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Program Information

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Fish and Wildlife Technician

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
  • Duration: Two Years


 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | CERTIFICATIONS | SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS | ACCREDITATION | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025

Sustainably wild.

There is a growing demand for professionals in Canada’s fisheries and wildlife field. With increasing emphasis on sustainable development, integrated resource management policy and ecosystem-based management across Canada and around the world, technicians in the natural resources sector are sought after in matters related to biodiversity in general, and fish and wildlife management issues in particular.

The requirement for the forest industry to consider wildlife in its management practices and the increased monitoring and management of freshwater and marine resources highlights the need for these professionals. Fisheries and wildlife technicians are involved with fishing and aquaculture activities in government departments, First Nations, academia and independent consulting.

This two-year Fish and Wildlife Technician program, which shares many courses with the Forest Resources Technician program, is designed to provide those with a specific interest in fish and wildlife. The program reflects the trend towards integrating a wide range of natural resources technology within government departments at Federal and Provincial levels, and it provides a balance of field and classroom experiences that include a significant computer-based data collection and analysis component.

Play an important part in preserving, growing and managing Canada’s rich biodiverse resources – apply now!

 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • 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
DID YOU KNOW?
  • 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
OBJECTIVES
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.
CERTIFICATIONS
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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
ACCREDITATION
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).
REFERENCES
1Fisheries and Wildlife – ECO Canada (n.d)

Admission Requirements


Eligibility for admission to the program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:

1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201 or 3202
ii.  Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
  Advanced:  2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
  Academic:  2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1100.  Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science – (4 credits) two of which must be chosen from:
   Biology: 3201
   Physics: 3204
   Chemistry: 3202
   Earth Systems: 3209
   Environmental Science 3205
Note: The remaining two science credits to be chosen from the highest science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math: MA1040
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, MA1041
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ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Biology: BL1025
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, BL1026
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b. Chemistry: CH1035
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, CH1036
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c. Physics: PH1055
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, PH1056
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Note: It is strongly recommended that College Transition students who intend to enroll in the Fish and Wildlife Technician or Forest Resources Technician program complete BL1025
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 and BL1026
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.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
BL1120
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Biology I 3 2 3
CM1400
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Technical Report Writing I 3 3 0
EN2120
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Environmental Citizenship 3 3 0
MA1100
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Mathematics 5 4 2
MC1850
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Spreadsheet Applications 1 0 2
SU1150
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Field Navigation 3 2 3
GE1420
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Physical Environments 3 2 3
         
*Admission into the appropriate Mathematics course will be decided by the grade in High School math.    
         
Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from MA 1100 Mathematics. Students must apply for the exemption.
         
Semester 2 Cr Le La
CM1401
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Technical Report Writing II 3 3 0
CS2630
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Wilderness Survival 1 1 1
FR1330
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Natural Resource Measurements I 3 2 3
BL1400
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Fish and Wildlife Biology 4 3 2
EY2210
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Silvics/Dendrology I 3 2 3
MA1670
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Statistics 4 4 1
SU3210
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Geographic Information Systems 2 1 3
         
Semester 3 (Intersession I) Cr Le La
FT1410
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Fish & Wildlife Field Camp I 0 0 2 wks
RM1400
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Wildlife Techniques I 4 3 2
RM1500
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Fisheries Techniques I 4 3 2
         
The Course and Lab hours per week are based on a 15 week semester. In intersession, the Course and Lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length. Refer to course outline.
         
Semester 4 Cr Le La
EY1200
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Ecosystem Ecology 2 1 3
FT1430
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Fish and Wildlife Field Camp II 0 0 1 wk
LW2210
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Natural Resources Policy and Law 4 4 0
RM1401
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Wildlife Techniques II 3 2 2
RM1501
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Fisheries Techniques II 3 2 2
RM2200
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Habitat Assessment 3 2 3
SU1710
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Forest Surveying 3 2 3
SU1575
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Remote Sensing Applications for Natural Resources 3 2 3
         
Semester 5 Cr Le La
EY2510
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Population Ecology 3 2 2
HR2200
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Human Relations 2 1 2
LW2211
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Law Enforcement 4 3 2
PR2660
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Technical Project and Presentation 2 1 2
RM2420
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Habitat Management 3 2 2
RM2410
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Wildlife Techniques III 3 2 2
RM2500
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Fisheries Techniques III 3 2 2
         
Semester 6  Cr Le La
OJ1301
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On-the-Job Training 0 0 3 wks


Students graduating from the Fish and Wildlife Technician program can complete the Forest Resources Technician program with one additional year. Interested students must begin their studies in the First Technical Intersession of the Forest Resources Technician program.

Careers & Pathways


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this program may obtain employment throughout Canada in a variety of fish and wildlife related fields: protection and enforcement, resource inventory and site classification, habitat protection and improvement, environmental impact assessment and parks and interpretation programs. Graduates are employed with governmental and private agencies in fields ranging from forestry technicians to fisheries observers.
 
FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Fish and Wildlife Technician program, who wish to pursue additional post-secondary studies, can apply for entry with advanced standing at a number of Canadian Universities that the college has established credit transfer agreements with. Please refer to the NL Department of Education's transfer guide (www.cna.nl.ca/transfer), or contact your intended university or college.

CNA presently has articulation agreements with University of New Brunswick and Royal Roads University. 


Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $1,301.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $625.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due within two (2) weeks of date of Letter of of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay this non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • First Semester Tuition- which includes the $1500 Deposit Fee
      Deposit fee - $1500 non-refundable, non-transferable fee.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $4,685.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per semester) - $5,311.00
  • Commercial Driver (per semester) - $5,311.00
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00


Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades (per semester) - $2,344.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $354.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $354.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $313.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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