Info Needed For Forest Technology Course

[Trapper55]

Hi, I am just applying for a Forest Technology course at NAIT and need to do a career study. Just wondering if anyone can help.
Information on:
1.Types of jobs available with this course
2.Type of hours and work schedule
3.Working conditions
4.Job opprotunities
5.Helpfull background skills

Any iformation on this or about Foret Technology is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Small Job Tim]

for tech

trapper,
i attended a school that offered a forest technology associates degree. I now am in search of employment in that field.
Forest tech jobs are usually state based careers. Applying to your state office and taking the proper civil service exams is the first step to get in after you complete your program. Heads up though, since most forest tech opportunities are offered by the state, it seems that it is more important to know a politician than to have the proper certifications (my problem getting a position).
These jobs are typically seasonal, depending on your location, and are a 9-5 position. Working conditions are usually rural wooded areas, again depending on your location. Background skills that are helpful are a strong dendrology background, map reading and drawing, silvicultural techniques, and it definately helps to have at least a level 1 certification in the "Game of Logging" training. Don't forget that concepts in forest recreation are a plus.
good luck.

 

[BC WetCoast]

Hi, I am just applying for a Forest Technology course at NAIT and need to do a career study. Just wondering if anyone can help.
Information on:
1.Types of jobs available with this course
2.Type of hours and work schedule
3.Working conditions
4.Job opprotunities
5.Helpfull background skills

Any iformation on this or about Foret Technology is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I'm a forest technologist and professional forester in BC.
Types of jobs -
industry and consulting - timber cruising, road and cutblock layout, logging supervision, silviculture surveying
government - fire fighting, forest administration and permitting

Hours
Depends who you work for. Government is pretty standard 8-4 except for fire fighting. Industry and consulting will vary depending on the season, the company, workload etc

Working Conditions
I don't know about Alta, but in BC it's any weather all the time. Unlike the wimps back east, we don't stop work when it rains. Again depending on the job, and I assume you are looking toward field work, cold in the winter, heat and bugs in the summer.

Job opportunities - none -sorry, just kidding, but it is very tight at the moment. Mills are closing and at least in BC, the annual allowable cut is way down. And lumber sales are projected to be lower in the forseeable future. You learn to watch the US housing start figures.

Background skills - Be fit with good walking stamina. Good math skills as they come into play when you least expect it. The ability to be mobile in your lifestyle. Those who do really well tend to bounce around the country from job to job. If you are forced to stay in one town, especially a small one, your opportunities will be limited.

You will do well if you view this as higher education, rather than job training. Take as varied a course load as you can, it will open up opportunities in the future.

Good luck.

 

[Juliano]

Im a forest tech grad and worked in industry for well since 92, You can and I have do timber cruisng ,cut block layout, harvesting operations, road building write forest management plans, do inspections, work fire, site prep, be a production manager, work in a mill, own a forestry services company, sell equipment, scaling, CONSULTING, fisrst nations forestry, Government research and trial experiments. Work for OMNR. just for starters. It aint what it used to be so now Ive got just a skeleton crew. now studying to be an arborist. As u know many mills and woodland operations are shutting down even degree foresters are having a rough go. However this might be good since forest products ecomomics are very cyclical. If I were you do a full investigation before investing in a specialized education.