Canfor - Project Leader - Genus Resource Management Technologies Inc.

Introduction

Forest management requires the collection and analysis of huge amounts of data. Managing this data, through the use of computers and networks, is critical to the quality of forest planning.

Over the years, Canfor has developed significant expertise and many innovative concepts in resource management technology. In 2001, Canfor formed a new software business called Genus Resource Management Technologies. Genus has developed an integrated business tool which uses one database for all of the many resource management data uses.

A group of information technology specialists assist with the on-going development and use of the Genus system. One such specialist is Val Erickson, who is a project leader for Genus.

Next: The Job

The Job

Val's job as a project leader has a strong customer focus. She works with clients to bring the Genus system on-line and integrate it into their daily operations. This requires Val to have a good understanding of information systems and of the business of forestry.

"Genus is based on an Oracle Database integrated with GIS a Geographic Information System," explains Val. "GIS systems displays map information. This is especially useful in forest management where these computer maps are essential in the planning process. For example, computer generated maps can show the relationship between proposed roads and terrain stability, or between critical wildlife habitat and proposed logging. These maps enable field staff to complete their planning more efficiently."

Often in a forest company each operation will be using different databases to track different management components such as harvest planning, silviculture, road planning and log production. This means they have to re-enter data for the same block for each database. When someone wants to analyze information from different operations, or look at how different components are connected, the different systems do not lend themselves to this cross-referencing.

The Genus system provides one system for multiple uses. Val explains, "Genus provides a central database where block information is only entered once, and then can be tracked all the way through the life-cycle of the block from planning, permit applications, harvesting, silviculture right through to green-up."

Genus allows more people to access the GIS data, not just the GIS technicians. This enhances the operation's ability for data sharing, tracking activities, generating reports and linking projects to financial information.

Val's involvement in managing the implementation of the Genus system covers a range of activities. In the first step, the client's business needs are assessed to identify what information they should track. "Once we have a clear picture of the client's business requirements, I work with the client to manage the data. I have to ensure their current data is converted to a usable form and loaded into the Genus system. We also look at what other data must to be collected to meet their needs," says Val.

After the system is implemented, Val works with the client to build their expertise. One aspect of enhancing client capability is training. Val is involved in assessing training needs, developing materials and in coordinating sessions for the client's staff.

Once both the system and the clients are up and running, Val provides on-going technical support. Although Genus provides a call center for traditional technical questions, the support that Val provides is at the project management level. An example of the service that Val provides would be in managing a data conversion project for a client. "I would help find the resources to get the work done and ensure the conversion was done smoothly and to their standards," explains Val.

As people begin to work with Genus, they often find new uses for the system. As well, there are often emerging needs for custom reporting or new management requirements. This leads to an on-going relationship with clients to enable them to optimize the use of the system. "Sometimes this means an enhancement to the system, or the design of an entirely new application," recalls Val.

Val's technical and analytical skills are key for this work. In addition, and perhaps just as important, are her skills in interpersonal communication. Val confirms, adding that "working closely with clients is really about building a solid relationship, where we work together to solve problems."

Next: The Path

The Path

GIS and forestry systems are quite new and were barely even an option when Val was considering a career path in high school. GIS was in its infancy and the Genus system was not even dreamed of. There were very few courses on GIS available at colleges and universities. How then, did Val end up on a path that wasn't even there?

Val recalls, "It wasn't computers that interested me while growing up, but athletics. Actually computers weren't even around homes and schools then!" In high school she was involved in helping to teach Phys.Ed, so the natural path was to continue this interest in university. In first year, she realized that she was pursuing a degree in Phys. Ed. because she loved playing sports. " I realized that playing sports would always be part of my life, with or without a degree in Phys.Ed.," says Val. She started to think about other options. She always had a keen interest in geography and particularly liked reading and drawing maps. After a few courses in land use planning, she was hooked. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Environmental Studies and Geography.

Val spent the next 6 years doing fieldwork: monitoring weather stations, measuring spring runoff, timber cruising and doing geological surveys. Computers were becoming an important part of the job so Val took courses at night to upgrade her skills.

With her technical expertise and communication abilities, Val was able to work at a forestry college teaching geology, aerial photography and computers. This in turn led to a job running the GIS systems for a consulting company, a software development company and eventually to Canfor as a GIS Business analyst. Val's work with Canfor led to work on the development of an information system to integrate the many databases being used by each woodland operation. The Genus concept was born.

Val's communication, problem solving and training skills are essential in her work with clients. Her learning continues as she is constantly upgrading her skills through university and technical courses. Val's on-going schooling has included courses in project management and marketing as well as computer courses.

