Program Information

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 must have a foundation in matters related to biodiversity in general and fish and wildlife management issues in particular. The two-year Fish and Wildlife Technician program, which shares many courses with the Forest Resources Technician program, is designed to enable students with a specific interest in fish and wildlife to participate in studies directed towards their career goals. The program reflects the trend towards integrating a wide range of natural resources technology within government departments at Federal and Provincial levels. 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 this program. The program provides a balance of field and classroom experiences that include a significant computer based data collection and analysis component.
 
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.

EMPLOYMENT 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.
 
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
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.

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION
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).

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.
 
 
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Academic:
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: 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:
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math : MA1040, MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations: Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in the Fish and Wildlife, Forest Resources Technician, Natural Resources Technician or Northern Natural Resources Technician program complete BL1020 and BL1021.

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: 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.
 
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.