Coastal Forest Technology Diploma
 |
Diploma |
 |
Priority admission for Indigenous students |
 |
International applicants welcome |
Program partners
Stay connected
Get program updates and event news straight to your inbox.
Applications open. |
Overview
This nationally accredited program is designed in collaboration with industry experts. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning. You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed in BC's forestry sector.
You’ll learn:
- Ecology
- Silviculture
- Forest measurements and operations
- Sustainable resource management
- Coastal forest systems
- Cultural resource management
- Occupational safety
You'll also learn about the latest technologies and practices in the industry. This means your skills will match current trends and innovations in forest management.
After graduation, you can work in forestry, resource management and environmental stewardship and become a Trainee Forest Technologist (TFT).
You can also pursue becoming a Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) with the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP). This lets you work in forest planning, operations, management, or consulting.
Requirements and courses
Supplies
You're responsible for obtaining the following supplies and field tools.
Field Equipment
- Caulk boots
- Hiking boots
- High-visibility rain gear
- High visibility vest
- Hard hat with visor and ear protectors
- Safety glasses
- Compass
- Field book (waterproof)
- Rite-in-rain note paper
- Three-inch binder and note paper
- Flash drive
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, eraser, iPad and environmental case
iPad and environmental case tech specs
- iPad mini or iPad Air (mini is often preferred for field work) with capacity of 64GB or higher
- Must be Wi-fi and cellular and GPS enabled (must be able to take a SIM card, but you do not need a data plan)
- Android tablet alternatives are available but please confirm with the program lead
Careers
Employment options with the successful completion of the diploma program include work as a timber cruiser, forest engineer, wildfire specialist, operations technologist, riparian assessor, forest health surveyor, silvicultural technician, GIS analyst, timber appraiser specialist or as a forest protection officer.
$62,172*
Annual median estimated earnings for forestry technologists and technicians in BC.
Career profileCosts
Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.
Curious about funding?
Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.
How to apply
"NIC has been the best experience that I've had in my schooling. My instructors were amazing. They opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and how to approach the world."
Megan Borland - NIC alum
"The instructors will make time for you; they really helped me become more confident in myself."
Naomi Johnson - NIC alum
“I grew up in the Comox Valley and really liked living here. I was looking for an opportunity to start my post-secondary education without going too far and I was really drawn by NIC’s small classes, being local and saving a bit of money was a nice perk."
Nolan deWitt - NIC alum
Frequently asked questions
