Forest Careers
Over the past several years it has become evident that there is a strong need for education and career opportunities in forestry and natural resource management. Forestry has become a highly technical field that provides solutions and continuing research and advancement for some of today's critical issues; climate change, water quality etc. There is a need now, more than ever, for qualified experts to maintain and manage our natural resources, particularly since the majority of the current forestry workforce is slated to retirement within the next 10 years.
The Ontario Forestry Association is focused on increasing the promotion of educational opportunities and careers for youth in the fields of forestry and natural resource management. This involves providing information and resources to school boards, guidance counselors, teachers, and students regarding specific programs, course descriptions, and direction to employment opportunities - thus offering high school students with the facts needed to make informed career decisions.
The Forest Products Sector Council was established in June 2008 to take on an intensive study of the workforce demand projections for the forest industry. The findings from their study can be found here.
*NEW*- A survey commissioned by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities indicated that forestry (alongside medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine) see 100% employment rate after graduation! Click here to see the article!
Ontario Forestry Association Resources
The OFA has great resources on careers in forestry. If you are interested in finding more about forestry careers, check out our Forest Careers Database! Also check out our great resources below:
Focus on Forests - lesson plans and fact sheets that give more information about forest careers
Ontario Envirothon - a hands on competition that gives you experience with forestry tools and contacts with individuals in the forestry field
Career Resources
GoodWork- a website dedicated to connecting motivated, green-minded people with opportunities to contribute and be employed. Career postings are across Canada.
WorkCabin- discover meaningful jobs from great Canadian employers at Canada's Environmental Job Site. Career postings are across Canada.
Ontario Professional Foresters Association - the association responsible for the regulation for the practice of professional forestry in Ontario. It is dedicated to regulating its members and ensuring the highest standards in practice of professional forestry, and in advancing the practice and awareness of forestry of both public and privately owned lands in the province of Ontario.
Ontario Public Service Careers- career postings for various Ontario government career opportunities, including those with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Environmental Careers Organization (ECO)- find your dream career on Canada's largest environmental job board. Career postings are across Canada.
Canadian Forests- a website promoting forestry and forest products, including a section on forestry related careers. Career postings are across Canada.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources- information about the OMNR employment programs for interns and students, educational resources, how to access job opportunities in MNR and the public service and other forestry employment resources in Ontario. Career information specific to Ontario.
GoForestry- an interactive New Brunswick based website with great information about forestry education and careers.
Careers in Wood- A great resource for careers in wood industry, including a career finder and current job opportunities.
WorkWild - a great resource about different careers in the environment, including lots of information about forestry careers, scholarships and postings. Information is targeted towards the province of Alberta.