Next: That’s Cool

That’s Cool

According to Val, "I think it's cool to be able to be involved with such leading edge technology, especially one I have been involved with since it was just a concept! I get to see how our clients use Genus to make a huge difference in their ability to manage a complex business. This is very fulfilling."

Next: Yikes!

Yikes!

One of the key rules all computer users must live by is to do back-ups of all work. If your computer fails, all your hard work can be lost forever. Val remembers, "Someone once told me there are two types of hard drives, those that have failed and those that will fail. In my work, systems crashes or people accidentally corrupting data can be a nightmare – thank goodness for back-ups."

Next: The Best

The Best

For Val the best part of her work is the combination of people, places and technology. " I love traveling and I get to see a lot of beautiful country and I enjoy the privilege of working with a variety of interesting people. I think, however, that the very best part of my work is helping people find solutions to their problems."

Next: Advice

Advice

"My advice to anyone is to get a good education, whether it be through university, college, or trade school. Any opportunity to learn about computers at any given time should be pursued," advises Val. Although your career path may not lead to a degree or diploma in computer science, computers are a fact of life in many different jobs and are a part of everyday life now. Val adds one last note, "Take a typing course in high school if you can. I did not, as I knew I would not be pursuing a clerical type of job. Little did I know that my career would depend so much on typing and computers!"

Next: The Person

The Person

Being a full time working mom leaves little time for Val to pursue the full range of recreation activities she once enjoyed. Any spare time is spent at home with her 2 children and her husband. They enjoy going for walks, fishing, trips to the park, and working around home doing yard work or gardening. However, athletics is still an important part of Val's busy life. At every opportunity Val goes running, to the gym for a workout, plays baseball, or gets the occasional curling game in. She is a firm believer in healthy eating and keeping fit. "Once the kids are older I will be able to play more team sports on a regular basis." Finding a way to balance family, work and personal fitness is an important goal for us all.

Next: Questions?

Questions?

If you have any questions about a career as a project manager, send us an e-mail. For more information visit the following websites:

