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Arborist, Forest Economist, Forest Health Specialist, Forest Resource Planner, Growth and Yield Analyst, Harvesting Supervisor, Land Use Planner, Operations Supervisor, Planning Assistant, Project Manager, Research Scientist, Silviculture Supervisor, Woodlands Manager
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Foresters work in close consultation with other land and resource management specialists to ensure that forest land is managed wisely. Their objective is to optimize production of forest resources and minimize adverse impacts on the land, water and wildlife.
Foresters may:
There is no one industry or one role which foresters fill. Foresters may work in various industries related to forestry such as business, finance, oil, gas, mining, environment, power generation or product supply. Or they may work in land inspection and enforcement to ensure that forest-cleared lands are reclaimed to their most suitable end use, or that outdoor recreational activities and commercial land uses comply with the guidelines and regulations for forested public lands.
Foresters working in watershed protection and wildlife management monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on populations and habitats, and study water yield variations following surface disturbances.
Forest research scientists and forestry research officers may work in forest management science and research areas. They may:
Many Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) spend their time planning and administering programs or conducting research. They may:
In entry-level positions, foresters may spend a considerable amount of time working outdoors in the field, either by themselves or with small crews. They may work in remote sites or bush camps. They may hike in rugged country, wet muskeg areas or over steep terrain in all kinds of weather. Forest fire control and tree planting activities are particularly physically demanding and hazardous.
To deal with harsh weather conditions and to avoid being outdoors for extended periods, foresters use various portable devices, drones and GIS navigation. They also use all-terrain vehicles, trucks, helicopters and snowmobiles to move more easily around the forest.
Many Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) work primarily indoors.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to conduct advanced research into areas such as tree improvement, nursery seedling production, forest soils, forest ecology, forest mensuration and forest operations
Interest in synthesizing information to plan and conduct public relations, educational and extension programs related to forestry; and in providing advice and recommendations as consultants on forestry issues to private woodlot owners, companies and municipal, provincial and federal governments
Interest in supervising programs to plan and direct woodlands harvesting, reforestation, silviculture, fire prevention and fire suppression programs, road building, wildlife management, environmental protection and insect and vegetation control programs; and in developing and overseeing programs for tree seedling production and woodlands nursery operations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Foresters need:
They should enjoy exploring things in depth, developing innovative studies and programs, working with people and directing the work of others.
Foresters must have an accredited university degree in forestry or equivalent (e.g., applied science degree and significant work experience in forestry). Forestry research positions usually require at least a master’s degree in forestry; often, a doctoral (PhD) degree is required for independent research positions. Computer skills are a definite asset, particularly familiarity with GIS and GPS systems.
Outdoor experience (camping, bush travel, use of all-terrain or 4-wheel-drive vehicles) is a definite asset. The Alberta Junior Forest Rangers program, operated by the Government of Alberta, provides work-related forestry experience for senior high school students in a variety of forestry roles.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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.
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.
Foresters plan, administer and direct programs related to managing forested lands and renewable resources.
Under the Regulated Forestry Profession Act [pdf] and the Registered Professional Foresters Regulation [pdf], you must be registered with the College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF) to use protected titles reserved for regulated members. These titles include:
Registration is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and intend to practise forestry on public lands.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Forester.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Foresters are employed by:
Some foresters are self-employed private consultants.
To gain related work experience, students are highly recommended to seek out seasonal employment with related government programs or forestry companies.
After several years in junior positions, foresters may assume responsibility for assessing data gathered by forest technologists and forestry workers, planning and implementing projects, and supervising technologists and forestry workers in fieldwork. With additional experience, foresters may move into management and administrative positions.
Foresters who have several years of work experience may move into related fields such as land use planning, reclamation work, vegetation control, surveying or working in provincial parks.
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 professionals
2016 NOC: 2122
78.4% 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.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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.
Source: 2023-2025 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.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
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.
Salaries may be higher for foresters doing reclamation and remediation or resource management and planning in the environment, energy or other natural resources industries. Salaries for those working in the forestry sector may be lower.
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.
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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $30.40 | $72.31 | $40.78 | $38.88 |
| Overall | $34.02 | $72.31 | $47.62 | $48.01 |
| Top | $38.93 | $72.31 | $51.12 | $50.22 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,005 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $88,381 |
Alberta Junior Forest Rangers website: alis.alberta.ca/jfr
Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals website: www.aafmp.ca
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 02, 2021. 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.
