Silviculture Technician

Forestry technologists and technicians may work independently or perform technical and supervisory functions in support of forestry research, forest management, forest harvesting, forest resource conservation and environmental protection. They are employed by the forest industry sector, provincial and federal governments, consulting firms, and other industries and institutions, or they may be self-employed.

Typical Duties:

• Prepares inventories of tree species in a forested areas in preparation for reforestation programs;
• Identifies what activities need to take place to bring a wood stand to a defined condition;
• Assists with the maintenance of optimal conditions that facilitate the planned uses of a forest tract;
• Ensures that a harvested area will be reforested properly;
• Assists in the preparation of work plans for timber stand improvements and reforestation activities;
• Ensures that reforestation techniques are in keeping with local and provincial regulations;
• Undertakes site inspections to ensure that work crews or contractors that have been engaged for timber stand improvements;
• Inspects completed silviculture work to ensure completion to contract specification;
• Conducts surveys of recently planted areas and recommend needed remedial activities;
• Determines site preparation requirements prior to commercial harvesting;
• Uses GPS technology to map out a tract of forest;
•  Maintain firefighting equipment.

Educational Requirements:

Two-year college program in forestry or forest engineering technology