Return to Introduction

Teacher’s Lounge Students Games Tours Library Tree Trivia Forestry Careers Biologist Compliance Management Environmental Technologist Planning and Site Manager General Manager, Paper Marketing Research Scientist Project Leader Forestry Files Contact Us	Forestry Careers Project Leader - Genus Resource Management Technologies Inc.
	Introduction The Job The Path That’s Cool Yikes! The Best Advice The Person Questions?	Introduction Forest management requires the collection and analysis of huge amounts of data. Managing this data, through the use of computers and networks, is critical to the quality of forest planning. Over the years, Canfor has developed significant expertise and many innovative concepts in resource management technology. In 2001, Canfor formed a new software business called Genus Resource Management Technologies. Genus has developed an integrated business tool which uses one database for all of the many resource management data uses. A group of information technology specialists assist with the on-going development and use of the Genus system. One such specialist is Val Erickson, who is a project leader for Genus. Next: The Job The Job Val's job as a project leader has a strong customer focus. She works with clients to bring the Genus system on-line and integrate it into their daily operations. This requires Val to have a good understanding of information systems and of the business of forestry. "Genus is based on an Oracle Database integrated with GIS a Geographic Information System," explains Val. "GIS systems displays map information. This is especially useful in forest management where these computer maps are essential in the planning process. For example, computer generated maps can show the relationship between proposed roads and terrain stability, or between critical wildlife habitat and proposed logging. These maps enable field staff to complete their planning more efficiently." Often in a forest company each operation will be using different databases to track different management components such as harvest planning, silviculture, road planning and log production. This means they have to re-enter data for the same block for each database. When someone wants to analyze information from different operations, or look at how different components are connected, the different systems do not lend themselves to this cross-referencing. The Genus system provides one system for multiple uses. Val explains, "Genus provides a central database where block information is only entered once, and then can be tracked all the way through the life-cycle of the block from planning, permit applications, harvesting, silviculture right through to green-up." Genus allows more people to access the GIS data, not just the GIS technicians. This enhances the operation's ability for data sharing, tracking activities, generating reports and linking projects to financial information. Val's involvement in managing the implementation of the Genus system covers a range of activities. In the first step, the client's business needs are assessed to identify what information they should track. "Once we have a clear picture of the client's business requirements, I work with the client to manage the data. I have to ensure their current data is converted to a usable form and loaded into the Genus system. We also look at what other data must to be collected to meet their needs," says Val. After the system is implemented, Val works with the client to build their expertise. One aspect of enhancing client capability is training. Val is involved in assessing training needs, developing materials and in coordinating sessions for the client's staff. Once both the system and the clients are up and running, Val provides on-going technical support. Although Genus provides a call center for traditional technical questions, the support that Val provides is at the project management level. An example of the service that Val provides would be in managing a data conversion project for a client. "I would help find the resources to get the work done and ensure the conversion was done smoothly and to their standards," explains Val. As people begin to work with Genus, they often find new uses for the system. As well, there are often emerging needs for custom reporting or new management requirements. This leads to an on-going relationship with clients to enable them to optimize the use of the system. "Sometimes this means an enhancement to the system, or the design of an entirely new application," recalls Val. Val's technical and analytical skills are key for this work. In addition, and perhaps just as important, are her skills in interpersonal communication. Val confirms, adding that "working closely with clients is really about building a solid relationship, where we work together to solve problems." Next: The Path The Path GIS and forestry systems are quite new and were barely even an option when Val was considering a career path in high school. GIS was in its infancy and the Genus system was not even dreamed of. There were very few courses on GIS available at colleges and universities. How then, did Val end up on a path that wasn't even there? Val recalls, "It wasn't computers that interested me while growing up, but athletics. Actually computers weren't even around homes and schools then!" In high school she was involved in helping to teach Phys.Ed, so the natural path was to continue this interest in university. In first year, she realized that she was pursuing a degree in Phys. Ed. because she loved playing sports. " I realized that playing sports would always be part of my life, with or without a degree in Phys.Ed.," says Val. She started to think about other options. She always had a keen interest in geography and particularly liked reading and drawing maps. After a few courses in land use planning, she was hooked. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Environmental Studies and Geography. Val spent the next 6 years doing fieldwork: monitoring weather stations, measuring spring runoff, timber cruising and doing geological surveys. Computers were becoming an important part of the job so Val took courses at night to upgrade her skills. With her technical expertise and communication abilities, Val was able to work at a forestry college teaching geology, aerial photography and computers. This in turn led to a job running the GIS systems for a consulting company, a software development company and eventually to Canfor as a GIS Business analyst. Val's work with Canfor led to work on the development of an information system to integrate the many databases being used by each woodland operation. The Genus concept was born. Val's communication, problem solving and training skills are essential in her work with clients. Her learning continues as she is constantly upgrading her skills through university and technical courses. Val's on-going schooling has included courses in project management and marketing as well as computer courses. Next: That’s Cool That’s Cool According to Val, "I think it's cool to be able to be involved with such leading edge technology, especially one I have been involved with since it was just a concept! I get to see how our clients use Genus to make a huge difference in their ability to manage a complex business. This is very fulfilling." Next: Yikes! Yikes! One of the key rules all computer users must live by is to do back-ups of all work. If your computer fails, all your hard work can be lost forever. Val remembers, "Someone once told me there are two types of hard drives, those that have failed and those that will fail. In my work, systems crashes or people accidentally corrupting data can be a nightmare – thank goodness for back-ups." Next: The Best The Best For Val the best part of her work is the combination of people, places and technology. " I love traveling and I get to see a lot of beautiful country and I enjoy the privilege of working with a variety of interesting people. I think, however, that the very best part of my work is helping people find solutions to their problems." Next: Advice Advice "My advice to anyone is to get a good education, whether it be through university, college, or trade school. Any opportunity to learn about computers at any given time should be pursued," advises Val. Although your career path may not lead to a degree or diploma in computer science, computers are a fact of life in many different jobs and are a part of everyday life now. Val adds one last note, "Take a typing course in high school if you can. I did not, as I knew I would not be pursuing a clerical type of job. Little did I know that my career would depend so much on typing and computers!" Next: The Person The Person Being a full time working mom leaves little time for Val to pursue the full range of recreation activities she once enjoyed. Any spare time is spent at home with her 2 children and her husband. They enjoy going for walks, fishing, trips to the park, and working around home doing yard work or gardening. However, athletics is still an important part of Val's busy life. At every opportunity Val goes running, to the gym for a workout, plays baseball, or gets the occasional curling game in. She is a firm believer in healthy eating and keeping fit. "Once the kids are older I will be able to play more team sports on a regular basis." Finding a way to balance family, work and personal fitness is an important goal for us all. Next: Questions? Questions? If you have any questions about a career as a project manager, send us an e-mail. For more information visit the following websites: Genus Resource Management Technologies Inc. The Geographic Informations Systems Department at BCIT Department of Geography University of British Columbia University of Waterloo Faculty of Environmental Studies British Columbia's Land Use Coordination Office's Geographic Information Service U.S. Geological Survey Return to Introduction