Forestry Technician

Get an edge on a career in the great outdoors - Earn a minimum of 10 industry certifications plus a Diploma. The two-year Forestry Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 45 weeks, is the most hands-on and field-oriented program of its kind in Ontario. It prepares you to participate in the management of natural resources for timber and non-timber values by the forest industry, sustainable forest licence holders, private landowners and ministries. Acquire experience in the planning, execution and monitoring of forest, environment, ecosystem and wildlife management activities. Spend approximately one-third of your time outdoors, exploring a variety of landscapes such as forests, parks and private woodlots. Practice collecting, compiling and analyzing forest resource data while learning to make recommendations for its use. Benefit from the opportunity to earn a minimum of 10 industry certifications. These are customizable and give you an advantage entering the workforce. In your third semester, complete an 80-hour field placement. This gives you the opportunity to practise your skills in a real work setting. With a Forestry Technician diploma, you may find entry-level work in the fields of:

• tree marking
• forest inventory
• forest environment and ecosystem assessment
• compliance monitoring
• forest renewal
• harvesting
• parks and wildlife management
• nature interpretation
• arboriculture
• bio-energy management
• forest fire control

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Thrive in an active, outdoor, hands-on learning environment.
• Have an interest in protecting, sustaining and enhancing our natural environment and forest ecosystem.
• Can work well independently or as a member of a team.
• Have good communication skills.