Roger was employed in 1958 as a research technician by CSIRO in their Division of Forest Products, and then graduated from the VSF in 1961. After spending 1962 in Biological Survey FCV (mapping phasmatid insects in NE Vic), Roger graduated from Melbourne University in 1964.

Then followed a year in plantation establishment at Myrtleford, before transferring to the Assessment Section FCV, and becoming Forest Assessor in 1978 through to 1985.

In 1986 he became Manager of Natural Resources Information Systems Branch, CFL and successor departments, involving roles as Manager Resource Assessment, Geographic Information Systems, Flora and Fauna Survey, Remote Sensing and Drafting Services.

Following retirement from the Public Service in 1993 he operated a private forestry consulting service until 2009.