Overview
Forestry technologists and technicians may work independently or perform technical and supervisory functions in support of forestry research, forest management, forest harvesting, forest resource conservation and environmental protection. They are employed by the forest industry sector, provincial and federal governments, consulting firms, and other industries and institutions, or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct, supervise and participate in forest inventory cruises, surveys and field measurements following accepted scientific and operational procedures
Assist and perform technical functions in the preparation of forest management and harvest plans using photogrammetric and mapping techniques and computerized information systems
Assist in planning and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads
Implement, supervise and perform technical functions in silvicultural operations involving site preparation, planting, and tending of tree crops
Coordinate activities such as timber scaling, forest fire suppression, disease or insect control or pre-commercial thinning of forest stands
Supervise and perform technical functions in forest harvesting operations
Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors and enforce regulations such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety and accident prevention
Provide forestry education, advice and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations and the general public
Develop and maintain computer databases
Supervise forest tree nursery operations
Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys or experimental forestry and forest engineering research.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$46,759
$66,739
$89,556
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
295expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a one- to three-year college program in forestry technology or in a renewable resource program or forest ranger program is usually required.
Registration with a regulatory body is required for forestry technologists or technicians in all provinces except Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.
Certification or licensing as a scaler is required for some positions.
Additional information
Mobility may be possible to occupations in natural resource and wildlife management and in parks management.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Forestry technologists and technicians in B.C.
- Registered Forest Technologist (RFT)
Registered Forest Technologist (RFT)
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice professional forestry in B.C., you must be registered with Forest Professionals B.C. (FPBC). Eligibility is most commonly achieved by completing a diploma from a nationally accredited program.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.