Forestry Technician
Share your passion for the outdoors while conserving our forests, now and into the future!
- This 45‑week diploma offers one of the most field-focused forestry programs in Ontario, giving students rapid, hands-on experience while earning their credential.
- Students receive extensive hands‑on, outdoor training working directly with industry experts in forests, parks, and woodlots.
- Opportunity to earn multiple industry‑recognized certifications preparing you for a wide range of entry‑level forestry, conservation, and natural‑resource roles.
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2026
No
Schedule
Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
This accelerated two-year Forestry Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), is the most hands-on and field-oriented program of its kind in Ontario. It prepares students in the implementation and influence of best practices in forest management in an ecological, environmental and social context. Students gain experience and skills alongside representatives of forest industry, sustainable forest license holders, private woodlot owners and government organizations at all levels.
Gain experience in the planning, execution and monitoring of forest, environment, ecosystem and wildlife management activities. Learn skills to help steward our forests through issues such as species at risk, forest invasives, and climate change....(read more)
Overview
Share your passion for the outdoors while conserving our forests, now and into the future!
This accelerated two-year Forestry Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), is the most hands-on and field-oriented program of its kind in Ontario. It prepares students in the implementation and influence of best practices in forest management in an ecological, environmental and social context. Students gain experience and skills alongside representatives of forest industry, sustainable forest license holders, private woodlot owners and government organizations at all levels.
Gain experience in the planning, execution and monitoring of forest, environment, ecosystem and wildlife management activities. Learn skills to help steward our forests through issues such as species at risk, forest invasives, and climate change.
Spend a significant amount of class time outdoors, exploring a variety of landscapes such as forests, parks and private woodlots. Practice collecting, compiling and analyzing forest resource data while learning to make recommendations to ensure our forests are kept healthy.
Benefit from the opportunity to earn a minimum of 10 industry certifications. These are customizable and give you an advantage entering the workforce.
In third semester, complete an 80-hour field placement. This gives you the opportunity to practice new skills in a real work setting while expanding your network of contacts.
With a Forestry Technician diploma, graduates may find entry-level work in the fields of:
- tree marking
- wildland fire fighting
- ecosystem, wildlife, and species at risk assessment
- tree planting and forest renewal
- sustainable forest harvesting
- parks management
- nature interpretation
- arboriculture
- bio-energy management
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1004
Course Name:
Professional Communication Essentials
Course Description:
Communication remains a fundamental skill regardless of discipline or field of study. Using an applied approach, students focus on writing, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7310
Course Name:
The Forest Environment
Course Description:
It is essential for Forestry Technicians to be able to navigate, quantify and interpret the forest in order to stay safe and accomplish task... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FOR7311
Course Name:
Dendrology
Course Description:
Tree identification is foundational to understanding, interpreting and managing forests. Focus is placed on the identification of local fore... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FOR7312
Course Name:
Ecology
Course Description:
Knowing the auto-ecology of tree species forms an underpinning to good forest management. Students examine the silvics of tree species, whic... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FOR7314
Course Name:
Soils and Landforms
Course Description:
Soils form part of the basis for good growth in forests. The need to keep soils healthy through forest activities is vital. The characterist... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7316
Course Name:
Wildlife
Course Description:
Good stewardship of the forest requires best management of all wildlife, including species at risk. Students practice identification of vari... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FOR7317
Course Name:
Remote Sensing
Course Description:
Remote sensing allows forest practitioners to accurately interpret forests at a landscape level. Students are introduced to remote sensing u... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FOR7322
Course Name:
Forest Health
Course Description:
Understanding pests and disease is essential to keeping forests healthy. Focus is placed on the identification and management of diseases an... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7313
Course Name:
Geographic Information Systems
Course Description:
GIS is a very powerful tool that allows capture and analysis of all aspects of modern forestry. Analysis of digitized spatial data is presen... + Read More
Hours:
60.0
Code:
FOR7321
Course Name:
Forest Measurements
Course Description:
Forest measurement data forms the basis for good short and long term decision making in our forests. Students determine the growth and yield... + Read More
Hours:
49.0
