Forestry Technologists and Technicians (NOC 2223)
Description
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.
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Example Titles
- conservation technician - forestry
- cruising technician - forestry
- enforcement officer - forestry
- extension ranger - forestry
- fire suppression officer - forestry
- forest fire technician
- forest survey technician
- forest technician
- forestry technician
- forestry technologist
- resource officer, forest inventory
- resource technician - forestry
- scaler technician - logging
- scaling co-ordinator - logging
- silviculture technician
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Classified Elsewhere
- Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221)
- Conservation and Fishery Officers (2224)
- Foresters and forest engineers (in 2122 Forestry Professionals)
- Supervisors, Logging and Forestry (8211)
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Duties
Forestry technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct, supervise and participate in forest inventory cruises, surveys and field measurements following accepted scientific and operational procedures
- Assist and perform technical functions in the preparation of forest management and harvest plans using photogrammetric and mapping techniques and computerized information systems
- Assist in planning and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads
- Implement, supervise and perform technical functions in silvicultural operations involving site preparation, planting, and tending of tree crops
- Co-ordinate activities such as timber scaling, forest fire suppression, disease or insect control or pre-commercial thinning of forest stands
- Supervise and perform technical functions in forest harvesting operations
- Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors and enforce regulations such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety and accident prevention
- Provide forestry education, advice and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations and the general public
- Develop and maintain computer databases
- Supervise forest tree nursery operations
- Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys or experimental forestry and forest engineering research.
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Skills
Forestry technicians should have the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in timber resource conservation and harvesting
- an aptitude for science and mathematics
- physical fitness and stamina
- ability to pay close attention to detail in taking measurements and record-keeping
- computer usage skills
- map reading skills and spatial perception
- mechanical skills and manual dexterity
- communication and interpersonal skills
- ability to follow established methods
- analytical and problem-solving skills
- an interest in keeping current with new techniques and advancements.
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Employment Requirements
- Employers usually require a diploma in forestry technology.
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Terms & Conditions
Forestry technologists and technicians work indoors in offices or laboratories as well as outdoors in all types of weather. The outdoor work is physically demanding, can stretch for extended periods of time, and is often in remote areas.
Many of the positions are seasonal. There are limited opportunities for part-time work. There is no self-employment in this occupation.
Although employment in this occupation is primarily seasonal, the annual earnings reported below represent the prevailing wages, salaries, and/or net income for full time employment for the full year.
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Earnings
$30,600 per annum - starting
$55,200 per annum - average
$89,500 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- The University College of the North offers a two-year diploma program in Natural Resources Management Technology, which includes courses in forestry, fisheries and wildlife, and water resources management.
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Career Paths
Forestry technicians may specialize in fields such as surveys, reclamation, non-timber forest resources or insect and disease control. They may be able to move to natural resource and wildlife management or to parks management positions. With experience they may become supervisors or managers.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for forestry technologists and technicians are expected to be limited in the 2010-2014 period. The 2010 employment level is estimated at 205.
The forestry industry faces many serious challenges in terms of demand for its products and sustainable management of the forest supply. Poor market conditions in the pulp and paper, and lumber industries are affecting employment opportunities. The decline in wood product exports, primarily to the US housing market, has forced many firms to cut production or close temporarily. The demand for paper continues to decline as well, due to international competition and lower demand for newsprint as more people turn to the internet for their news.
Employment prospects should improve when demand for wood products rebounds, possibly later in the outlook period. Sustainable forest management such as maintenance and protection of existing stock, silviculture practices, reforestation, insect and disease management control and fire prevention and control are increasingly important to this sector and are supported by the public and environmental groups concerned with the preservation and conservation of this natural resource. Since individuals in this occupation are directly involved in carrying out these tasks, many working for government where employment is more stable, they are less affected by the decline in employment in the industry than are members of occupations that focus on harvesting.
Sustainable forest management practices will require technologists and technicians to seek continuous retraining in new technologies such as biotechnology, genetics, geomatics, remote sensing and informatics. The use of geographical information systems (GIS), satellite imagery and specialized software is important to this work.
This is a small occupation group with a young age profile, so there will be fewer vacancies resulting from retirements. However, opportunities may result as individuals leave the occupation because of the strenuous and physical demands of the work. Much of the employment in this occupation is seasonal.
Proportionally, larger shares of employment for this occupational group are located in Northern Manitoba, Parklands and Winnipeg. Across industries, the largest concentration is in Public Administration (68%) and Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry (10%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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