Ecological Forest Management Technology

Overview

Ecological forest management protects ecosystems and biodiversity, supports economic growth, and keeps forests healthy and sustainable. You gain specialized knowledge of Wabanaki-Acadian forest ecology, biodiversity and appropriate forest treatments for ecological forestry practices. Good forest stewardship includes wildlife monitoring, watershed health testing, communicating with landowners and partners, participating in public discourse and assessing the climate and biodiversity implications of specific forest treatments.

You explore new technologies and apply learning across three land use zones: conservation, selective harvest and high production forests. You develop skills to build a more inclusive understanding of forest values, including an understanding of the Mi’kmaq concepts of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) and Netukulimk, which includes taking what we need to sustain ourselves today while also being mindful of future generations.

The Ecological Forest Management Technology advanced diploma program teaches you to: 

• Identify appropriate recommendations to support ecological forestry
• Apply mitigation and adaptation techniques based on the guiding principles for Crown land in the Silvicultural Guide for the Ecological Matrix (SGEM)
• Create forest operating plans that support biodiversity, ecological forest stewardship, climate change goals and operational efficiency based on an informed analysis
• Explain socioeconomic factors, policies and legislation that affect the forest sector and influence forest management decisions
• Communicate important ecological features to explain the responsible use of our forests and their biodiversity
• Interpret watercourse and wetland hydrology and its impact on forest management planning and operations
• Implement culturally appropriate practices informed by traditional Mi’kmaq forest knowledge throughout the forest management and planning process

Internship

• This program includes a mandatory internship that takes place during the final term of your program giving you hands-on work experience.
  • Internship provides an opportunity for paid, full-time work in a field related to your program.
  • Internships last approximately 14 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to internships are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

This program is offered in-person with extensive field work.

Choose NSCC

• Learn in the new Centre of Forest Innovation with specialized equipment and technology to explore unique challenges in the forest sector.
• You experience practical hands-on learning in the classroom, shop and extensive fieldwork.
• Small class sizes provide you with lots of opportunities for one-on-one interaction and support.

Other info

• Some travel is required and varies based on your specific program plan. Additional costs include meals and accommodation.
• This program includes a large outdoor component to prepare you for real workplace situations. You should be in good physical condition and be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Two-year diploma, undergraduate degree or equivalent with a focus on forests, natural resources or biodiversity; or 
• High school diploma plus equivalent learning through Mi’kmaq lived experience, expertise in community, or experience in a professional forest setting. Applicants meeting these criteria may be considered for admission to this program under NSCC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Policy
  • International students – Submit your official post-secondary documents for assessment. View English language requirements by country

Program requirements

Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

• Ecological Forest Management Technology

Career options

• Graduates are uniquely prepared for careers in ecological forest management. They are employed with conservation groups, government agencies, Indigenous organizations, environmental consulting companies and forest management companies in a variety of capacities including: 
  • Forest Ecologist
  • Forest Management Technologist
  • Forest Stewardship Coordinator
  • Indigenous Forestry Liaison, Earth Keeper or Land Guardian
  • Lead Forester