YOUR CAREER AS A
COMPUTER SCIENTIST/DATA ENGINEER
Computer scientists may build data bases, dashboards for scientists to use or software to make predictions and share data resources safely with collaborators in other institutions. Data engineers are building software pipelines to bring quality data to scientists.
Pipelines gather data from sensors sitting within forests, or laboratory equipment in an automated way. This removes the need for scientists to run into the forest and collect data every day, but the data arrives on time, automatically and already checked or visually scanned for quality or identification. Also, software can alert the users if something is wrong with sensors straight away.
SNAPSHOT INFO
Earning Potential
$55,000 – $125,000
Qualification Required
DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND POSSIBLY SPECIALISED POSTGRAD
Physically Demanding
DESK-BASED
Absence from home
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Data or computational scientists must have a degree in computer science and may have proven their expertise or specialisation during a post graduate degree such as a masters or doctorate. Skills required include:
- attention to detail
- Advanced coding and cloud compute skills
- Be familiar with Linux environment
- analytical skills
- strong in mathematics and computing
See the Careers NZ website for more information about science careers in forestry.
SIMILAR JOBS
CAREER PROGRESSION
Researchers can move into more senior research positions and management roles, and consultancy. There is also potential for an academic career e.g. at a university. There is often the opportunity to work overseas for varying periods of time.