Forestry Professionals
(NOC 2122)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyForestry professionals research, develop plans, and administer and direct programs related to the management and harvesting of forest resources. They work for the forest industry, provincial and federal governments, consulting companies, educational institutions and other industries, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$25.38
Minimum$40.83
Median$58.94
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$74,241
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Forestry professionals research, develop plans, and administer and direct programs related to the management and harvesting of forest resources. They work for the forest industry, provincial and federal governments, consulting companies, educational institutions and other industries, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Forestry professionals:
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Create short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
- Plan and direct woodlands harvesting, reforestation, silviculture and fire prevention and fire suppression programs, road building, wildlife management, environmental protection and insect and vegetation control programs.
- Negotiate agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities.
- Make sure government regulations and company objectives are followed.
- Plan and carry out public relations programs, and education and extension programs related to forestry.
- Develop and manage programs for tree seedling production and woodlands nursery operations.
- Research tree improvement, nursery seedling production, forest soils, forest ecology, forest mensuration, forest operations and other areas.
- Consult on forestry issues with private woodlot owners, municipal, provincial, or federal governments or companies.
Sample job titles
- forest engineer
- forester
- forestry superintendent
- industrial forester
- parks and recreation forester
- professional forester
- regional forest inventory officer
- registered professional forester (RPF)
Skills
- You should have an aptitude for seeing the bigger picture, which is needed for long-term resource management. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are necessary. You must be able to work as part of a team, using both administrative and project management skills. You should enjoy working outdoors and be physically capable of travelling through rough terrain. A portion of your time will be spent working in an office environment where computer skills are required. An interest in science and biology, and the relationships between living organisms will start you on the right path.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in forestry or forestry engineering.
- Certification as a forester or forest engineer by provincially chartered associations is required in provinces having such associations.
- A two-year practicum of supervised work experience and professional examinations are usually required before registration.
Other considerations
- There are no significant seasonal patterns of unemployment among foresters. Supervisory and senior jobs in this group require additional experience. With experience, movement to management positions in government and industry is possible.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
$74,351 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AHalifax
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
65+
55-64
25-34
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
N/ACollege Diploma
N/AMaster
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Natural Resources Management and Policy
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, develop, manage, and evaluate programs to protect and regulate natural habitats and renewable natural resources. They include courses in the principles of wildlife and conservation biology, environmental science, animal population surveying, natural resource economics, management techniques for various habitats, applicable law and policy, administrative and communications skills, and public relations.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.