Merchant Logistician

Organizer of goods and trade.

"Trade is the lifeblood of Grara. There are the producers, the shippers, and the sellers who are seen and understood by the public. What the public doesn't see is the logisticians behind the scenes making sure things get where they need to in a timely fashion. They are the ones who know who can transport which goods the best and where to resupply. No one ever thanks us either."

Qualifications

Every logistician must be fluent and literate in the language of their region and preferably the surrounding regions as well. Strong math skills are a necessity and problem solving ability is very important.

Requirements

There are no additional requirements beyond the qualifications, though apprenticing under a fully-fledged logistician is a boon. Age, gender, and species are not barriers to this profession and even people as young as thirteen have performed the duties.

Appointment

Upon successful negotiation of a contract with a merchant house the soon-to-be logistician and head of the merchant house - or their representative at the branch - sign the document appointing the individual.

Responsibilities

A logistician has many responsibilities. Most importantly they plan the transport of goods, the location of their sale, and the pickup of new goods. These lines of trade can be very long and many factors must be accounted for including time, the cargo capacity of the transport, pay, food, and the fluctuation of the price of goods being transported to name a few.
Other responsibilities include supplying their branch with necessary supplies, arranging equipment repairs, and packing good for shipment.

Benefits

The compensation for this work is paid in currency and the rate is fair. Logisticians who are particularily effective at their job get better pay and may receive housing or other material benefits.

Accoutrements & Equipment

"Always look good, but not too good, and never, truly never, be caught without a quill."
-A Logistician Maxim

Dress varies from region to region but the quality does not; as an employee of a merchant house a logistician must look their best. Mathmatical tools such as an abacus are common as are maps and calipers. Writing supplies are essential equipment.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Terms of dismissal are defined in each individual contract. Common grounds for dismissal are ineptitude or running a loss. If the conditions of the contract are not met but an employer wishes to fire a logistician there is always the option to not renew the contract after it's expiry.

History

Merchant logisticians were responsible for the timely and effective aid provided to victims in a landslide in central Grara. They received no public accolades but their employers congratulated them on not suffering a loss while providing supplies.

Cultural Significance

Logisticians are relatively unknown by most people and have had no cultural impact. Within merchant circles they are either the topic of a glowing story or of a joke depending on the speaker's experience with them.

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Type

Professional

Status

Operational

Alternative Naming

Logistician

Source of Authority

The merchant house who employs a logistician provides them the authority to make decisions on their behalf.

Length of Term

Most logistician contracts last for at least one year but have no maximum length.

Related Organizations

• Graran Directorate