Forest Engineers

Job description

These individuals provide advice, monitor, carry out, or direct work related to the exploitation of forest resources. Their work focuses on the management, development, protection, and conservation of forest resources. They design forest management plans and silvicultural prescriptions. They use technological tools (digital field notebook, GPS, digital mapping, etc.) to assess forest depths and areas. They are self-employed or work for:

Private companies
Forestry cooperatives
Forest engineering firms
The federal and provincial governments

Environment

Controlled ambient temperature
Climatic conditions

Main tasks

Carry out inventories of territorial resources (wildlife, recreational, and forestry).
Survey forest stands.
Inventory insects and diseases that affect trees.
Map the resources and sensitive elements of the territory (lakes, riparian strips, resort areas, native sites, trapping areas, etc.).
Plan and locate logging roads for access and perform harvest volume calculations.
Identify the potential for various land uses and consult all land users to develop plans for harmonizing land uses on the territory.
Work in the research, teaching, and consulting sector.
Plan and direct programs for forest harvesting, reforestation, silviculture, forest fire prevention and control, insect and disease outbreaks, road construction, and environmental protection.
Establish production schedules, work methods, and labour requirements.
Prepare cost estimates, specifications, and budgets, and supervise and coordinate the work.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, occupational health and safety regulations, and the application of the Labour Code.

Advancement and mobility

Experience leads to senior, supervisory, and management positions.

Training and requirements

Formation

Most training programs are offered in French only.

University

Agricultural and forest engineering

This discipline is taught in the following institutions:

Université Laval

Forest engineering, forestry or wood science

Bachelor’s degree

Placement rate: 58.3%

35.4% of graduates pursue further studies

More on graduates’ employment situation

Master’s degree

Placement rate: 72.7%

18.2% of graduates pursue further studies

More on graduates’ employment situation

This discipline is taught in the following institutions:

Université Laval

Also required

Membership in the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec (OIFQ [Quebec Order of Forest Engineers]).
- Successful completion of a 32-week professional training period for membership in the OIFQ.
- Successful completion of a training program on ethics, professional conduct, and standards of professional practice.

Sometimes required

Proficiency with specialized geomatics software may be required.

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

Data collection
Reading comprehension
Result evaluation
Oral expression
Critical thought

Judgment and decision-making
Information processing
Coordination
Time management
Solving complex problems
Active listening
System analysis
Written expression
Human resource management
Social perception
Negotiation
Teaching
Monitoring operations
Active learning
Operations and control
Mathematics
Service oriented
Persuasion

More Less skills

Abilities

Written comprehension
Oral comprehension
Verbal skills
Deductive reasoning
Written expression

Awareness of issues
Inductive reasoning
Classification
Speech recognition
Speech clarity
Information organization
Near vision
Originality
Processing flexibility
Core strength
Distance vision
Selective attention
Control accuracy
Idea generation

More Less abilities

Knowledge and attributes

Knowledge of personnel and human resource management
Sense of responsibility
Capacity to influence and mobilize
Capacity to adapt
Capacity to work in a team
Versatility
Rigour
Sense of initiative
Knowledge of engineering and technology
Commitment to quality

Interests

Direct, organize, and manage
Draft, communicate, and inform
Work in an office
Carry out research
Develop and exploit natural resources
Work in contact with nature and animals
Work outdoors

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Realistic: People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
Investigative: People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Enterprising: People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.

Additional information

Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)

Forestry professionals (CNP 21111)

Skill type

Natural and applied sciences and related occupations