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Forestry Technician – Adaptive Practices (Co-op)

Formerly named: 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

January 08, 2024

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

FT

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Katrina Van Osch-saxon

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$2126.37 per semester*

International Tuition

$8654.06 per semester*

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

September 03, 2024

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

FT

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Katrina Van Osch-saxon

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$2218.06 per semester*

International Tuition

$8714.02 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

January 06, 2025

Domestic Availability

Coming Soon

International Availability

Coming Soon

Program Code

FT

Delivery

In Person

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Katrina Van Osch-saxon

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$2126.37 per semester*

International Tuition

$8654.06 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

As a Forestry Technician, you will be part of a close-knit community of men and women across the country who are making a difference in our environment. In this two-year program, you’ll learn to work effectively in natural resources management, gaining traditional forestry skills such as compassing and tree identification along with more technical skills working with ArcMap, GPS and other high-tech software.

This program is delivered in-person and combines theory with technical hands-on experiences including a paid co-op, numerous field excursions, and our unique field camp experience. With a focus on managing the forests of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence and Boreal Forest regions for resilience in the face of climate change, graduates will be equipped to carry out technical functions relating to the creation, management, conservation, and restoration of sustainable forests in both public and private operations with a specialization in adaptive practices. These adaptive practices include responses to environmental, social and economic changes within industry.

The recently revised curriculum exceeds provincial program standards and provides the potential for new pathways to and from our Urban Forestry Technician (Co-op) program. It also better positions graduates for a pathway to applied degrees - bringing Fleming graduates closer to achieving the Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation.

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.

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

Students in the program will participate in a mandatory paid co-op. The co-op 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

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

With the renowned cluster of programming available at Fleming, we are proud to be leaders in Forestry education. And after five decades of producing top-notch grads, the close-knit forestry industry seeks them out for new hiring opportunities every year. We have an excellent reputation for producing competent and skilled technicians for a variety of agencies, companies and organizations. Employers recognize that the students’ training is holistic and prepares them for a range of required tasks and duties. With the newly revised curriculum, our graduates will be in-demand to respond to the quickly changing conditions within the industry.

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.

With substantial field trip, field camp, and experiential learning components involving critical forestry equipment from basal prisms and clinometers to chainsaws and sawmills, to GIS software, this program is designed to be hands-on.

Field excursions and our field camp allow you to practice your forestry skills while developing teamwork skills.

A paid co-op allows you to integrate your school-based learning with a real-world workplace, at the same time as making valuable employer connections.

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 $1,800 in the second year for books, supplies and camp fees.

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's 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 – Adaptive Practices (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 here.

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.

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
  • Refer to UNBC's website 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.

Program Code: AR

Ontario College Certificate

Frost Campus

January 2024, January 2025

Program Code: CNB

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2024, September 2024

Program Code: EMT

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2024, September 2024, January 2025

Program Code: ETN

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2024, September 2024, January 2025

Program Code: BO

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Frost Campus

January 2024, September 2024, January 2025

Program Code: FEO

Certificate of Successful Completion

Frost Campus

May 2024

Program Code: UF

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Frost Campus

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Program Code: UFT

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Frost Campus

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