Natural Resources Management Technology

The two-year Natural Resources Management Technology diploma program prepares students for diverse careers in the natural resources sector through a blend of technical training, applied learning, and hands-on field experience. Students gain knowledge in the management and conservation of forests, water, fish, and wildlife while developing practical skills through classroom instruction, labs, and outdoor field activities. Well suited for students who enjoy active outdoor learning, the program builds technical expertise, adaptability, teamwork, and confidence through real-world experiences in a variety of environments and settings. 

Learning Environment  

• Students split their time between classroom learning, labs, and field-based activities, gaining practical experience with industry equipment and real-world resource management practices. 
• Learning may take place in a variety of environmental conditions and remote settings, helping students build the physical endurance, adaptability, teamwork, and technical skills needed for careers in natural resources.  
• Students should be prepared for a demanding and rewarding program that includes a full weekly schedule of classes, labs, and independent study, interspersed with field travel, and physically active work.   
• Field trips range from one day to three weeks away from an urban environment. The trip may involve staying in remote camp situations for extended periods. You may learn in various conditions, such as cold, wet, hot, or peak insect seasons. You may travel to remote areas with minimal supervision. (Sound like fun? You should apply.)   
• About 60% of the time is spent in the classroom and about 40% in labs and field activities. During field activities, you may work with equipment such as chainsaws, snowmobiles, power tools, and outboard motors. 
• Students can expect approximately 30 hours of weekly instruction plus 15-20 hours of independent work, with classes scheduled between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, possibly including evenings and weekends.  

Medical and Physical Expectations  

• Good physical fitness, endurance, and coordination for work activities, e.g. walking distances up to 10 km carrying a backpack in various environmental settings, including uneven terrain with many obstacles. 
• Strength for heavy lifting – ideal for students to be able to lift materials up to 27kg    
• Students may be required to lift materials up to 27 kg. Type 1  
• Carry a medium water pump (28.5 kg) on the back and in the hand, lift and carry on the back a hose pack (25 kg), and advance a charged hose (56 kg). 
• Good vision for identifying various biological specimens, identifying hazards in the field, and operating various equipment (e.g. boats, chainsaws).  
• Adequate hearing for animal identification. 
• Note that students may need to use many of these skills at once – e.g. carrying a box of fire hose through the bush requires strength, endurance, coordination, good vision, and good hearing. These are part of the foundation of a solid technician. 

At times during the NRMT program, we are in remote locations and may be several kilometres from any form of transportation, in very rough terrain and possibly in extreme weather conditions. Having to assist someone who may become immobile in such conditions poses a risk to the affected individual and to others who may be required to help get this person to a safe location. We realize that such instances can arise with little warning. We need to be made aware of known conditions that could result in increased risk for program participants and staff, so that we can mitigate the risk.