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
September 08, 2026
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
CIP Code
03.0511
Program Code
FTN
Delivery
In Person, Co-op
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
per semester*
International Tuition
per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
As a Forestry Technician, you will be part of the close-knit forest management community 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 and conservation, gaining traditional forestry skills such as tree identification and forest measurement along with more technical skills working with GIS, GPS, sawmilling, tree propagation and chainsawing.
This program is delivered in-person and combines theory with many technical hands-on experiences including a paid co-op, numerous field excursions, and our unique field camp experiences. With a focus on managing the forests of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence and Boreal Forest regions for resilience in the face of changing climate and markets, 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
- Examine and identify modifications for conventional silvicultural treatments to assist forest ecosystems in adapting to changing climate and environments.
- Examine the impact of economic and resource changes on the adaptations in the forest industry for the processing and use of wood products.
- Design terrestrial habitat management approaches that adapt to changes in natural heritage conservation trends.
Students applying to Forestry Technician – Adaptive Practices (Co-op) must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 11C math, and Grade 12C English or mature student status
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 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 Arts in Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to Ontario Tech's website 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.
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.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 5th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
- Refer to Seneca College's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca Polytechnic website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
- The program is offered online.
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 Wilfrid Laurier University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
In The News: Forestry Technician – Adaptive Practices (Co-op)
Lindsay, ON (October 15, 2025) – Fleming College will host the Women in Wood 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 18, at its Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. with workshops and presentations, followed by a cocktail reception, networking, and door prize draws in the evening.
There will be eight exciting workshops and presentations to choose from, including:
Seed Basics: Collecting and Handling Native Tree Seeds: Kerry McLaven, Forester in Training and CEO of the Forest Gene Conservation Association, will guide a workshop on identification, handling, and storage with practical conservation methods.
How to Survive and Thrive as a Woman in Wood in the Forest Sector: Andree Morneault and Liz Cobb will guide an interactive workshop on connection, career planning, wellness, and navigating challenges in forestry.
Crafting and Indigenous Knowledge: Hunter Corbiere (a Fleming College Forestry program graduate) will lead a hands-on session highlighting Indigenous Knowledge, creative practices, and cultural connections to the forest.
Founded by Jess Kaknevicius and Lacey Rose in 2015, Women in Wood is a networking group that brings together women who work in, with, and for the woods. With a growing community of over 3,700, the network offers opportunities to find mentors, seek career advice, and meet other women passionate about the woods.
Fleming’s scenic Lindsay Campus is home to several woods-related programs, including Arboriculture, Forestry Technician – Adaptive Practices, and Forestry Techniques, making it the perfect location to host this milestone event.
Registration to attend is free, with tickets available at bit.ly/WIW10
Any media wishing to attend, please contact:
Elise Moore, Communications Officer at Fleming College at communications@flemingcollege.ca.
About Fleming College?
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.
Peterborough, ON – (August 14, 2025) – A new pathway program at Fleming College is opening doors for Indigenous learners interested in pursuing careers in environmental and natural resource sciences.
Launching on September 15, 2025, the Indigenous Environmental Sciences (IES) Pathway offers a supportive and accessible transition into college, with no high school diploma required for admission and no tuition costs for Indigenous students. Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes at Fleming’s Sutherland campus in Peterborough, the pathway provides a supportive, small-class learning environment designed to help students succeed.
This program reflects the college’s commitment to reconciliation and education by creating an inclusive space where Indigenous learners can thrive and explore meaningful careers in environmental stewardship.
Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to enter a range of diploma and certificate programs within Fleming’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences (SENRS), including:
In addition to gaining up to five transfer credits, graduates of the IES Pathway program will be well-prepared academically and supported holistically through services offered by Indigenous Student Services and Fleming’s academic departments.
Applications are now open, and spaces are limited. To learn more or to apply, visit:
https://flemingcollege.ca/indigenous-environmental-sciences-pathway or contact IES@flemingcollege.ca
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.
For more information, please contact:
IES@flemingcollege.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Elise Moore
Communications Officer
Elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca
Find us online:
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
X: @FlemingCollege on Twitter
Instagram: @flemingcollege on Instagram
TikTok: @flemingcollege on TikTok
Peterborough, ON (October 15, 2024) – Through new funding from the Ganawenim Meshkiki Initiative, Fleming is supporting the creation of new habitat for Kirtland’s Warblers (Setophaga kirtlandii), a small blue and yellow songbird. In Canada, the bird is endangered to the degree that current population estimates are unavailable.
