
Demand is increasing for balancing forest maintenance and environmental conservation, with expectations for smart forest road design using ICT, drone surveying, and BIM/CIM. Demand for qualified professionals is expected to remain stable.
Personality Traits
Analytical orientation / Attentive / Interest in natural environment / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Business trips / Construction Consultant / Flex / Local Government Employment / Office work and site surveys
Career Path
Assistant Engineer → Forest Road Design Engineer → Senior Forest Road Engineer → Project Manager → Consultant → Local Government Staff (Civil Engineering/Forestry)
Required Skills
CAD / Drainage Design / GIS / Road Structure Design / Soil Mechanics / Survey Instrument Operation
Recommended Skills
Construction Management / Environmental Impact Assessment / Forestry / Project Management / Reading English Technical Documents
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Logical thinking is essential to derive the optimal design cross-section from terrain and soil data. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because minor errors in gradients or drainage conditions can greatly affect the safety of structures. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Mathematical analysis such as gradient calculations, earthwork volume calculations, and strength calculations is required daily. |
| Planning & Organization | The ability to formulate and manage overall project plans and schedules is important. |
| Problem Solving | The ability to solve unexpected geological and environmental issues that arise during on-site surveys is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly desk work, but a certain level of physical stamina is required during on-site surveys. |
Related Qualifications
- Assistant Land Surveyor
- First-Class Civil Construction Management Engineer
- Land Surveyor
- Second-Class Civil Construction Management Engineer
Related Jobs
- Civil Design Engineer
- Forestry Engineer
- Road Design Engineer
- Structural Design Engineer