Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice professional forestry in B.C., you must be registered with Forest Professionals B.C. (FPBC). Eligibility is most commonly achieved by completing a degree from a nationally accredited program.

Employment as a registered professional forester may additionally require relevant work experience.

Forestry professionals

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as an agrologist in B.C., you may choose to register with the B.C. Institute of Agrologists. There are several different designations you can apply for. Eligibility differs for each designation. Please visit the B.C. Institute of Agrologists site for more details. 

Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists

To work as a conservation and fishery officer that will set and detonate explosives in B.C., you must have blaster certification issued by WorkSafeBC.

To work as a conservation and fishery officer in B.C., you need the correct pesticide certification for the type of work you will be performing. Eligibility is achieved by passing the requisite exam through Service B.C.

Conservation and fishery officers

Managers in natural resources production and fishing

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply principles of forestry and natural resources management to the administration of forest lands and related resources. These programs include courses in silviculture, forest mensuration, forest protection, inventorying, biometrics, geographic information systems, remote sensing, photogrammetry, forest policy and economics, forest land use planning, fire protection and management, and related administrative skills.

Forest management/forest resources management

Science managers

Forestry Master's Degrees

Forest Related Bachelor's Degrees

Forestry professionals conduct research, develop plans and administer and direct programs related to the management and harvesting of forest resources. They are employed by the forest industry, provincial and federal governments, consulting companies, educational institutions and other industries, or they may be self-employed.

Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists provide assistance and advice to farmers on all aspects of farm management, cultivation, fertilization, harvesting, soil erosion and composition, disease prevention, nutrition, crop rotation and marketing. They are employed by businesses, institutions and governments that assist the farming community, or they may be self-employed.

Conservation and fishery officers, inspectors and observers enforce federal and provincial regulations established for the protection of fish, wildlife and other natural resources and collect and relay information on resource management. They are employed by federal and provincial government departments.

Managers in natural resources production and fishing plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of establishments in forestry and logging, mining and quarrying, oil and gas drilling, production and servicing operations, and commercial fishing.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice professional forestry in B.C., you must be registered with Forest Professionals B.C. (FPBC). Eligibility is most commonly achieved by completing a diploma from a nationally accredited program.

Forestry technologists and technicians

Forest Technology Diplomas

The Bachelor of Science in Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology is about the parts of the economy that involve the production of renewable biological resources (e.g., wood, plants, wood waste, and organic waste) that are transformed into valuable products (e.g., biofuels, bioplastics, textiles, food additives, and medicine). You’ll gain a solid foundation for the innovative design and development of renewable materials, energy, and sustainable land-use strategies. You'll also have opportunities in hands-on learning through labs, fields, trips, and a capstone project. Upon graduation, you'll possess the skills required to work in energy, design and develop renewable materials, and establish leading land-use strategies.

Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology: Bachelor of Science Degree (UBCV)

The Forest Management major is accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board as providing the academic requirements for becoming a professional forester in the eight Canadian provinces that have professional forestry organizations. It covers the biological, physical, and social sciences upon which forest resource management is based, and provides a working knowledge of the characteristics of forest resources, their interactions, and the ways in which they can be managed to yield a socially desirable mix of goods and services. You will also gain an understanding of the political and socio-economic environment in which forestry is practiced; and an appreciation for the historical and ethical foundations of the profession.

Forest Management: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Degree - Major (UBCV)

The Forest Operations major is accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board as providing the academic requirements for becoming a professional forester in the eight Canadian provinces that have professional forestry organizations. It provides broad coverage of the biological, physical, and social sciences upon which forest resource management is based, but places additional emphasis on the operational aspects of forestry. This major has two specializations that allow students to specialize in Harvest Planning and Engineering or Commerce (Minor in Commerce).

Forest Operations: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Degree - Major (UBCV)

The Bachelor of Science in Forest Sciences is about scientific principles related to forests, forest organisms, and plant and animal ecology. Your learning will be based on the principle that forests are complex ecosystems made up of thousands of living organisms and non-living components, and that our use of one part of the forest ecosystem can impact all of the others. You’ll improve your understanding of forest wildlife, fires, insects, diseases, soil, tree genetics, and forest regeneration. Additionally, you'll complete hands-on lab work and take part in a field school. After graduation, you'll be prepared for careers such as forest geneticist, biodiversity specialist, fisheries and wildlife officer, forest ecologist, pathologist, or entomologist. 

Forest Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Degree - Major (UBCV)

 The Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship (B.I.L.S.) is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers working with and for Indigenous governments on land stewardship. The program provides a foundation for students working in land management, forestry, and other environmental management disciplines. The program instructs students in diverse courses, from ecology, to remote sensing, law and governance, communication, business, management, Indigenous research methods, data management and capacity building (among others).

Indigenous Land Stewardship: Bachelor's Degree

The Bachelor of Urban Forestry is about the urban environment as you learn more about sustainability, green space planning, and nature in the city. This program teaches skills related to: smart data, modelling and visualization, planning and design methods, community engagement and communications, policy, economics, and legal and professional practice. You'll participate in field courses in the Vancouver area, and complete international case studies. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to pursue a career as a city forester, a municipal arborist, a green infrastructure planner, a parks and recreation manager, or an urban forestry consultant.

Urban Forestry: Bachelor's Degree (UBCV)

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Conservation Science and Practice will help you understand and address the contemporary challenges facing the sustainable use and conservation of our environment. The degree is focused on the natural sciences but draws on methods, theory, and practice from the social sciences. This recognizes that humans are part of socio-ecological systems; thus, the human dimensions of conservation are integral components of the curriculum.

Conservation Science and Practice: Bachelor of Science Degree - Major or Honours

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Ecology and Management provides you with a thorough understanding of the science, philosophy, and practice of managing forested ecosystems. The program is designed to expose you to contemporary knowledge and techniques drawn from a variety of disciplines in the natural and social sciences.

Educational Path

Forest Related Bachelor's Degrees

Programs

Careers