Career Fact Sheets

Forestry Technician

Two people with equipment (forestry technicians) walk through the woods.

Forestry technicians gather information about forests and monitor how forest resources are used. They also do many other things. At any given time, they might be working on a conservation project, supervising a tree nursery, or helping to coordinate fire suppression efforts. A forestry technician is part of a forest management team. They work under the direction of a forester.

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Forestry technicians are often one of several people on a project, so teamwork and planning skills are important. They need to know basic forest management techniques, like remediation and afforestation. Employers often want them to have geographic information system (GIS) experience and knowledge of related tools and database programs. Forestry technicians use tools like prisms, clinometers, and calipers. They also usually need a valid driver’s licence.

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Forestry technician salary

The average salary for a forestry technician varies by region, from $45,000 to $75,000 annually.

Forestry technician education*

Most positions require at least a two-year college diploma. In high school, take biology, math, and science.

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*Not a complete list of resources.

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man and woman in high visibility vests in the forest

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