How to become a forestry professional
Official title: Forestry professionals
Also called: Professional forester, Superintendent - forestry, Regional inventory officer - forestry, Registered professional forester (rpf), Forester, Unit forester, Urban forester, Forest engineer, Project forester, District forester, Research forester, Appraisal forester
Forestry professionals conduct research, develop plans and administer and direct programs related to the management and harvesting of forest resources. They are employed by the forest industry, provincial and federal governments, consulting companies, educational institutions and other industries, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 11 universities in Canada
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces except Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $91,650 a year The middle half earn $73,925 to $112,496.
- About 4,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,500 are projected by 2033. (+7.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a forestry professional?
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.
How much does a forestry professional earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $91,650 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $73,925 to $112,496.
Is a forestry professional a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2033, from about 4,200 to about 4,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a forestry professional?
Usually. 79% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03