Forester
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Foresters apply scientific expertise to land and natural resource management and are responsible for implementing and supervising natural resource programs in forestry and land use. They combine their knowledge of the biotic components of a forest, namely the trees and other vegetation, with the abiotic components of air, water, and soil to make sound management and planning decisions. There are also a number of urban foresters working for municipalities to manage tree stands and small forested areas within Canada’s towns and cities. (from ECO Canada)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- O*NET Online - US resource for occupational descriptions and information
- Career Profile: Forester - career profile from ECO Canada
- WorkBC> - description and video from WorkBC
- Interview: Forestry Professional - career profile from StudyinCanada.com
- Sokanu: Forester - U.S. occupational information
Education
A bachelor's degree in forestry or forest engineering is usually required, as is registration with a regulatory body except in Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and the Territories. The University of Manitoba does not have a program dedicated to forestry although courses in biological sciences and environmental sciences may be useful.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Department of Biological Sciences - Faculty of Science
- Department of Environment and Geography - Clayton Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources
Exploring Other Education Options
- Search Directories
- Accredited Forester Programs from the Forest Professional Regulators of Canada
- Recognized University Forestry Programs - from Canadian Institute of Forestry (includes university and college programs in provinces/territories where profession is not regulated)
- Accredited U.S. Programs in Forestry and Forest Technology - from the Society of American Foresters
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Canada) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for U.S
- I want to be a forester. What will my salary be? - The Globe & Mail
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Institute of Forestry
- Society of American Foresters
- International Union of Forest Research Organizations
Directories, Industry Associations and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Forestry Association
- Woodlot Association of Manitoba
- Forest Products Association of Canada
- Commonwealth Forestry Association
- National Aboriginal Forestry Association - includes a comprehensive company directory
- American Forests - a national conservation organization
- Tree Canada - charity dedicated to planting and nurturing trees
- International Model Forest Network
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- Forestry Jobs - Society of American Foresters
- Canadian Forests Website
- Links to Jobs in Forestry - The Truck Loggers Association
- Jobs and Graduate Opportunities - from the Commonwealth Forestry Association
- ECO Canada Job Board
- Green Jobs - from Manitoba EcoNetwork
- Work Cabin - Wild Your Career! - Canada's Conservation and Wildlife Job Board since 2007
- Association of BC Forest Professionals Job Bank
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience.
- Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research - University of Winnipeg
- Canadian Forest Service - Natural Resources Canada
- Canadian Council of Forestry Ministers
- Trees Winnipeg - non-profit organization dedicated to preserving trees in Winnipeg
- ForestNet - home of North America's leading forestry magazines
- Career Opportunities - from Natural Resources Canada
- Green Mentor Program: Project Learning Tree Canada - for youth aged 18 to 30 with an interest in forestry and conservation