The global search to find an internationally recognised expert to lead South Australia's Forestry Centre of Excellence as Director has begun, with leading forestry researcher Dr Jim O'Heir appointed as the General Manger.
South Australia's Dr Jim O'Hehir brings his extensive experience in the areas of forestry, wood production and environmental management as he joins the Forestry Centre of Excellence having previously been the head of Forest Research at the University of South Australia in Mount Gambier and various executive roles at ForestrySA.
Dr O'Hehir is highly regarded across both the industry and research sectors, which was reflected when he was named the 2023 Timber Legend at the 4th Green Triangle Timber Awards last October for his dedication to the forestry sector.
A search for a second expert is also underway to fill the Director role. The successful applicant for the Director role will help advance innovative research on wood resources and wood-based products, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of South Australia, with national and international research institutions and industry.
The Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) is the first of its kind in South Australia and was a key forestry commitment by the Malinauskas Labor Government with an aim to create long-term research and development capability to enhance the Green Triangle's economic prosperity to generate more jobs and investment in the region.
The Malinauskas Labor Government last year launched the FCoE strategic plan, which outlines the vision behind the $15 million 10-year collaborative project, which has been established at the existing UniSA and TAFE precinct in Mount Gambier.
The FCoE is a central hub that focuses on innovation, sustainability, and the creation of new market opportunities from Australia and across the globe.
A Strategic Collaboration Agreement to formally establish the centre was signed off in December 2023 between the South Australian Government, the University of South Australia (UniSA), the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH), and the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA). Tree Breeding Australia (TBA) will also be located in the centre.
For more information about the role or to apply visit: Research Professor: Wood Science & Technology and Director: Forestry Centre of Excellence (Level ERP).
Applications close 11:30 pm Thursday 18 April 2024 (ACST).