Canadian Forest Service links

Career profiles in forestry at the CFS

• Research scientist
• Forestry officer
• Biologist
• Geographical information systems (GIS) specialist 
• Technical support
• Communicating science 

Do you have a passion for computers and automated technology? Would you like to develop new and exciting solutions to environmental issues? Do you enjoy learning about geography, mapping, and surveying? If so, map your future as a GIS Specialist.

Technological advances such as remote sensing allow us to gather information on landscapes, soil, vegetation, and so much more, from satellites and planes. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) assemble this information in maps and databases, for use in such areas as forest management.

Duties

As a GIS Specialist employed by the Canadian Forest Service, you might…

• Study and track the movement of Spruce Budworm outbreaks in order to develop more effective and environmentally-friendly control measures
• Identify potential Pine Marten habitat by combining GIS land-cover data with locations used by the animal. Forest managers use this information in planning harvesting areas
• Map forest biomass (amount of living vegetation) and its ability to store carbon, to assist in predicting and studying climate change in Canada
• Produce displays and demonstrations to showcase research done at the Canadian Forest Service and to illustrate the impacts of forest management choices

Education requirements

In high school, courses in mathematics, computers, geography, and the sciences prepare you for further study as a GIS Specialist at post-secondary institutions. You may pursue a college diploma or university degree in computer science, computer engineering or remote sensing, with additional courses in natural resources. Alternatively, you may obtain a diploma or degree in geography, forestry, or science, with a strong background in computer science and remote sensing.

More information

To obtain descriptions of GIS positions in the Canadian Forest Service, log on to Careers@NRCan.

For more details on the role of a GIS Specialist, other employers, and personal suitability, ask your Guidance Counselor about the career-based computer program Choices, or the career planning tool EnviroCareers, both available at most high schools across Canada.