Meet Elin – The Forest Planner Who Combines a Passion for Technology with Forestry Studies
From a Summer Job to a Drone-Flying Planner. Elin is a student who combines her forestry studies with working at JGA.
– It works really well, and it opens a lot of doors – the network you build is incredibly valuable!, says Elin.
Working in forestry has long been a dream of hers. After attending a forestry-focused high school and completing both an internship and a summer job at JGA, it was clear that the forest was her future. Now – nearly two years later – she’s still with JGA Skog, working part-time as a forest planner.
– During my summer job, I got the chance to support the purchasers, and I quickly realized that forest management was something I wanted to continue with, Elin says. So when it was time to start university, I didn’t want to let go of the job – it was just too much fun!
Elin stayed on at JGA, and her role has since evolved. Today, she still supports the purchasers while also working as a forest planner, helping landowners develop forest management plans. This includes dividing the forest into different compartments, describing the condition of each, and suggesting appropriate forestry measures. A large part of the work takes place in the field, often with drones as an essential tool.
– I love the connection between forestry and technology – how something so physical can also become digital. There’s so much to gain from that interaction, and I really enjoy it, says Elin.
– Flying drones has become an important part of the job,” says Elin. It streamlines the work and provides a great overview of the forest. But drone technology doesn’t replace walking the forest and inspecting individual stands – that’s still essential. It’s a valuable complement, not a substitute.”
Blending Work and Study
Elin is currently in her second year of the Bachelor’s Program in Forestry at Linnaeus University, specializing in silviculture. Alongside her studies, she works part-time at JGA – a combination that requires both structure and planning, two of Elin’s strengths.
– It works really well to combine studies with work. I study remotely, so I can apply what I learn right away. It gives me a deeper understanding when I can connect theory with practice – and it opens so many doors. The network you build is worth gold!”
Working as a forest planner is far from just sitting in an office.
– It’s the variety I enjoy most. One day I’m indoors working at the computer, the next I’m out in the forest. I get to visit new places and meet different people all the time. No forest is ever the same – and it never gets boring.”
Having the freedom to shape her work and take responsibility is something she truly values.
– There’s a lot of trust and independence in this role. You grow with the responsibility.”
Elin’s interest in technology is clear. She’s curious about how drones and digital tools can make forestry more efficient. But she also has a more traditional passion – she owns Ardennes horses and her goal is to use them for forest work one day.
“JGA is a place where you can grow”
Elin describes JGA as a workplace defined by openness and a strong sense of community.
– You’re given space to grow and develop, to share ideas and see them become reality. There’s a real opportunity to make an impact.”
She sees the forest industry as a future-forward field with a lot of exciting developments. And for anyone considering forestry studies, she gives her wholehearted recommendation – especially the idea of combining studies with hands-on experience.
– It feels great to be heading into the future with this path. I absolutely don’t regret choosing forestry!”
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Forest planner is just one of the many roles within the JGA Group.
Read more about our co-workers and what it’s like to work at JGA:
Meet Filip – The timber buyer who enjoys challenges ->
Meet Johan – The forklift driver who enjoys problem-solving ->
Meet Nathalie – The economist where nothing is impossible ->
