Position Title Logistician
Alternate Title(s) Logistics Specialist
Education & Training Level Mid-level, Bachelor’s degree preferred, not always required
Education & Training Level Description Although an associate’s degree may be sufficient for some logistician jobs, a bachelor’s degree is typically required for most positions. Industry certification and work experience in a related field can be helpful for job seekers.
Brief job description Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated, and delivered.
Preferred Level of Education Bachelor’s degree
Preferred Level of Experience See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
Estimated/Expected Salary See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
Job Profile

Logisticians are responsible for keeping transportation as efficient as possible. Because wind farm projects are complex and run on tight schedules, any time spent waiting for delayed turbine components costs money. Logisticians have to work extensively with both the manufacturer and construction team to develop an optimized schedule for delivering turbine components. One difficulty logisticians face is the differing regulations individual states have for trucking heavy freight within their borders. Some require state trooper escorts, and others do not allow trucks over a certain tonnage over their state lines. Logisticians must consider these varied regulations when planning routes. They must also take mechanical considerations, such as a truck's turning radius, into account when mapping routes.

Logisticians typically do the following:

  • Develop business relationships with suppliers and customers
  • Work to understand customers’ needs and how to meet them
  • Direct the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished products
  • Design strategies to minimize the cost or time required to move goods
  • Review the success of logistical functions and identify areas for improvement
  • Present performance data to management
  • Propose improvements to management and customers
  • Stay current on advances in logistics technology and incorporate new technologies into procedures.

Logisticians oversee activities including purchasing, shipping and transportation, inventory, warehousing, and delivery. They may direct the movement of a range of goods, people, or supplies, from common consumer goods to military supplies. Logisticians use sophisticated software systems to plan and track the movement of goods. They operate software programs specifically tailored to manage logistical functions, such as procurement, inventory management, and other supply chain planning and management systems.
Job Skills
  • Organizational skills. Logisticians must be able to do several tasks at one time, keep detailed records, and manage several projects at once in a fast-paced workplace.
  • Communication skills. Logisticians need strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and do business with suppliers and customers.
  • Critical-thinking skills. Logisticians must develop, adjust, and successfully carry out logistical plans, and they often must find ways to cut costs and improve efficiency.
  • Problem-solving skills. Logisticians must handle unforeseen circumstances, such as delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues.
Resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Logisticians

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