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in Forestry Technician (Optional Co-op)

The Forestry Technician career path will appeal to you if you are passionate about the outdoors, and concerned for the responsible management of forest resources.

Program Information

Start Date

September 05, 2023

Program Availability:

Accepting Applications

Program Code:

FT

Delivery:

In Person , TBD

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Academic School:

School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences

Location:

Frost Campus

Program Contacts

Katrina Van Osch-saxon

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition:

$2207.17 per semester*

International Tuition:

$8679.81 per semester*

View Curriculum

January 08, 2024

Program Availability:

Accepting Applications

Program Code:

FT

Delivery:

In Person , TBD

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Academic School:

School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences

Location:

Frost Campus

Program Contacts

Katrina Van Osch-saxon

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition:

$215.71 per semester*

International Tuition:

$8429.75 per semester*

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2022-2023 academic year and are subject to change.

View Curriculum

As a Forestry Technician, you can be a part of a close-knit community of men and women across the country who are making a difference in our environment. Fleming College's Forestry program is the largest in Canada. In this two-year program, you'll acquire the skills to work effectively in natural resources management - learning traditional forestry skills such as compassing and tree identification, plus how to work with ArcMap, GPS and other high tech software.

  • In an ideal combination of theory and technical hands-on experiences, your studies in the classroom will be complemented by numerous field excursions.
  • You'll participate in the Forestry program's unique field camp experience in Mattawa, at Samuel de Champlain Park.
  • Students that successfully complete all the components of the felling course will receive their Workplace Safety North Professional Chainsaw Operators certificate. You can further increase your credentials, career readiness, and versatility by completing the next step towards your tree marking certification by challenging the provincial tree marking exams through a two-day review and field test at the end of your last semester. There is an additional cost of $400.00 for this, and it requires additional job training and evaluation to become fully certified.

You will learn the fundamental skills you need in semesters one and two. In semester three, three of the courses are designed to mimic typical forestry career skills. You will achieve skills that include navigating large forest tracts, evaluating current stand conditions, and mapping routes. As your skills grow, you will start taking charge of your own learning. Your forestry courses will become more intensive and specialized.

You will work in teams to develop a Woodlot Conference for over 100 high school students. It's a chance to practice coaching, public speaking, planning and teamwork while teaching these students basic forestry skills. You will also work with the local woodlot group to deliver their annual conference and attend the largest forestry conference in Ontario.

A course on career planning and mapping will help you put it all together, ready for your job search.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. Students who are accepted will participate in a Career Preparation course, and will do their co-op between semesters 2 and 3. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:

  • Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
  • Explore the variety of careers available in the field
  • Network for future job opportunities

The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.

In addition to paying tuition and fees for 4 semesters of study, students participating in the co-op pay a co-op fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.

Want to gain an international perspective on forestry? Through an international exchange program, you can visit Europe for as little as three weeks or as long as one semester, attending courses at our partner institution - the University of Padua in Legnaro, Italy.

With a smaller college size and such a positive learning atmosphere it made me excited about going to class each and every day. All the teachers and field trips truly provided me with the knowledge and tools to achieve great careers in the forestry industry. Since graduating, I've worked with the OMNRF as an Assistant Forest Technician where I collected research data on invasive insects and diseases that are drastically altering the landscapes of our forests. We also tested out many preventative measures for possible solutions to ensure the next generation of trees are healthy and managed. Currently, I am working in the recently burned areas of northern British Columbia. I have been mapping boundaries for different types of cut blocks, probing for invasive species, assessing the health of trees, and performing silviculture surveys in stands affected by fungal diseases.

Sara Franchuk, Program Graduate - Junior Forestry Technician with a Forestry resource management company in British Columbia

Four decades of producing excellent grads has the close-knit forestry industry seeking out more for new hiring opportunities every year. Our grads are now in a position to hire new grads, and are doing so as a result of their own positive experiences in the program. Fleming's Forestry program has an excellent reputation for producing top-notch, competent technicians for a wide variety of agencies, companies, and organizations. The Forestry grad is highly sought after by government ministries, agencies, and forestry companies - including, for example, the B.C. Forestry Service and the Nova Scotia government's ministries of natural resources and the environment. Employers recognize that the students' training is holistic, and prepares them for a wide variety of tasks and duties.

Many of our programs offer the opportunity to earn a second certificate or diploma with just one or two more semesters of study. Add another specialization to your skill set and increase your career prospects with this unique opportunity.

Learn more here or contact your program coordinator for more information.

Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.

Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.

Geoff Clark is the Coordinator for Common First Semester.

There are many practical, hands-on opportunities throughout the program. You'll have the opportunity to participate in our field camp, practicing your forestry skills while developing teamwork skills.

