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

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

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to assist foresters in the management and production of forest resources. These programs include courses in woods and field skills, tree identification, timber measurement, logging and timber harvesting, forest propagation and regeneration, forest firefighting, resource management, equipment operation and maintenance, record keeping, sales and purchasing operations, and personnel supervision.

Forest technology/technician

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

Managers in natural resources production and fishing

Forest Related Bachelor's Degrees

Forest Technology Diplomas

Forestry technologists and technicians may work independently or perform technical and supervisory functions in support of forestry research, forest management, forest harvesting, forest resource conservation and environmental protection. They are employed by the forest industry sector, provincial and federal governments, consulting firms, and other industries and institutions, 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.

The Forest and Natural Areas Management program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and also contains the curriculum for graduates to be eligible to apply for Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) status in British Columbia along with the potential pathways for other levels of certification and education.

Some key skills FNAM students will learn:
    - Identify, describe, measure and interpret ecosystems and associated components including landforms, vegetation, soils, geomorphology, aquatic ecosystems, forest stand attributes and wildlife habitat
    - Collect field data in both urban and rural environments and create technical reports, spreadsheets and digital maps using industry standard software (such as GIS & GPS) including the use of leading technology
    - Apply vegetation management techniques for application in wildland and urban silviculture areas
    - Analyze vegetation symptoms that relate to insects and diseases
    - Design and implement sampling plans and techniques for resource inventories
    - Assist in wildland and urban interface forest fire activities including suppression and hazard assessment
    - Apply forest engineering principles to meet the objectives of operational plans and forest management objectives
    - Communicate effectively in all aspects of natural resource management activities
    - Apply principles of ethics and professionalism to day-to-day activities

Forest and Natural Areas Management: Diploma

The Natural Resoures and Forest Technology Diploma offers forest technology courses enhanced by studies of wildlife and fish habitats, bird identification, indigenous plants, First Nations issues, outdoor recreation/tourism, and Earth sciences. The core of traditional, forestbased courses includes technical skills such as measurements, forest protection/health, forest operations and silviculture. All of these studies build on a fundamental understanding of ecology, plant biology, soils, math, English, digital mapping, and GIS. You will learn writing and presentation skills, including conducting research, completing data analysis, writing and presenting scientific reports. You may also take the opportunity to travel for a field school (past destinations have included China, Costa Rica and Ecuador) where students compare approaches to land management with that of BC.

Natural Resources and Forest Technology Diploma

The Coastal Forest Technology Diploma prepares you with the skills and technical knowledge for the BC Forestry sector. With a focus on applied and experiential learning, students will learn a wide range of forestry theory. A focus on foundation in ecology, silviculture, forest measurements, forest operations, sustainable resource management, cultural resource manageemtn, communication skills and occupational safety, will allow students to identify, explain and demonstrate forest technologists' skills compentencies, and functions. 

Coastal Forest Technology Diploma (NIC)

The Forest Technology Diploma provides an ideal starting point for learners excited by the combined career challenges of working in B.C.’s rugged outdoors and finding modern solutions to current forest management issues. Our primary goal is to provide job-ready graduates to potential employers in both private industry and government. Our program is nationally accredited and upon graduation, students are eligible to enrol to become Registered Forest Technologists with the Association of BC Forest Professionals.

Forest Technology Diploma

The Forestry Resources Technology Diploma provides the technical training required for starting a career in most fields of forest technology. The program emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all the major values of the forest including timber, recreation, wildlife, range, fish, water, and visual landscapes. The program is accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Graduates of this program meet the required standard for membership in the Association of B.C. Forest Professionals (ABCFP) as Registered Forest Technologists (RFT).

Educational Path

Forest Technology Diplomas

Programs

Careers