Ontario College Diploma in Forestry Technician (Optional Co-op)
Start Dates:
September 2019
Tuition for 2019/2020 is subject to change.
January 2020
Tuition for 2019/2020 is subject to change.
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.
- In addition, you can increase your credentials (and career readiness and versatility) by taking certification courses such as forest fire fighting, first aid and CPR, tree marking and cutter certification (at a modest extra cost).
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 Week 9. As space is limited, selection of applicants is competitive and based on the following criteria: grades factor as 80% and the other 20% is a personal statement explaining why you are a good candidate and will be successful in a co-op position. Students must have achieved a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, maintain a 70% average, and pass all classes in order to apply and enrol in the Co-op Option. Students must also submit their resume and copies of certificates, if applicable. Students who are accepted will participate in a Co-op 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
- Earn while you learn
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.
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.
Thomas Luloff 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.
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.
Two Gr 11 courses will be accepted in lieu of a Gr 12 course requirement.
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 Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
Tuition 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 Details chart below.
View complete tuition details
Domestic Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Health Plan | $248.50 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Assistance (Tuition) | $121.79 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Tuition | $1,311.97 |
| Total | $2,206.87 |
| Semester 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Assistance (Tuition) | $121.79 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Tuition | $1,311.97 |
| Total | $2,138.87 |
| Semester 3 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Fee | $483.00 |
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Health Plan | $248.50 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Assistance (Tuition) | $121.79 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Tuition | $1,311.97 |
| Total | $2,689.87 |
| Semester 4 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Assistance (Tuition) | $121.79 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Tuition | $1,311.97 |
| Total | $2,138.87 |
The fees above are for the current academic year for domestic 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 | $180.50 | $255.50 | January to August |
| Spring | $129.50 | $142.35 | January to August |
International Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| International Education Fee (Tuition) | $1,800.00 |
| International Health Plan | $704.58 |
| International Tuition | $4,975.00 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Total | $8,004.19 |
| Semester 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| International Education Fee (Tuition) | $1,800.00 |
| International Tuition | $4,975.00 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Total | $7,945.43 |
| Semester 3 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Fee | $483.00 |
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| International Education Fee (Tuition) | $1,800.00 |
| International Health Plan | $704.58 |
| International Tuition | $4,975.00 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Total | $8,487.19 |
| Semester 4 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alumni Fee | $14.33 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $97.85 |
| International Education Fee (Tuition) | $1,800.00 |
| International Tuition | $4,975.00 |
| Lindsay Recreation Complex Fee | $45.20 |
| Lindsay Transit Fee | $38.00 |
| Mental Health Fee | $13.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $104.71 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.50 |
| Student Athletic Fee | $65.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $35.00 |
| Student Services Support Fee | $94.02 |
| Total | $7,945.43 |
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 | January 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
Bachelor of Science (General) in Biology
Requirement
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative 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 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
Athabasca University
Requirement
- Successful completion of program
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120 credit degree; Refer to the articulation statement for further details
To apply contact the institution's Admissions Office
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
- Successful completion of program
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120 credit degree; Refer to the articulation statement for further details
To apply contact the institution's Admissions Office
For more information
- Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
- See the official articulation agreement
Bachelor of Science in Computing Information Systems
Requirement
- Successful completion of program
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120 credit degree; Refer to the articulation statement for further details
To apply contact the institution's Admissions Office
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
- Successful completion of program
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120 credit degree; Refer to the articulation statement for further details
To apply contact the institution's Admissions Office
For more information
- Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
- See the official articulation agreement
Lakehead University
Bachelor of Environmental Management
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative average; Required to attend and successfully complete a 4-week 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 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 average; Required to attend and successfully complete a 4-week 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
Trent University
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Resource Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative average; Must have commenced studies since Fall 2018.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of 20 credit degree; Visit 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.
- See the official articulation agreement
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Science
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative average; Must have commenced studies since Fall 2018.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of 20 credit degree; Visit 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.
- See the official articulation agreement
University of New Brunswick
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative average
Transfer Credit
- 63 out of a 145 credit degree
To apply contact the institution's Admissions Office
For more information
- Visit the University of New Brunswick website for further articulation and program information.
University of Northern British Columbia
Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecology and Management
Requirement
- Visit UNBC's Academic Calendar for details
Transfer Credit
- 44 out of a 123 credit degree; Visit agreement for details
To apply contact the institution's Admissions Office
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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