Forest resource officers ensure the sustainable use of forests and work to promote respect for the intricate web of life that exists in a forest ecosystem. As a forest resource officer, you can:

• Coordinate the development and implementation of actions to protect the biodiversity of forests.
• Plan and implement restorative activities including watershed restoration, site preparation and fertilization and the selection of species for reforestation projects.
• Conduct field research to collect data and samples of water, soil, plant and animal populations of forest ecosystems
• Use computerized mapping techniques to develop an understanding of the geography of a forested area.

Where you could work:

• Federal and provincial government departments
• Forest industry companies
• Environmental consulting companies
• Educational and research institutes

Forest officers need excellent analytical and statistical skills in order to conduct surveys of forest ecosystems. Several courses in the BES program help students develop these skills. Instruction is also given in project planning, implementation and evaluation. Students obtain an in-depth understanding of environmental issues related to forests and the management of natural resources.