One of the largest industries and sources of long-term employment in Canada, Agriculture and Forestry careers provide jobs for 2.3 million. In addition to providing us with a multitude of food products and alternative energy sources, these careers contribute heavily to the economy of Canada. As well as preserving our natural resources, these careers, particularly those associated with Forestry, ensure we have access to a bountiful supply of land in the years to come. Some of the careers in Agriculture and Forestry are “green careers,” which involve preserving or protecting the environment.
Environment of Work
Farms, hatcheries, and nurseries are all common work environments for Agriculture and Forestry professionals. Further, some careers employ employees in wild environments necessary for commodity production, such as forests, rivers, mountains, and other natural areas.
For those seeking careers in Agriculture and Forestry, it is recommended that they enjoy working outdoors and with animals. Working independently in potentially isolating environments is also a useful skill to have, since certain careers may require employees to be away from their families and homes for a long time.
Job Duties in Agriculture and Forestry
There are many aspects of forest management jobs. Typical job duties for a forestry technician vary considerably depending on the job:
- Assessment of forest reclamation and rehabilitation sites
- Ensure that seeds are harvested and young trees are cultivated
- Assess current discoveries in the field by reviewing research and literature
- Forests should be protected by fire regulations
- Utilize GIS or land technology to survey, measure, and map forest areas and access roads
2.3 million Canadians were employed in the agriculture and agri-food sector in 2014. 26400 jobs in the agricultural sector were unfilled, costing the sector $1.5 billion. Without foreign workers, 59,000 jobs would have been at risk, which is equivalent to 7% of the workforce. The domestic labor force will be unable to fill almost 114,000 jobs in the sector by 2025.
Job Outlook. Source: Agri-LMI
Career Options
Careers in agriculture and forestry may include:
- Agricultural Specialist
- Agronomist
- Aquatic Ecologist
- Arborist Beekeeper
- Botanist Conservation Planner
- Conservationist
- Endangered Species Biologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Fishery Manager
- Forest Firefighter
- Forest Health Specialist
- Forest Ranger
Salaries
The earnings depend on the position you hold in the Agricultural Sector. Salaries range from $46k to $74k per year.
Where to study Agriculture in British Columbia?
Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is an interdisciplinary degree program unique to North America and is characterized by the fact that it provides a broad scope of study related to sustainable food production as an integral component of human sustainability. By combining classroom learning with farm-based learning, the program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of:
- Sustainable agroecosystem design and stewardship;
- Ecologically sound and innovative crop production methods;
- Managing a farm business sustainably; and
- Food system challenges on several levels: economic, social, and environmental
They have intakes from Fall, Spring, and Summer.
It is highly recommended to look into Kwantlen Polytechnic University, as they offer many great applied programs.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture Degree Program
Source: Agriculture Employment in Canada Salaries in Agriculture
