Logisticians: Schools and Careers

Logisticians - Career Information

Logisticians

Logisticians evaluate and coordinate the logistical functions for a company or an organization. Logisticians have the responsibility for the complete life cycle of a product including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery of the product and the final disposal of resources.

A Logistician needs to understand their customer's needs and make sure those needs are met. Part of the job includes explaining proposed solutions to management, customers and other individuals that are involved, via oral presentations and written proposals.

They sometimes redesign the movement of goods to minimize costs and maximize value. A logistician needs to stay current with the new logistics technology advances and utilize appropriate technology to enhance the logistics procedures.

Some of the similar job titles are logistics coordinator, logistics analyst, logistics technician, logistics planner, logistics engineer and logistics specialist.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the compilation and evaluation of technical data which is utilized for product development
• Prepare proposals that include documentation for estimates
• Oversee availability and allocation of supplies, materials and finished products
• Work with customer's representatives that are involved with logistics activity
• Control and protect proprietary materials
• Perform system life-cycle cost analysis and create component studies
• Examine logistics performance with customers to compare to benchmarks, targets and service agreements
• Direct team activities
• Plan, coordinate and direct support activities including repair analysis, maintenance planning and test equipment recommendations

Job Characteristics

Logisticians should be detailed oriented, have good analytical thinking ability and good communication skills. They need to have good decision making and problem solving skills. Working well with customers is a vital aspect of the job. They often use computers for their work. A logistician spends a lot of time communicating with people outside of their company.

Employment Outlook

The projected growth rate for the occupation from 2006 to 2016 is 17%. The median wage in 2008 for logisticians was $66,480.

The highest paying industries for the occupation are petroleum and petroleum merchant wholesalers, communications equipment manufacturing, data processing, hosting and related services; petroleum and coal products manufacturing; and securities and commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Employers often look for candidates with a degree in industrial engineering. Some logisticians have graduate degrees.

Resources

• The International Society of Logistics
• American Logistics Association

Major Employers

The major employment industries are the federal government, management of companies and enterprises, aerospace product and parts manufacturing; management, scientific and technical consulting services; and computer systems design and related services.

Schools for Logisticians are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Logisticians by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Logisticians, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.