To carry out this project, Fleming College is working with other members of The Ontario Kirtland’s Warbler Working Group. The group is a collaboration between non-profit, academic and private organizations including the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Fleming College, GEI Consultants, Birk’s Natural Heritage Consultants, Simcoe County, American Bird Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
For this project, the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust has acquired more than 120 hectares (300 acres) of land in Northumberland County. Led by Dr. Ben Walters, professor at Fleming College, Fleming’s Forestry students compiled habitat and soil information, and student researchers helped compile critical habitat data on the Warbler. Walters and the working group partners then developed plans and carried out work to establish an entire forest plant community on the sandy, former agricultural land.
Beginning last fall, about 10ha (25 acres) of the site was seeded for ground vegetation and more than 7,000 pine and oak trees were planted, some by Fleming Forestry students. The new funding received from the Ganawenim Meshkiki Initiative will support more seed collecting, seed cleaning and planting activities to increase the amount of future habitat on the site.
“This project has been a large undertaking and demonstrates the need for a collaborative approach,” explains Dr. Walters. “Without the knowledge, experience and expertise of all of our partners, there is no way that a whole ecosystem restoration project like this could come together.” Walters further explained that “Ontario is challenged by a lack of resources for this project like availability of large amounts and diverse species of non-tree seeds and long-term, stable funding sources. Nonetheless, this group has organized itself and worked together to acquire the land, collect and clean the seeds and start planting the land. We are very fortunate to be a part of it.”
Dr. Brett Goodwin, Fleming’s Executive Vice President of Applied Research, also added that “not only are we able to contribute to advancing knowledge about Kirtland’s Warbler habitat and forest ecosystem restoration approaches, our students are getting real-world experiences within living labs where their learning has the ability to have very meaningful benefits for Kirtland’s Warbler populations and many other species at risk that live alongside them. What better way to learn?”
The Ontario Kirtland’s Warbler Working Group’s goal is to expand Kirtland’s Warbler habitat across central Ontario, north of Lake Huron to the Ottawa Valley. If you are interested in supporting this initiative or have more than 20 hectares (50 acres) of land with sandy soils that you would possibly like to create Kirtland’s Warbler habitat on, contact Ben Walters at benjamin.walters@flemingcollege.ca. Read more about this project here.
The Ontario Kirtland’s Warbler Working Group recognizes the critical financial contributions of the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the MapleCross fund, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Forests Ontario, GEI Consultants, American Bird Conservancy and the Ganawenim Meshkiki Initiative (GMI), a Trustee of the Eastern Georgian Bay Initiative (EGBI).
For media enquiries, please contact:
Asher Lurie
Director, Communications
asher.lurie@flemingcollege.ca
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
Twitter: @FlemingCollege on X
Instagram: @flemingcollege on Instagram
TikTok: @flemingcollege on TikTok
Lindsay, ON (March 11, 2024) - Two new and unique Forestry programs at Fleming College are preparing students for rewarding careers in a growing industry.
Fleming’s new Forestry Equipment Operator certificate is the only one of its kind offered in Ontario. This 15-week course provides students with introductory training in heavy forestry equipment operation, forestry principles and proper safety techniques.
Providing students with hands-on learning opportunities, the course also focuses on preventive maintenance, minor repairs, forest fire preparedness, forestry operations and harvest systems.
Applied learning is a big part of Fleming’s Forestry Techniques program. This two-semester course teaches students the skills they need to conduct field work and forest management operations in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence and Boreal Forest regions. Students graduate ready to move directly into the workforce.
Fleming has also reworked its Forestry Technician-Adaptive Practices program. The new curriculum exceeds provincial standards, teaching traditional forestry skills and studying the technical functions of creating, managing, conserving, and restoring sustainable forests in public and private operations. There is also a focus on environmental, social and economic changes within the forestry industry.
This program also includes a paid co-op, providing students with networking opportunities as they meet and work alongside professionals within the forestry industry.
All three programs are located at Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay, ON.
Fleming College is a leading educator in the forestry sector. For more than five decades industry leaders have tapped into Fleming’s forestry graduates for new hiring opportunities, due to Fleming’s reputation for producing competent and skilled graduates. Fleming’s “boots-on-the-ground” approach to its Forestry programs ensures graduates are well-prepared to succeed in rewarding careers.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sarah Deeth
Communications Officer
sarah.deeth@flemingcollege.ca
705-749-5530 ext. 1161
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
Twitter: @FlemingCollege on Twitter
Instagram: @flemingcollege on Instagram