Program Overview

Coastal Forest Worker Certificate

Overview

This certificate program mixes theory with practical skills to prepare students for a variety of careers in the coastal forest sector. After graduation, students can start working in the field or continue with the Coastal Forest Technology Diploma program.

Location

• Campbell River

Length

• 4.5 months

Delivery

• Full-time
• In-person

Admission Requirements

• C in English 10 or equivalent or successful English assessment
• C in Math 10 or equivalent or successful Math assessment for Trades
• Or successful completion of FSK 030 if the above requirements are not met.
• High School graduation is preferred provided the applicant meets or exceeds the stated prerequisites.

Course Requirements

• CFW - 100 Introduction to Forestry
• CFW - 101 Indigenous Lands
• CFW - 102 Forest Health and Safety
• CFW - 103 Applied Technology & Data Management
• CFW - 104 Plant Identification and Classification
• CFW - 105 Coastal Harvesting Systems
• CFW - 106 Introduction to Timber Cruising
• CFW - 107 Workplace Readiness Skills
• CFW - 108 Principles of Forest Engineering
• CFW - 113 Technical Math for Forestry

Included Certifications

• BCFSC Forest Foundations
• Occupational First Aid Level 1
• Basic S100 Fire Suppression
• Wildfire Entrapment Avoidance
• Fall Protection
• WHMIS

Supplies

• 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 64 GB
• 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

• As a graduate, students will be prepared to work safely and productively in a range of entry-level forestry and harvesting positions, including timber cruising compasser or as a cruiser-in-training.

Costs

• Domestic:
  • Tuition: $4,325
  • Lab: $705
  • Student Union: $225
  • Learner Resource: $195
  • Total: $5,450

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are some of the unique skills will I learn in this program?
  • Students will learn the skills to work safely and productively in a range of forestry and harvesting positions. They will build capacity and understanding of Indigenous cultures within the context of forest management and cultural use. They will collect, manage and display data using a variety of current and emerging technology, mapping tools and industry software. Students will also learn how to communicate technical communication and to use radio communication effectively for relevant road use, hazards and emergency policy and procedures.
• What certification will I earn?
  • Upon successful completion, students will be eligible for BCFSC Forest Foundations certification. They will also have Occupational First Aid 1, Basic S100 Fire Suppression and Safety, Wildfire Entrapment Avoidance, Fall Protection and WHIMIS Certification.