The Forest Resources Technician program provides a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge required for a career in the natural resources industry. The program strives for innovative training that reaches beyond the classroom with a strong emphasis on "real life" experiences. Students will be versed in ecosystem management opportunities and challenges and they will be able to use their acquired skills to evaluate and present sustainable management solutions. The program may also inspire individuals to pursue further studies in forestry or other related areas of concentration.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Forest Resources Technician program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to participate in finding solutions to forest management problems and challenges.
- Identify forest ecosystem issues, challenges and alternate solutions.
- Demonstrate assessment and evaluation techniques involved in forest resource protection, management and utilization.
- Identify current preventive measures, treatments and practices used in forest resource protection, management and utilization.
- Demonstrate effective procedures and practices in the use of field and office equipment to assess and analyze natural resources data.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this nationally accredited program may obtain employment throughout Canada in a variety of forestry related fields: protection and enforcement, forest inventory and site classification, logging and engineering, forest access road construction and maintenance, silviculture as well as parks, wildlife and environmental assessment. This program has an established reputation for supplying graduates to employers all across Canada.
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates of the Forest Resources Technician program, who wish to pursue post-secondary studies, can apply for entry with advanced standing at a number of Canadian Universities that the College has established credit transfer agreements with. Please refer to the NL Department of Education's transfer guide (www.cna.nl.ca/transfer), or contact your intended university or college.
ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION
To ensure the benefits of a consistently high standard of education, the College of the North Atlantic’s Forest Resources Technician program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal semester courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Forestry Resources Technician program are required to obtain certification in the following areas over the two-year period of study:
Chainsaw Safety
ATV Safety Training
Canadian Firearm Safety Course / Hunter Education
Timber Scaling
WHMIS/OHS
Snowmobile Safety
Wilderness First Aid
Note: Students should be aware that additional fees and expenses apply for certifications and for field camps, tours and On-the-Job Training. Students will be required to hold valid certifications for the above courses prior to graduation.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Academic:
Eligibility for admission to the program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201 or 3202
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1100.
Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science – (4 credits) two of which must be chosen from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Environmental Science 3205
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math :
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from two of the following three combinations:
a. Biology:
BL1020,
BL1021
b. Chemistry:
CH1030,
CH1031
c. Physics:
PH1050,
PH1051
Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in the Fish and Wildlife, Forest Resources Technician, Natural Resources Technician or Northern Natural Resources Technician program complete
BL1020 and
BL1021.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Because of the extensive field exposure incorporated in this program, the student is required to acquire the following equipment and clothing: hard hat, compass, axe, snowshoes, logger boots, good quality rainwear, and other clothing appropriate for outdoor work.
Note: Participation in activities that are physically demanding will be required due to the extensive field components incorporated into this program.