Forestry Professions
In Canada, there are two forestry professions recognized recognized by many provinces, each with its own professional competencies. While both share a commitment to the stewardship of forestry values and resources and the protection of the public interest, they are defined by distinct competency standards. The professions are:
Foresters
-
Background to plan, administer, and direct programs related to the management of forest ecosystems and operations.
-
Completed a four-year baccalaureate or master’s degree (or equivalent) in forestry or related natural resources.
-
Completed sufficient hours to satisfy the measures within the standards, which has typically meant programs of approximately 2200 to 2500 instructional hours.
Typical Duties May Include:
-
Develop and oversee forest management and harvesting plans,
-
Supervise silviculture programs and harvesting operations,
-
Manage forest inventory data and GIS systems,
-
Monitor compliance with environmental and safety regulations,
-
Coordinate wildfire, pest, and disease management activities,
-
Communicate management objectives to stakeholders,
-
Provide technical advice to landowners and organizations,
-
Conduct and supervise applied research and professional development.
Forest Technologists
-
Background to research, select, design, supervise, and apply different methodologies, technical procedures, and equipment options required to complete assigned tasks given environmental conditions and project objectives.
-
Completed a two to three year diploma, advanced diploma or applied degrees (or equivalent) in forestry or related natural resources.
-
Completed sufficient hours in order to satisfy the measures within the standards, which has typically meant programs of 1800 to 2500 instructional hours.
Typical Duties May Include:
-
Supervise forest inventory surveys and field measurements,
-
Prepare operational management plans and related activities,
-
Make operational decisions,
-
Coordinate field activities,
-
Implement silviculture programs,
-
Analyze and report on data,
-
Monitor resource management, and
-
Communicate and coordinate activities with other qualified professionals, individuals, and groups.
Professional Practice Standards
Professional practice standards provide an overall framework for the for determining the competencies for registration as a forestry professional and describe, in broad terms, the entry-level independent practice* expectations of foresters, regardless of area of practice. Each standard describes, in broad terms, the set of practices, experiences, and behaviours that an individual must be able to meet in order to register as a regulated profession within a profession, regardless of area of practice.
*The stage at which an individual has successfully completed the in-training or provisional registration requirements and demonstrated all competencies required for independent professional practice. Entry-level independent practice marks the advancement from supervised or mentored practice to full independent professional responsibility, accountable for meeting the standards of competence, ethics, and professional judgment expected of the profession under a professional title.
The competency standards provide the framework for practice in Canada by:
-
describing performance criteria for forestry professionals,
-
defining the scope of practice to the public and other professionals,
-
providing the foundation for the accreditation of post-secondary forestry programs,
-
providing a framework for professional practice, and
-
providing a foundation to all aspects of the regulation of the profession, including determining the competency requirements for registration, practice standards, and professional exams.
Accreditation standards are used to assess post-secondary forestry programs for accreditation reviews and professional practice standards apply to individual applicants in determining eligibility for registration.
Each set of professional practice standards are comprised of standards of related competency areas. Each standard details the demonstrable competency requirements arranged in a progression of understanding for the given standard.
Academic standards used in conducting accreditation reviews of post-secondary forestry programs.
Professional standards used for the Credential Assessment Process (CAP).
Potential CAP candidates must discuss registration options with the FPRC regulator in the jurisdiction in which they wish to practice.