Share your passion for the outdoors while conserving our forests, now and into the future!

This accelerated two-year Forestry Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), is the most hands-on and field-oriented program of its kind in Ontario. It prepares students in the implementation and influence of best practices in forest management in an ecological, environmental and social context. Students gain experience and skills alongside representatives of forest industry, sustainable forest license holders, private woodlot owners and government organizations at all levels.

Gain experience in the planning, execution and monitoring of forest, environment, ecosystem and wildlife management activities. Learn skills to help steward our forests through issues such as species at risk, forest invasives, and climate change.

Spend a significant amount of class 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 to ensure our forests are kept healthy.

Benefit from the opportunity to earn a minimum of 10 industry certifications. These are customizable and give you an advantage entering the workforce.

In third semester, complete an 80-hour field placement. This gives you the opportunity to practice new skills in a real work setting while expanding your network of contacts.

With a Forestry Technician diploma, graduates may find entry-level work in the fields of:

• tree marking
• wildland fire fighting
• ecosystem, wildlife, and species at risk assessment
• tree planting and forest renewal
• sustainable forest harvesting
• parks management
• nature interpretation
• arboriculture
• bio-energy management

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.

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers

Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce or to further their studies through university or the natural resources law enforcement (conservation officer) program. Geographic mobility is usually a prerequisite to employment with forestry companies, governments, private woodlot owners, hydro, municipalities, conservation authorities or resource consultants. Graduates may find entry-level work in the fields of tree marking, forest inventory, forest environment and ecosystem assessment, compliance monitoring, forest renewal, harvesting, parks, wildlife management, nature interpretation, arboriculture, bio-energy management and forest fire control. Self-employment as a forestry contractor or consultant is another avenue graduates may decide to pursue.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Conduct forest inventory surveys and field measurements to determine forest resources and values in forests and woodlots.
2. Assess soil characteristics, vegetation and wildlife habitats to identify their interactions within forest ecosystems.
3. Perform technical functions in silvicultural operations and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of silvicultural practices.
4. Collect, analyze, interpret, and display spatial data using mapping technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to contribute to forest resource management.
5. Contribute to sustainable forest management plans, including conservation and rehabilitation measures, taking into consideration the perspectives of a variety of stakeholders and the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations.
6. Identify and analyze forest diseases, pests, invasive species and other disturbance events and implement mitigation strategies to maintain and improve forest ecosystems.
7. Select, operate, troubleshoot and maintain tools and equipment in a variety of environmental conditions and in accordance with safety and operating standards.
8. Work independently and in a collaborative environment while applying effective teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills.
9. Communicate technical information to a variety of stakeholders in oral, written, visual and electronic forms.
10. Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance work performance in the forestry sector.
11. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

FORESTRY TECHNICIAN
Program Code 0108X04FPM

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

In order to prepare our graduates to be the best in their field, we believe the educational environment must closely resemble the work environment, including the associated risks. Risk, therefore, is an inherent part of the educational environment.

A total of two weeks is spent on placement in a resource-oriented organization chosen by the student, anywhere in the world. Should the opportunity arise, the student may choose instead to partake in an applied forestry research project supervised by the college and/or one of its partners.

Students contemplating taking Forestry at a university should seriously consider our program first, as we provide a one year, hands-on, practical, field-oriented program. Our articulation agreements with Lakehead University and the University of New Brunswick allows you to enter their Forestry or Forest Conservation programs in the second or third year.

Applicants who participated in the Specialist High Skills Major - Forestry and/or Environment may be eligible for exemptions, in whole or in part, for some of the Forestry Technician courses. Applicants should bring documents to the program coordinator for review, particularly co-op placement and industry certifications.