Programs and Courses - Forest Conservation Technician

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Forest Conservation Technician (5210)

2 Years - 4 Semesters Ontario College Diploma

Program Overview

Sault College is pleased to announce that it has recently been named an official SP100 Forest Firefighter Certification training agency. The Forest Firefighter Certification will be delivered to all Forest Conservation Technician students in their program beginning immediately.

This 40-hour course is intensely focused on safety and will prepare students to assume the role of an entry-level forest fire crew member. Students will be trained to MNR standards in the maintenance and operation of equipment such as the power pump, and in proper use of suppression hand tools, communications and camping equipment. Students will also learn basic fire behaviours and fire terminology.

Interested students can obtain the certification by enrolling in the Forest Conservation Technician program at Sault College. The SP100 certificate is embedded in the forest fire management course, which is offered in the first semester of the program.

**Co-operative Education Program**

September and January Intakes are available for this program. Please contact the Registrar`s Office for further information.

If you are interested in the environment, want to make a difference in managing the forests of Canada and like the outdoors, this is the program for you. The Forest Conservation Technician diploma program at Sault College is a sustaining member of the Canadian Institute of Forestry. This program prepares graduates with a wide range of skills necessary to contribute to environmentally sound management of forest ecosystems. Students learn practical skills such as the identification of such diverse ecosystem components as soils, trees, shrubs, plants, and bryophytes. Insects and diseases that attack forests are introduced and you will learn how to identify and control them. Sustainable resource management is a concept imbedded in all the program`s courses. You will be taught how ecosystems function, interact and respond to natural and human disturbances. Forest management techniques are rapidly evolving to ensure the continuing availability of natural resources and to protect all the values that forests provide. With faculty who are continually upgrading their knowledge and skills and keeping in touch with Canada`s professional forestry community, you will learn these latest techniques used to harvest, renew and protect our forests. Technology plays a key role in forestry today. In this program you will learn how to use modern tools and techniques such as computer mapping, GPS, PDAs to collect data, digital aerial photography interpretation and the use of laser range and tree height finders. As well, you will gain proficiency in the use of essential outdoor tools such as chainsaws, brushsaws, ATVs and snowmobiles.

Sault Ste. Marie is an ideal setting to learn forestry as it is located in the heart of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence forest while the boreal forest is within easy reach to the north. The Sault is a hub of forestry activity. The federal Great Lakes Forestry Centre and Forest Pest Management Institute and the provincial Ontario Forest Research Institute are both located here. As well, the headquarters for both Ontario`s Ministry of Natural Resources Forest Management branch and its Aviation, Flood and Fire Management branch are in the Sault while several integrated forest products companies make the city their base. Frequent field trips visit the operations of these agencies and companies.

Students may have the opportunity to be involved in applied research projects. Please see the `Applied Research Centre` section for more information relating to the Sault College Applied Research Centre.