Career Opportunities

Forest fire control; wildlife habitat improvement; maintenance of forest roads, structures, and recreational areas; timber estimation, marking, and stand improvement; pulpwood procurement; logging supervisor; location and survey of forest property lines; lumber inspector; dry kiln operator; lumber yard supervisor; quality control technician; mill manager; field forester or researcher; soil conservation technician; and equipment sales.

Recommended High School Subjects

Four years of English, two years of algebra, and two years of science.

Special Equipment Needs

See program Tool List for major.

Laptop Computer Required

• Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
• Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
• 8+ GB RAM (recommended).
• 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
• Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
• Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
• Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
• Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
• Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

• identify the function of tree parts for selected species of trees and shrubs as well as their scientific and common names, general uses, site characteristics, and geographic distribution.
• apply the fundamentals of plane surveying, including the use and care of surveying equipment, maps and map-making, and the theory of measurements.
• measure the volume and value of standing timber, logs, and lumber by scaling and grading said products according to industry standards.
• prepare a forestland management plan for a property using the concepts of multiple use and sustained yield forest management.
• demonstrate knowledge of the silvicultural treatments used to regulate stand composition, regenerate stands, increase growth rates, and improve timber quality.
• apply the basic theories, principles, and techniques used in timber harvesting and demonstrate the safe operation and maintenance of tools and equipment used to harvest a timber crop.
• describe the life history, food, and habitat requirement of the major game, non-game birds, and mammals of Pennsylvania.
• discern the concepts of plant variability and diversity in relation to distribution and control of various forest pests, diseases, and fire problems.
• demonstrate familiarity with the characteristics and structure of common wood species as well as principles of sawing logs into lumber, drying lumber, and marketing a variety of products created through these processes.
• apply computer skills including GIS/GPS technology and other forestry related software to field applications.

NOTE: MTH 181 is recommended for Forest Technology students desiring to transfer to a four-year degree major.

Accreditation

The educational program in Forest Technology leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.