21111 – Forestry professionals
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.5 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 40 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 70 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
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.