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Forest Technician: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like being out in the wilderness? Are you interested in protecting our forests? Do you like teamwork and the idea of using complicated equipment for observing and logging data? Then you may want to log into a career as a forest technician.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Forest Technician

Forest technicians perform technical functions related to forest management, forest protection, silviculture, harvesting and conservation.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Environmental Technician / Technologist, Forest Fire Lookout, Natural Resource Technician

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2223: Forestry Technologists and Technicians

2006 NOC-S

  • C123: Forestry Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2223: Forestry technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2223: Forestry technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22112: Forestry technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22112.00: Forestry technologists and technicians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2017

Forest technicians, as they are defined in this profile, work under the supervision of foresters or forest technologists. They may be involved primarily in:

  • silviculture - as members of site preparation, tree planting or stand-tending crews, or as nursery workers or crew supervisors
  • timber management - as compass persons, regeneration surveyors, timber cruisers or mapping technicians
  • forest protection - performing insect- and disease-control activities, or as aerial observers, firefighters, helitack or rappel crew members, sector leaders, fire lookout personnel (tower personnel), timekeepers, radio operators, forestry warehouse persons or air tank base managers or assistants
  • forest harvesting - operating equipment, supervising logging, checking log quality, doing pre-harvest or post-harvest assessments, scaling or grading timber, or laying out cutting blocks or roads.

Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, forest technicians:

  • survey forest areas and access roads
  • assist land managers with day-to-day field activities
  • conduct forest inventories to determine the volume of timber in an area
  • make detailed drawings of and lay out harvest blocks, haul roads and skid trails
  • mark trees for harvesting operations
  • inspect logs for defects, measure them to determine total volume and estimate the marketable content for use as saw logs or pulpwood
  • keep records of the amount and condition of logs reaching mills
  • survey regrowth on cut areas
  • survey trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark and roots to record insect and disease damage
  • use aerial photographs, global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to map and collect data on forest areas.

Forest technicians may use (or supervise workers who use) chain saws, clearing saws and manual tools, or herbicides to control weeds and undergrowth.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2017
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Forest technicians typically work outdoors in all weather conditions, often performing strenuous tasks on steep, wet or uneven terrain. But they also work in office environments. Lifting requirements vary depending on the nature of the job. In general, forest technicians routinely lift loads weighing up to 10 kilograms.

Forest technicians may commute daily to work in the woods or may have to be away from home for a week or more at a time. They often stay in small rural communities or in modern camps, but may also live in urban settings.

When fighting forest fires, they often work 12 to 16 hour shifts for several days at a time and may be required to lift equipment weighing up to 30 kilograms. Some positions are seasonal.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
I
Investigative
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Forestry technologists and technicians
2023 OaSIS: 22112.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 2
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 3
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Forestry technologists and technicians
2023 OaSIS: 22112.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2017

Forest technicians need:

  • physical fitness
  • spatial and form perception for mapping and inspecting
  • motor coordination and manual dexterity for adjusting instruments and navigating forest terrain
  • attention to detail when taking measurements and updating computer databases
  • communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with people and working as part of a team
  • the ability to work alone, sometimes for long periods of time.

They should enjoy taking responsibility for projects, having clear rules and organized methods for their work, and solving problems by experimenting.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Forestry technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2223

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 29 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 17, 2022 and Oct 02, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Team player
Attention to detail
Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years
Work Setting: Consulting firm
Tasks: Examine drawings for conformity and errors
Tasks: Develop and prepare design sketches
Tasks: Prepare engineering designs and drawings
Tasks: Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates
Forest measurement and inventory assessment
Work Setting: Remote location
Construction Specialization: Team player 17
Attention to detail 15
Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years 11
Work Setting: Consulting firm 11
Tasks: Examine drawings for conformity and errors 11
Tasks: Develop and prepare design sketches 11
Tasks: Prepare engineering designs and drawings 11
Tasks: Prepare construction specifications, costs and material estimates 11
Forest measurement and inventory assessment 10
Work Setting: Remote location 10
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
  • Minimum Education Varies

Minimum education level varies. Forest technicians may acquire the required skills and knowledge of provincial forest legislation and regulations by training on the job or taking related education programs.

Computer skills are a definite asset, particularly familiarity with GIS and GPS systems.

Some employers use the title forest technician for technical positions requiring a 2-year post-secondary diploma or a university degree.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Technician

A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professional. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2017

Forest technicians are employed by:

  • logging companies
  • pulp and paper companies
  • lumber companies
  • oil and gas companies
  • forestry consulting firms
  • environmental consulting firms
  • land management consulting firms
  • private contracting firms
  • provincial governments.

In private companies or consulting firms, forestry technicians may be employed as log scalers, logging supervisors, woodland assistants/technicians, silvicultural crew members or supervisors, fire-suppression crew members or supervisors, or road and cutblock specialists.

Experienced forest technicians may advance to supervisory positions or move into related positions in provincial parks, survey crews, vegetation control, reclamation work, the oil and gas industry, woodlot management or forestry equipment operation and supervision. (For more information, see the Logging/Forestry Equipment Operator occupational profile). Additional education is required to move into forest technologist or forester positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Forestry technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2223

82.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Forestry technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22112
Balanced
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Forestry technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2223
2.3%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
20
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2017

Starting salaries for forestry technicians vary depending on the type of work performed.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Forestry technologists and technicians

2021 NOC: 22112
Average Wage
$37.84
Per Hour
Average Salary
$74,265.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 22112 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $39.52 $30.71 $34.76
Overall $23.00 $51.04 $37.84 $39.76
Top $25.00 $51.04 $41.40 $41.14

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $74,265
Public Administration $86,147

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
N/A
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
4%
Related High School Subjects
  • Natural Resources
    • Forestry
  • Science
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2017

Alberta Junior Forest Rangers website: alis.alberta.ca/jfr

ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca

Work Wild website: www.workwild.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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