This research was conducted as a descriptive correlational study that used survey research methods. An expert panel identified 32 Ohio sawmill operators who possessed characteristics of innovative individuals. A valid and reliable instrument was administered to the operators to determine their perceived educational needs in 67 job-related competencies encompassing 6 subject matter areas. Results indicated that the typical innovative operator was male, 45 to 54 years old, had a tenure of 20 to 29 years, had some college education, annually produced 5 to 6.9 million board feet of lumber, generated an annual income of $3 million to $4.9 million, and had strong aspirations to seek new information. Job competencies with the highest perceived educational needs were: 1) predicting future lumber prices; 2) understanding environmental laws enforced by regulatory agencies; 3) exporting lumber; 4) motivating employees; and 5) disposing of sawmill wastes in an environmentally safe manner. Forest products marketing and environmental awareness were the two subject matter areas with the highest educational needs. The educational delivery method of one-on-one contact was preferred over group education or self-study. Relationships between operators' characteristics and perceived educational needs ranged from negligible to moderate. Results of this study are discussed in comparison to related research, forest products industry education, and diffusion of innovations. Recommendations are made relative to the type of model used in assessing educational needs of forest products industry personnel.