Code:
FOR7324
Course Name:
Silviculture
Course Description:
Silviculture connects the silvics of tree species and land base objectives to allow for sustainable forest management. Students study silvic... + Read More
Hours:
64.0
Code:
FOR7325
Course Name:
Harvesting
Course Description:
Harvesting is a foundational silvicultural tool that allows for best management on a long-term basis. Students explore regulations, license... + Read More
Hours:
49.0
Code:
FOR7327
Course Name:
Fire Management
Course Description:
It is important to understand both the benefit and hazard that forest fires create to protect forests and emulate their natural systems. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
AST2000
Course Name:
Introduction to Astronomy
Course Description:
What can the sky tell us about our place in the universe, and how life began? This introductory course to astronomy will teach students indi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN2001
Course Name:
History of Design
Course Description:
Visual communications and graphic design have played a key role in the evolution of communication through a number of historical and social ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN2003
Course Name:
Ai in Creative Industries
Course Description:
From Hollywood studios using AI to generate film concepts to fashion designers creating virtual runway shows, artificial intelligence is res... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1726
Course Name:
Symbols, Text and Meaning
Course Description:
Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and how we use them to create meaning. It examine how certain things?words, images, sounds, gest... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENV0002
Course Name:
Environmental Citizenship
Course Description:
Environmental citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global envir... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENV5004
Course Name:
Waste-Free Ontario
Course Description:
Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners a... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2300
Course Name:
Introduction to Personal Finance
Course Description:
Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards autonomy and agency. Students discover how finan... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0021
Course Name:
Disability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity
Course Description:
All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities an... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0022
Course Name:
Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-Being
Course Description:
While fulfillment and well-being mark some people's lives, many others remain dissatisfied with life. Positive Psychology is concerned with ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0024
Course Name:
Anti-Racism: Theory and Practice
Course Description:
Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED2200
Course Name:
Free Speech and the Challenge of Social Media
Course Description:
This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5002
Course Name:
Victimology
Course Description:
An increased awareness of the ripple effect of crime has given rise to victimology as a significant field of study. Students investigate vic... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5003
Course Name:
The Science of Play
Course Description:
Toys and games, key components of play, have evolved from homemade trinkets to highly engineered items in a multi-billion-dollar industry. S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5004
Course Name:
Living Green
Course Description:
The need to lead healthy, environmentally conscious lives is increasingly important. Students acquire the practical knowledge and skills req... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5005
Course Name:
Greek Mythology
Course Description:
Students explore intriguing characters, important places and famous myths of Classical Greece. By examining a variety of popular myths, stud... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5006
Course Name:
World Religions
Course Description:
In Canada, society embraces people from many cultures of the world. By exploring different religious beliefs about the world, the individual... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5007
Course Name:
Transatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition
Course Description:
The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporar... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5010
Course Name:
The Fungus Among Us
Course Description:
Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5200
Course Name:
Supporting Learning Differences in Society
Course Description:
Students gain an awareness of learning differences in various contexts including social, educational, and work settings. The field of learni... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5300
Course Name:
The Science of Everyday Life
Course Description:
The mysteries of science surround us constantly and play a significant role in everyone's daily life regardless of their level of awareness.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED5301
Course Name:
On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)
Course Description:
Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society's attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED6022
Course Name:
A Sense of Humour
Course Description:
Humour is a universal tool of communication and social influence. Students survey the development, use, and value of humour in Canadian visu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN1001
Course Name:
Ethics: What Is the Big Deal?
