Be part of the local, national and global movement to drive positive change in forest operations by gaining hands-on knowledge in forest land management using the latest science and technology. With timber demand growing due to its renewable nature, the world will continue to need reliable executors of forest operations. Graduates are eligible to become Registered Professional Foresters (RPF) with essential skills applicable to areas such as sustainable forest planning, harvest and transportation methods, engineering, community forestry and policy decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
Forest Operations prepares students to plan and implement complex harvesting strategies that maximize economic returns and minimize environmental impacts. The program broadly draws from the biological, physical and social sciences and features advanced courses on geotechnical engineering, forest road design and slope stability, development and assessment of harvesting and transportation systems, reforestation and cutting-edge silviculture. You will become a well-rounded and interdisciplinary professional with skills in:
- The engineering elements of forest operations (from planting to harvesting).
- Field measurements and data analysis.
- Biological, physical and social foundations of forestry (applied to different ecosystems and jurisdictions).
- Characterization of forests, their interactions, and ways they can be managed to yield a socially desirable mix of goods and services.
- Professional management of forests for a broad array of uses.
- Scientific writing, communications, economics and policy.
Field School:
Students majoring in Forest Operations will participate in an immersive fall camp. This hands-on experience will provide them with essential skills and knowledge to effectively address real-world forestry challenges.
Mission Statement
The Forest Operations major covers the biological, physical, and social sciences upon which forest resource management is based and prepares students to evaluate the characteristics of forest resources in different operational environments to design and implement complex processes that achieve multiple objectives.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board (CFAB), allowing our students to immediately enroll with Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC) to become Registered Professional Foresters (RPF) —legally authorized to practice their profession in BC and easily transfer these credentials to other Canadian jurisdictions.
This program has been accepted for candidacy for accreditation by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), allowing our students in the future to become professional foresters in the United States. A site visit by SAF staff is scheduled for April, 2025, and we expect the accreditation to be confirmed by 2026.
Employment Opportunities
The Forest Management and Forest Operations majors have a high level of employment upon graduation, partly because of the valuable RPF designations that they can provide. The Faculty of Forestry runs periodic alumni surveys that reveal close to 95% employment rate after graduation (including 10% who choose graduate programs). Our alumni can work in government agencies, private industry, NGOs, continue graduate studies or become successful entrepreneurs in forestry, natural resources or multiple related sectors.
Dual Degree Option
Earn a Bachelor of Natural Resources in Forest Operations and a Master of Management in 4.5 years with the Forestry Dual Degree program.
Land One Option
The Land One program is a great option for first-year students who want a smaller classroom experience. Learn about forest management and food security in a tight-knit cohort environment.
Co-op Option
Apply for our Forestry Co-op Program to gain paid work experience related to your degree and acquire the experience necessary to launch your career.
