Ontario College Diploma in Forestry Technician (Optional Co-op)
Start Dates:
September 2022
January 2023
September 2023
January 2024
- Program Highlights
- Optional Co-op
- Meet Our Faculty
- International Exchange
- Success Stories
- Why Choose Fleming
- Double the Power of Your Credential
- Common First Semester
- Work Experience
- Is this You?
- Career Opportunities
- Pathway Program
- Related Programs
- Additional Costs
- INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES DESIGNATION
- Minimum Admission Requirements
- Mature Students
- Technology Requirements
- Tuition and Fees Detail
- Transfer Agreements
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 Highlights
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.
Optional Co-op
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.
Please note: 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.
Meet Our Faculty
International Exchange
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.
Success Stories
"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
Why Choose Fleming
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.
Double the Power of Your Credential
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.
Common First Semester
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.
Work Experience
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.
Is this You?
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
Career Opportunities
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
Pathway Program
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.
Related Programs
When you graduate from the Forestry Technician program, you can continue on for a third year in Conservation and Environmental Law Enforcement or consider Geographic Information Systems for even more career opportunities. You might also consider doing a dual diploma, by taking another of our technician diploma programs. You can graduate with an additional technician diploma with just two more semesters of study.
Additional Costs
Plan to spend about $1,100 in the first year and $600 in the second year for books, supplies and camp fees.
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES DESIGNATION
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.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Forestry Technician (Optional Co-op) must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 12 C Math
OSSD with majority of courses at College (C ) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Skillsmarker to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
Technology Requirements
Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.
Tuition and Fees Detail
Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.
View complete tuition and fees details
Domestic Students
Semester 1 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $28.93 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $64.63 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
College Student Alliance Fee | $5.40 |
FT-1 Supply Fee | $6.00 |
Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.30 |
Health & Counselling | $65.17 |
Health Plan | $290.00 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $66.30 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Association Governance | $27.47 |
Student Association Pub | $11.41 |
Student Association Student Experience | $17.91 |
Student Association Transition Fee | $2.55 |
Student Building Fee | $59.50 |
Student Building Fund | $44.70 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $1,290.38 |
Total | $2,156.33 |
Semester 3 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Fee | $760.00 |
Academic Supports | $28.93 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $64.63 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
College Student Alliance Fee | $5.40 |
FT-3 Supply Fee | $181.00 |
Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.30 |
Health & Counselling | $65.17 |
Health Plan | $290.00 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $66.30 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Association Governance | $27.47 |
Student Association Pub | $11.41 |
Student Association Student Experience | $17.91 |
Student Association Transition Fee | $2.55 |
Student Building Fee | $59.50 |
Student Building Fund | $44.70 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $1,399.99 |
Total | $3,091.33 |
International Students
Semester 1 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Supports | $28.93 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $64.63 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
College Student Alliance Fee | $5.40 |
FT-1 Supply Fee | $6.00 |
Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.30 |
Health & Counselling | $65.17 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
International Health Plan | $880.74 |
Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $66.30 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Association Governance | $27.47 |
Student Association Pub | $11.41 |
Student Association Student Experience | $17.91 |
Student Association Transition Fee | $2.55 |
Student Building Fee | $59.50 |
Student Building Fund | $44.70 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $7,048.71 |
Total | $8,505.40 |
Semester 3 | Amount |
---|---|
Academic Fee | $760.00 |
Academic Supports | $28.93 |
Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
Athletics and Recreation | $64.63 |
Career Services | $14.25 |
College Student Alliance Fee | $5.40 |
FT-3 Supply Fee | $181.00 |
Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.30 |
Health & Counselling | $65.17 |
Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
International Health Plan | $880.74 |
Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $66.30 |
Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
Student Association Governance | $27.47 |
Student Association Pub | $11.41 |
Student Association Student Experience | $17.91 |
Student Association Transition Fee | $2.55 |
Student Building Fee | $59.50 |
Student Building Fund | $44.70 |
Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
Tuition | $8,848.71 |
Total | $9,440.40 |
The fees above are for the current academic year for international students. Please note that the fees reflect the Health Plan and Integrated Transportation (Sutherland Programs only) charges for the fall entry point. These charges are applied up front and provide service coverage for a full year September to August. The charges for the winter and spring terms are as follows:
Health Plan | Intergrated Transportation | Coverage | |
---|---|---|---|
Winter | $645.82 | $255.50 | January to August |
Spring | $263.60 | $142.35 | May to August |
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.
Algoma University
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
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
Athabasca University
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
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
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
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
Lakehead University
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
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
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
Ontario Tech University
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 18 credit diploma.
- Note: No transfer credits awarded.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Seneca College
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
Trent University
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
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
University of New Brunswick
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
University of Northern British Columbia
Requirement
- Visit UNBC's Academic Calendar for details.
Transfer Credit
- 44 out of a 123 credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the University of Northern British Columbia's admissions website.
For more information
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