Natural Resources Management Technology

• About 60% of the time is spent in the classroom and about 40% in labs and field activities.
• All classes are scheduled and full-time attendance is required.
• Average of 30 hours of instructional contact per week and the student should expect to spend an additional 15 to 20 hours a week working outside of scheduled class time.
• Scheduled hours may be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekly with some weekend and extended weeks to accommodate field trips and camps. Evening classes may be a possibility.
• Field trips range from one day to three weeks away from The Pas. The trip may involve staying in remote camp situations for extended periods.
• Must have the ability to take notes in the field and classroom and work independently to solve problems. Expected to fully participate in group and individual projects including oral presentations

Expect to work:

• in various adverse conditions, such as cold, wet, hot, or peak insect seasons
• with hazardous materials e.g. lab chemicals and gasoline
• with potentially dangerous equipment e.g. chainsaws, snowmobiles, power tools and outboard motors
• in remote areas with minimal supervision under unpredictable circumstances

• Good physical fitness, endurance, and coordination for some work activities e.g. walking distances up to 10 km carrying a backpack in various environmental settings including uneven terrain with many obstacles.
• Physical coordination for field work e.g. walking in water in waders carrying gear.
• Strength for heavy lifting – students may be required to lift materials up to 27 kg. Type 1 Wildfire Fire Fighters employed in Manitoba are required to demonstrate the following strength skills in a timed circuit:
• carry a medium pump (28.5 kg) on the back and in the hand,
• lift and carry on the back a hose pack (25 kg), and
• advance charged hose (56 kg).
• Good vision for identifying various biological specimens, identifying hazards in the field, and operating various equipment (e.g. boats, chainsaws). Note that colour blindness may limit your future career options.
• Adequate hearing for animal identification.
• Note that students may need to use all 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.

• Allergy and dietary requirements/conditions must be disclosed. Dietary requirements during remote camps may be the sole responsibility of the student.

At times during the NRMT program we are in remote locations and at times can be several kilometers from any mode of transportation in very rough terrain and possibly in extreme weather conditions. Having to assist someone who may become immobile during such conditions imposes a risk to the affected individual and also a risk to others who may be required to assist in getting 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.

A Criminal Records Check and Child Abuse Registry check is not required for entering the program; however, it may be a requirement for certain employment opportunities. Most employment opportunities require a valid driver’s licence, and some positions require a Class 4 driver’s licence (e.g. Park Patrol Officer – R.O. 1).