Empowering professionals for success in the ever-evolving forestry landscape.
With the growing demand for specialized knowledge and skills in the forestry industry, the Faculty of Forestry is thrilled to announce the expansion of its micro-certificate offerings. Building on the success of our existing programs, UBC Forestry has launched nine new micro-certificate programs, catering to the diverse needs of professionals seeking to excel in this dynamic field.
With the introduction of these new programs, UBC Forestry reaffirms its commitment to empowering professionals for success in the face of emerging challenges and opportunities. These micro-certificates are carefully designed to provide practical and applicable expertise, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to take their careers to new heights.
The expanded micro-certificate offerings include a range of specialized programs tailored to different aspects of the forestry landscape. From mass timber buildings to circular bioeconomies, each micro-certificate is industry-aligned, ensuring participants gain expertise in areas that directly impact the future of forestry.
Designed to meet the needs of learners with demanding schedules, these programs can be completed entirely online in a relatively short time frame, with all programs spanning nine weeks or less.
Whether you are an aspiring professional seeking to advance your career or an industry expert looking to enhance your expertise, UBC Forestry’s expanded micro-certificate programs offer a pathway to success in the rapidly changing forestry sector.
Peter Wood has worked in the field of international forest policy, human rights and sustainability for over two decades in a variety of roles, including with non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations. He has served on various international expert bodies, such as the Global Expert Panel on International Forest Governance (IUFRO), and has been involved in the development of multilateral agreements on climate change and biodiversity. He completed his PhD in Forestry at the University of Toronto.
Research Technicianat UBC Forestry in Vancouver, BC
During my work term, I have been working with the Conservation Decisions Lab at UBC Forestry on a variety of projects. I have had the opportunity to hone my skills as a research technician by exploring data processing tools like Excel and R using real-world data and tasks as opposed to the work provided in my coursework. This has given me a better insight into the more technical nature of this field. Through this, I have also learnt about the importance of the back-end lab work, as well the work done in the lab with collaborating with various stakeholders and balancing scientific needs with social needs. I’ve also had the chance to explore working independently and remotely, which is something I am grateful to be able to try out as a student, and the importance of maintaining a healthy, vibrant workspace, wherever one might be.
Greenery can be a common source of refuge and recreation in the urban environment, but have you ever stopped to wonder who maintains the lush plant life found in parks and other public spaces? In this issue, we explore the relatively new role of the urban forester, and find out what it takes to fill those shoes. We hear directly from leading urban forestry researchers who are examining the human and wildlife health implications of urban forests, as well as the important role citizens can play in maintaining green spaces. We also speak with several, highly experienced BC urban foresters who have dipped their toes in everything from landscape design to pest infestation management, wildfire preparedness and tree planting initiatives. Find all this and more in our Urban Forestry issue.
UBC Forestry is delighted to congratulate Dr. Ingrid Jarvis for receiving the UBC Distinguished Dissertation Prize and nomination to CAGS/ProQuest DDA.
Ingrid’s research focuses on the connection between urban natural environments and human health and wellbeing. Her work has also looked specifically at the effect of urban greenspaces on childhood development. Her dissertation is entitled Understanding the human health benefits of urban green space across the life course by integrating epidemiological and novel geospatial approaches. To learn more, read her dissertation here.
The UBC Distinguished Dissertation Prize is awarded to students whose doctoral dissertations are of exceptional quality and originality, and make a significant contribution to their academic field. One prize is offered in each of the following fields: social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health sciences. The prizes are awarded on the recommendation of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and recipients are chosen from amongst those nominated to the CAGS/Proquest Distinguished Dissertation Awards competition.
During my Co-op work term, I interned at Eco Field Trips in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. I taught school groups aged 11-18 on Biology, Conservation, and Outdoor Education topics. I learned various techniques and tactics to engage students of different age groups and of other cultures. I was also happy to learn how to communicate more effectively with my coworkers and superiors whom I traveled and lived with during the job. It was vital that my coworkers and I became quick experts on local flora and fauna during the pre-trip surveys to ensure that we were providing the students with a fulfilling experience, reconnecting them to the planet.
Landscape Maintenance Team Member at Kennedy Landscaping LTD in Richmond, BC
Moving into this fall term, I am continuing my work term with Kennedy Landscaping in Delta BC. So far I have had opportunities to learn a variety of new skills using small engine tools such as pruning, hedging, line trimming, and leaf blowing while helping maintain beautiful lanscapes throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Lately I have had the opportunity to build my leadership skills by driving trucks, leading crews, and teaching minor skills to new employees. I have also been spending more time on newly developed sites helping crew leads come up with management plans and checking landscape installs. I am excited to see how my duties change with the seasons and I look forward to working with this incredible team for the rest of the year!
Spotted Owl Internat British Columbia Conservation Foundation in Langley, BC
I have been working for the British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program (NSOBP). With only three known Northern spotted owls left in the wild, I am directly involved in conserving one of Canada’s most endangered species. Currently, I am learning the process of daily care for the owls such as studying typical or abnormal feeding and breeding behaviours. I assist the staff with artificial egg incubation, monitoring growth and development, and ensure ideal environmental conditions for new chicks that will contribute to the species’ population.
As well, I help maintain rodent colonies as fresh food for the owls by feeding, cleaning enclosures, and refilling water bottles. I have learned a lot about the behaviors of rats and mice through research, teaching, and hands on experience. Other duties I have performed include digitizing rodent and owl data, sewing, planting trees in owl aviaries, and supporting staff at outreach events or presentations. This position so far has been an extremely educating and rewarding experience that has shaped my life and career path. I am very grateful for the chance to be part of such an important program protecting Canada’s biodiversity.
Forest Inventory Data Analystat BC Public Service in Victoria, BC
For my second co-op work term, I joined the Forestry analysis and inventory branch under the Ministry of Forests as a data analyst. My current job is to support the biometrics team in their transition from using SAS to R as their primary data analysis software. Specifically, I have been working on translating permanent sample plot (PSP) ranking codes from SAS into the R language. In this position, I am able to apply the R programming skills I learned at UBC and gain a variety of R related skills. My workplace and supervisor have all been very supportive and this job has allowed me to learn a lot about different careers in the current forestry field. I am grateful to Co-op for providing such an amazing growth and learning opportunity, and I look forward to using the skills I learned in this position in my future career.
Laboratory Research Assistantat Canfor in Burnaby, BC
For my second co-op work term, I got to work as a Laboratory Research Assistant at Canfor Pulp Innovation in Burnaby, BC. I was introduced to various procedures and experiments involved in pulp refining, some of which consist of making circular handsheets from refined pulp of different energy levels, testing handsheet properties in a controlled temperature and humidity environment, and checking for specific properties of refined pulp through additional experiments. As I got to learn more of these procedures and experiments, I was able to have a greater understanding of how Canfor Pulp Innovation conducts mill trials and their involvement in working with customers and mills that use their products. Forestry Co-op has given me the opportunity to use my laboratory and scientific skills from previous courses, and I am glad to see the relevance of my studies in real-life jobs including my current work position.