Course Description:
In today's society there is increasingly more attention focused on questions of right or wrong, good or evil. Ethical issues relating to a w... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN1957
Course Name:
Science Fiction
Course Description:
Science fiction is both a major genre of popular entertainment and an effective mode of social commentary. Students explore the formal conve... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN2003
Course Name:
Healthy Lifestyle
Course Description:
Are you eating healthy foods? Do you exercise regularly? Do you know how to prevent injuries and disease? These are some of the skills neces... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN2007
Course Name:
Community Service
Course Description:
Volunteerism not only benefits a community; it can broaden the worldview of the volunteer. Students who give their time and energy to an app... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEO0012
Course Name:
Foreign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants
Course Description:
Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greate... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HIS0001
Course Name:
Saints and Heroes: Shining a Spotlight on the 'Dark Ages', Europe A.D. 410-1096
Course Description:
When the mighty Roman Empire began to collapse, it was attacked from all directions by Barbarian armies. The resulting turmoil caused Europe... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2228
Course Name:
Wine, Food and Culture
Course Description:
An understanding of culture can be discovered by exploring eating and drinking customs. Students experience a virtual global tour, exploring... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOS2288
Course Name:
The Dinner Party
Course Description:
Table manners are as unique to a culture as the foods they eat - how people eat varies widely from country to country. Participants in this ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB1982
Course Name:
Reading for Recreation
Course Description:
Reading gives us knowledge and new ideas to draw from in the future. It tones the mind in ways similar to the way exercise tones the body. A... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT7330
Course Name:
Trends in Today's Workplace
Course Description:
In today's culture of work, every employee needs to be knowledgeable about current trends and issues in the workplace. Students explore emer... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MVM8800
Course Name:
The Impact of the Car on North American Culture
Course Description:
Students explore the social, economic, political, and environmental impact of the automobile on North American lives. Through a combination ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PSI0003
Course Name:
Globalization and Sustainability
Course Description:
The rapid growth of the global economy raises fundamental questions: How do trade and politics affect development and the environment? What ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RAD2001
Course Name:
Popular Culture
Course Description:
One dictionary definition of popular culture is the "totality of socially transmitted behaviour patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and a... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCI2200
Course Name:
Dynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone
Course Description:
DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all u... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SOC2003
Course Name:
Understanding Human Sexuality
Course Description:
Students study human sexuality through an interdisciplinary approach. Students gain a basic understanding of human sexuality through an inve... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1108
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7331
Course Name:
Land Stewardship
Course Description:
Private woodlots require a different approach to forest management in comparison to publicly owned land due to their different uses and land... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7333
Course Name:
Forest Access
Course Description:
Careful forest access ensures that we can manage our forests with a light environmental footprint. The proper locating of various types of f... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7335
Course Name:
Ecological Land Classification
Course Description:
A standardized and consistent ecosystem inventory is needed by resource managers and planners to manage the daily operations of forests. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FOR7337
Course Name:
Tree Marking
Course Description:
Tree marking is essential for placing forest stands on well managed trajectories and supports their long-term health. Students are introduce... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7341
Course Name:
Forest Management
Course Description:
Good stewardship of forests requires monitoring and management over long time frames. Students apply knowledge from previous courses to the ... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
FOR7346
Course Name:
Advanced Spatial Techniques
Course Description:
Global positioning systems are a critical tool for data collection and navigation in forestry. Students collect field information with vari... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7347
Course Name:
Freshwater Environments
Course Description:
Stewardship of hydrological environments is vital for the health of the planet. The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of fre... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7348
Course Name:
Silvicultural Surveys
Course Description:
Surveys are an essential tool to verify the success of silvicultural operations and ensure forest sustainability. Focusing on the performanc... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7353
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
A field placement provides students with valuable experiential learning opportunities in the Forestry industry by applying skills in a workp... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
GED1108
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce or to further their studies through university or the natural resources law enforcement (conservation officer) program. Geographic mobility is usually a prerequisite to employment with forestry companies, governments, private woodlot owners, hydro, municipalities, conservation authorities or resource consultants. Graduates may find entry-level work in the fields of tree marking, forest inventory, forest environment and ecosystem assessment, compliance monitoring, forest renewal, harvesting, parks, wildlife management, nature interpretation, arboriculture, bio-energy management and forest fire control. Self-employment as a forestry contractor or consultant is another avenue graduates may decide to pursue.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct forest inventory surveys and field measurements to determine forest resources and values in forests and woodlots.
- Assess soil characteristics, vegetation and wildlife habitats to identify their interactions within forest ecosystems.
