21111 – Forestry professionals
Lead statement
Forestry professionals conduct research, develop plans and administer and direct programs related to the management and harvesting of forest resources.
Main duties
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations
- Establish 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 terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities
- Ensure adherence to government regulations and company objectives
- Plan and conduct public relations programs, and education and extension programs related to forestry
- Develop and oversee programs for tree seedling production and woodlands nursery operations
- Conduct advanced research in the areas of tree improvement, nursery seedling production, forest soils, forest ecology, forest mensuration, forest operations and other areas
- Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, municipal, provincial or federal governments or to companies.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in forestry or forestry engineering is required.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces except Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.
- A two-year practicum of supervised work experience and professional examinations are usually required before registration.
Example job titles
appraisal forester · consulting forester · Crown lands forester · district forester · forest engineer · extension forester · forest nursery forester · professional forester · forester · superintendent - forestry · geographic information system (GIS) forester · industrial forester · operations forester · parks and recreation forester · private lands forester · project forester · regional forest inventory officer · registered professional forester (RPF) · unit forester · urban forester · research forester · regional inventory officer - forestry
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $31.39 | $47.00 | $62.50 |
| Nova Scotia | $31.22 | $44.66 | $64.03 |
| New Brunswick | $28.39 | $41.27 | $60.81 |
| Quebec | $35.00 | $49.00 | $57.69 |
| Ontario | $31.39 | $40.00 | $53.06 |
| Alberta | $30.58 | $45.88 | $65.54 |
| British Columbia | $33.65 | $40.00 | $68.68 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.