Forestry Technicians are responsible for resource management planning and protection. Experience working in parks, nature centres, or similar venues, either as a volunteer or employee, would be an asset. Your success in forestry will be greatly helped if you have:

  • a passion for forests, environment, outdoors
  • problem-solving ability
  • strong organizational skills
  • good background in maths, sciences
  • willingness to move for a career opportunity

For information on the variety of careers in forestry and the growing need for skilled forestry employees, visit: http://thegreenestworkforce.ca

There are career opportunities anywhere there is a forest, in rural, wilderness, and urban settings. Major employers in the field seek to hire Fleming graduates, so there are many career opportunities straight out of college. You could find yourself working for hydroelectric companies, conservation authorities, municipalities, forest industry (woodlands, sawmills, pulp mills), government agencies, forest nurseries, federal/provincial forestry-related ministries, and private contractors both within Canada and abroad. Job titles you may hold include forest ecosystem assessor, firefighter, silviculture technician, forest technician, conservation authority technician, forest operation supervisor, and forest planner. With additional training, you could also work as a forester. There are lots of opportunities for women! Employers of Forestry Technicians are after brains, not brawn in the men and women they hire.

Globe and Mail: Wanted: A new generation of lumberjacks

If you do not meet the admission requirements for Forestry Technician, consider the General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option. This pathway program may provide the requirements you need for admission, while you earn credit for first semester of Forestry Technician.

Plan to spend about $1,100 in the first year and $600 in the second year for books, supplies and camp fees.

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Forestry Technician program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student's transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.

  • Conduct forest inventory surveys and field measurements to determine forest resources and values in forests and woodlots.
  • Assess soil characteristics, vegetation and wildlife habitats to identify their interactions within forest ecosystems.
  • Perform technical functions in silvicultural operations and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of silvicultural practices.
  • Collect, analyze, interpret, and display spatial data using mapping technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to contribute to forest resource management.
  • 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.
  • Identify and analyze forest diseases, pests, invasive species and other disturbance events and implement mitigation strategies to maintain and improve forest ecosystems.
  • Select, operate, troubleshoot and maintain tools and equipment in a variety of environmental conditions and in accordance with safety and operating standards.
  • Work independently and in a collaborative environment while applying effective teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Communicate technical information to a variety of stakeholders in oral, written, visual and electronic forms.
  • Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance work performance in the forestry sector.

Students applying to Forestry Technician (Optional Co-op) must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 12 C Math

Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.

Bachelor of Science (General) in Biology
Requirement
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative program Grade Point Average (GPA).
Transfer Credit
  • 42 out of a 90 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Algoma University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Requirement
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative program Grade Point Average (GPA).
Transfer Credit
  • 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Algoma University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 30 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 30 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 30 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Human Science
Requirement
  • Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
  • 30 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to the articulation statement for further details.

To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.

For more information

Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Applied Planning - Environmental

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Aquaculture

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Conservation and Environmental Law Enforcement

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Emergency Management

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Forestry Technician

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Geographic Information Systems - Applications Specialist

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Geographic Information Systems - Applications Specialist Online

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Geographic Information Systems - Cartographic Specialist

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Sustainable Agriculture Co-op

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Sustainable Waste Management

To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.

For more information

Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.

Bachelor of Environmental Science (3Yr)
Requirement
  • Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
  • The program is offered face-to-face (Nathan campus or Gold Coast campus)
Transfer Credit
  • 120 credit points out of a 240 credit point degree
  • Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.

To apply please see the Griffith University's admissions website.

For more information

Visit the Griffith University website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Environmental Management
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
  • Required to complete the Lakehead University summer transition program.
Transfer Credit
  • 10 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Lakehead University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science (General) in Natural Science
Requirement
  • Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 5 out of a 15 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Lakehead University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
  • Required to complete the Lakehead University summer transition program.
Transfer Credit
  • 10 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Lakehead University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
  • Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
  • 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.

For more information

Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Resource Studies
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
  • Commenced studies at Fleming College since Fall 2018.
Transfer Credit
  • 7 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Science
Requirement
  • Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
  • Commenced studies at Fleming College since Fall 2018.
Transfer Credit
  • 7 out of a 20 credit degree.
  • Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.

To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.

For more information

Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.

Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Requirement
  • Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
  • Minimum 60% in each course for the course to be eligible for transfer credit.
Transfer Credit
  • 62 out of a 139 credit degree.

To apply please see the University of New Brunswick's admissions website.

For more information

Visit the University of New Brunswick website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecology and Management
Requirement
  • Visit UNBC's Academic Calendar for details.
Transfer Credit
  • 51 out of a 123-credit degree.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 30-credits hours of upper-division UNBC coursework to receive a UNBC degree. Refer to the transfer pathway document for further details.

To apply please see the University of Northern British Columbia's admissions website.

For more information

Visit the University of Northern British Columbia website for further articulation and program information.

See the official articulation agreement.

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