- Perform technical functions in silvicultural operations and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of silvicultural practices.
- Collect, analyze, interpret, and display spatial data using mapping technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to contribute to forest resource management.
- Contribute to sustainable forest management plans, including conservation and rehabilitation measures, taking into consideration the perspectives of a variety of stakeholders and the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations.
- Identify and analyze forest diseases, pests, invasive species and other disturbance events and implement mitigation strategies to maintain and improve forest ecosystems.
- Select, operate, troubleshoot and maintain tools and equipment in a variety of environmental conditions and in accordance with safety and operating standards.
- Work independently and in a collaborative environment while applying effective teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Communicate technical information to a variety of stakeholders in oral, written, visual and electronic forms.
- Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance work performance in the forestry sector.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books, supplies, and personal protective equipment cost approximately $1000.00 during the program.
As part of a two-week certification period in the final level, fees for certification courses are assessed separately and are announced early in the program. Note: There is an ability to complete the certification course at no cost. The certifications are offered through external providers, prices can range from $0 to $900.00 or higher. These costs are not included in College Ancillary fees.
Due to the nature of your program, you are required to participate in learning that takes place throughout the diverse forests of the Ottawa Valley including trips to the Petawawa Research Forest, a nationally recognized centre of excellence for forestry research. Students are expected to make their own way to sites within the City of Pembroke. However, for more distant, off campus locations, where parking is unsafe, unavailable or limited, bus transportation is required. For your purchase convenience, a Forestry Technician student term bus pass is available for purchase in the Campus Proud shop at the following rates (based on required use): Fall $275, Winter $175, Spring $385.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 11 (MCF3M or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
A current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate is preferred prior to registration. Otherwise, the student must obtain the certificate within the first two months of the first level. Applicants must sign and submit a Forestry Technician Program Assumption of Risk and Indemnifying Release Form.
Application Information
FORESTRY TECHNICIAN
Program Code 0108X04FPM
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/
For further information on the admissions process, please contact:
Registrar's Office Algonquin College - Pembroke Campus
1 College Way, Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Email: yourfuture@algonquincollege.com
Website: https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke
Additional Information
Program Resources
In order to prepare our graduates to be the best in their field, we believe the educational environment must closely resemble the work environment, including the associated risks. Risk, therefore, is an inherent part of the educational environment.
A total of two weeks is spent on placement in a resource-oriented organization chosen by the student, anywhere in the world. Should the opportunity arise, the student may choose instead to partake in an applied forestry research project supervised by the college and/or one of its partners.
Students contemplating taking Forestry at a university should seriously consider our program first, as we provide a one year, hands-on, practical, field-oriented program. Our articulation agreements with Lakehead University and the University of New Brunswick allows you to enter their Forestry or Forest Conservation programs in the second or third year.
Applicants who participated in the Specialist High Skills Major - Forestry and/or Environment may be eligible for exemptions, in whole or in part, for some of the Forestry Technician courses. Applicants should bring documents to the program coordinator for review, particularly co-op placement and industry certifications.
Contact
Peter Arbour
Program Coordinator
Room 304

Peter started his teaching career with Algonquin College as a part-time professor of Dendrology in the Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program at the Pembroke Campus. He became a full-time faculty member and coordinator of the Forestry Technician program in 2019, joining the college after a successful career as the Operations Manager at the Petawawa Research Forest (PRF), where he had been responsible for leading all phases of forestry planning and implementation, including oversight of research activities as well as staffing, promotional activities, community engagement, and budgeting.
In addition to his extensive leadership skills, Peter was previously employed as a Forestry and Research Technician and possesses a wealth of technical skills relevant to the classroom, including those related to the collection and management of forest stand data, conducting stand assessments, and leading auditing and mensuration activities. Peter holds a Forest Technician Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College and a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in English Language and Literature from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Peter is originally from Midland, Ontario, and has called Deep River his home for the last 20 years. He loves the outdoors, and fills his free time with hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing. He is also an avid guitarist and is always happy to be playing music.
