Fish and Wildlife Technician

• Actively participate in the solution of fish and wildlife management problems and challenges
• Identify forest ecosystem challenges and opportunities and undertake such assessments, preventive measures and treatments as might be associated with fish and wildlife conservation and management
• Learn to utilize a wide range of field and office equipment and techniques associated with the assessment and analysis of fish and wildlife resources data
• Qualify for continued learning experiences at the post-graduate level

• In 2015, the core workforce was comprised of 12,569 professionals in Canada. By 2024, that number is projected to increase to 14,864.¹
• Government is a major employer of fish and wildlife practitioners.¹
• According to Fisheries and Wildlife ECO Canada, the demand for managers in aquaculture, fishing, game and land, and others is at 62%, and demand for scientists and technicians in aquatic and wildlife areas is at 35%.¹
• This field encompasses environmental protection, resource management, and resource sustainability.¹

Upon successful completion of the Fish and Wildlife Technician program, graduates of the program will have the knowledge and skills to be able to:

1. Actively participate in the solution of fish and wildlife management problems and challenges.
2. Identify forest ecosystem challenges and opportunities and to undertake such assessments, preventive measures and treatments as might be associated with fish and wildlife conservation and management.
3. Utilize a wide range of field and office equipment and techniques associated with the assessment and analysis of fish and wildlife resources data.
4. Pursue continued learning experiences at the post graduate level.

In addition to the formal semester courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Fish and Wildlife Technician program are required to obtain certification in the following areas over the two-year period of study:
Chainsaw Safety
Canadian Firearm Safety Course / Hunter Education
Pleasure Craft Operators Card
WHMIS/OHS
ATV Safety Training
Wilderness First Aid
Snowmobile Safety
 
NOTE: Students should be aware that additional fees and expenses apply for most of these certifications and for field camps, tours and On-the-Job Training. Students will be required to hold valid certifications for the above courses prior to graduation.

Because of the extensive field exposure incorporated in this program, students are required to acquire the following equipment and clothing: compass, axe, snowshoes, rubber boots, hiking boots, chest wader, good quality rainwear, neoprene gloves and other clothing appropriate for outdoor work.

NOTE:  Participation in activities that are physically demanding will be required due to the extensive field components incorporated into this program.

To ensure a consistently high standard of training and education, College of the North Atlantic's Fish and Wildlife Technician program is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association (NATWA).

Animal-based teaching activities in this program are conducted under the College of the North Atlantic’s Preliminary Certificate of Good Animal Practice (GAP) with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and are overseen through the College’s Animal Care and Use Program.

¹Fisheries and Wildlife – ECO Canada (n.d)

• Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma program, who complete two additional recognized college/university level chemistry courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.33 (B Grade), are eligible for admission to Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program with full block transfer.
• Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma program are eligible for admission to Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice degree program with full block transfer.
• Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma program are eligible for admission to Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice degree program with full block transfer.
• Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma program, who are in good standing, obtained an average of 70%, and received no less than 60% in any course for which they seek credit transfer, are eligible to apply to Universtiy of New Brunswick's Bachelor of Science in Environment and Natural Resources with a specific wildlife major stream degree program. Applicants may transfer a maximum of 57 credit hours.