Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology - Diploma
Overview
There is an ever-growing need for skilled technologists to play a critical role in understanding, managing and protecting our vital natural environments. Whether your interests lie in the importance of ensuring the integrity of fish and wildlife habitats or creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities, this program is for you.
Experience-based learning using new technology gives you the hands-on skills and knowledge necessary to successfully compete for jobs like park rangers, provincial fisheries and wildlife technologist and recreation technologist.
Practical training includes computer systems for environmental technologies, ecosystem health and management, fish and wildlife identification and management, parks and recreation management, avalanche awareness, and back-country navigation and travel. Our outdoor classroom provides relevant learning experiences for you to gain valuable skills in backcountry recreation and fish and wildlife management and get practical training in computer systems for environmental technologies, ecosystem health and management, fish and wildlife identification and management, parks and recreation management, avalanche awareness and backcountry navigation and travel.
Accreditation
The Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology Program is nationally accredited through Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). It is provincially accredited by the College of Applied Biologists.
To help ensure the program is relevant, the quality of the program has been assessed against industry outcomes. The program receives feedback from our Program Advisory Committee, which consists of industry and government representatives, including many past graduates.
Transferability
The Recreation, Fish & Wildlife Program ladders into the Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Systems.
There is a long-standing tradition of our graduates transferring and successfully completing university degrees. Program graduates have successfully transferred credit toward degrees in universities throughout Canada and the United States.
Selkirk College also has formal transfer agreements with:
- Thompson Rivers, Bachelor of Natural Resource Management
- Lethbridge University, Bachelor of Applied Conservation Enforcement
- Vancouver Island University, Bachelor Natural Resource Protection
Please note that students planning to transfer into a degree program at another post-secondary institution must check the transfer requirements of the program they wish to enrol in. It is strongly recommended that students consult with the program advisor of the receiving institution to ensure that they have all of the necessary transfer requirements.
Common Core
The first year of the Recreation, Fish & Wildlife consists of a core of environmental courses in soils, hydrology, botany, surveying, fish and wildlife, ecology, mapping, communications, computers and math. This core year is common with the Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology (AESP) and Forest Technology programs.
The second year of each program synthesizes the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of first year with applied management, planning, and advanced techniques and principles. Integration of learning in each program is required.
The common core allows students to obtain an additional diploma in Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology or Forest Technology by completing the relevant third year.
News
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
1. Manage and analyze information that contributes to applied research
2. Use critical thinking skills to solve problems
3. Communicate technical information effectively in both oral and written forms to a variety of audiences
4. Demonstrate capability to use and maintain appropriate equipment
5. Identify and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to aid with project success
6. Develop proposals, manage budgets, contracts, and financial information
7. Navigate current government structure, industry standards, and legislation, to implement best practices
8. Model professionalism by adhering to professional ethics and standards and by committing to life-long learning and a healthy work-life balance
9. Apply appropriate techniques to identify, sample, and record biological and physical components of natural systems
10. Choose and employ appropriate technology to collect, manage, explore and visualize data
11. Develop and apply risk management strategies that incorporate safe travel and best work practices, including OHS requirements to ensure personal, crew, and public safety
12. Demonstrate field experience and skill
13. Recognize the diversity of Indigenous Nations’ cultures and traditions as distinct knowledge systems that are valid and critical to building respectful engagement, consultation, and collaborative relationships
14. Acknowledge the Calls to Truth and Reconciliation and the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as inclusive and informed constructs for Indigenous rights and title in the stewardship of land, water, soil, plants, and animals
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Environment and Geomatics Programs requirements to be considered fully-qualified:
Successful completion of these high-school or equivalent courses:
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- Any BC Science Curriculum (with a lab component) at the grade 11 or 12 level with a minimum of 67%
- English Studies 12 with a minimum of 67% or higher
NOTE: Applicants in Grade 12 at the time of application must show proof of registration or completion of the above courses.
Applicants that require upgrading may still gain provisional acceptance for program seats if they can show proof of registration (with time for likely completion) of prerequisite high school courses before Fall Term start dates.
All applicants must be in good health and reasonably good physical condition. A demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, outdoor work is essential as much of the work is done in the field, often under adverse and arduous weather and topographic conditions. A self-assessment fitness checklist is available on request.
Computer competency is an important element of success in the program. Prior to starting the program, it is strongly recommended that students have entry-level experience with word processor, spreadsheet and web-browsing software. Check out Selkirk College Community Education & Workplace Training computer courses.
General
Applicants must submit a completed application form and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts, application package) to the Registrar’s office.
Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology
Applicants to the first year of the Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology program will be considered 'Fully Qualified' and admissible to the program when they possess:
(i) One or more of the following certificates or equivalents are recommended but not required for admission:
(a) Class 5 Drivers license
(b) Occupational First Aid Level 1 with Transportation Endorsement and/or Wilderness First Aid
(ii) Most learning activities within the program reflect industry norms. Training often occurs in wilderness back or front country terrain. Therefore, applicants should be in good health and physical condition. Activities will be taught which require student participation walking or canoeing outside for up to 10 hours per day and for up to two weeks in duration. Students will be required to hike, ski, mountain bike, snowshoe, etc., for four to eight hours at a time over rough, sometimes hazardous terrain in all weather conditions. Students will be required to maintain a reasonable pace and not hold the class back. Activities in which the student must participate may include but are not limited to the following: hiking and scrambling, orienteering, canoeing, rock climbing and mountaineering, cross-country and back country skiing, mountain biking, camping including snow caving, and operating power equipment such as chainsaws, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles. Students will be required to observe all required and standard safety practices and procedures at all times.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Application process is complete and admission to first year will be considered with:
1. Receipt of the "Application for Admission" form plus the required application fee, and;
2. Receipt of official high school and post-secondary education transcript(s) or interim transcript or proof of registration in prerequisite courses (if in Grade 12), and;
3. The date when an applicant's file is complete is the date when all the requirements of a) and b) above have been fulfilled.
CHANGE OF PROGRAM
There is some limited availability for students to change programs in the first year however, the following conditions must be met:
1. Students who want to change programs must apply in writing to the School Chair before January 15th during the first year of their original program.
2. Program changes will only be permitted provided there is space as determined by the School Chair.
3. Students may need to complete prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of the second year.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
PROMOTION
1. Promotion to Subsequent Semester
Each semester must be completed with a Grade Point Average of 2.00 ("C" average) or better with no more than two grades below a "C" to continue into the next semester. GPA will be based on all grades for courses scheduled for a given year and semester as per the course calendar. All grades below a "C" grade must be raised to a satisfactory level to graduate.
Students not eligible to continue to the next semester must repeat all courses with grades below a "C" prior to proceeding to the next semester.
2. Admission Requirements - Second Year
Normally all first-year courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better before a student is admitted to the second year of their program. Students in this situation should contact the School Chair.
3. "C-" Grade
Students receiving a final grade of "C-" in the prerequisite course will be required to withdraw from the subsequent course requiring the prerequisite. Students receiving the "C-" grade must re- register in, and successfully complete the course with a "C" grade or better before going on to the subsequent course.
4. "P" Grade
Students receiving a final grade of "P" in a prerequisite course will not be allowed to register in a subsequent course requiring the prerequisite. Students receiving the "P" grade must re- register in, and successfully complete the course with a "C" grade or better before going on to the subsequent course.
5. "F" Grade
A grade of "F" requires re-registering in, and repeating, the entire course. Under normal circumstances and due to changing course content, students receiving an "F" in a course(s) will be required to repeat the course within one year to receive credit. If an "F" grade is received twice in a particular course, the student will not be allowed to repeat the course again and will be required to withdraw from the program.
GRADUATION
Credentials:
i. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a final grade of "C" or better in all courses in the Forest Technology, Integrated Environmental Planning Technology Program, Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology Program is required for graduation.
ii. A student will be expected to complete the requirements for a diploma within a maximum of four years from the initial admission.
iii. No diploma will be awarded without meeting all obligations to the College. This includes returning all equipment signed out and paying all outstanding fees.
b. Types of Credential Received
Diplomas – Forest Technology; Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology 1; Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology
1 New credential applies to Fall 2023 intake and going forward.
c. Requirements: (see Policy 8617: Graduation)
INSTRUCTION: Graduation requirement table must contain the following elements: course (abbreviation and number), name of course, and number of credits as illustrated below.
Certificates: All students require a valid OFA level 1 first aid certificate at the time of graduation. RFW students require one additional certificate of their choice from the list of acceptable credentials published yearly by the School.
Courses
ENVR150 - Hydrology I
ENVR 150 Hydrology I is an introductory study of water in our environment including its properties, the natural processes which affect it, and climate and weather. Students will gain practical experience in the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data using standard techniques and equipment.
ENVR160 - Surveying and Field Measurements
ENVR 160 Surveying and Field Measurements is an introduction to the practical use of common survey instruments and techniques used by Environmental technicians. As well, the course will introduce the student to various sampling methods used to collect, assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying and measurement tools and the skills involved in collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field data.
ENVR162 - Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification
ENVR 162 Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification is an introduction to the principles of Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures will focus on plant classification, botanical terms, plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function and structure, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C., specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures will focus on ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC) of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.
ENVR164 - Soil and Earth Sciences
ENVR 164 Soil and Earth Sciences will cover the identification of common rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study of physical geology and geomorphology in relation to management of the forest environment and landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge in rock and mineral identification, description of the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and identification and classification of landforms and terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for environmental management.
ENVR154 - Maps and Navigation
ENVR 154 Maps and Navigation focuses on the navigation skills required of technologists working outdoors to locate oneself, stay ''found'', and return safely from the field. The course includes hands-on use of navigation tools in field settings including map, compass, aerial imagery, altimeter, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Pre-trip planning in a navigation context will also be covered including developing access plans and route plans, and estimating travel times.
ENVR158 - Introduction to Geomatics
ENVR 158 Introduction to Geomatics is an introduction to applied mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) theory and applications. The first half of the course will be focused on introducing basic uses of remotely sensed imagery and exploring applied mapping technologies, including Google Earth and Internet Mapping websites. The second half of the semester will be focused on learning basic Geographic Information System concepts and applying GIS technologies to environmental, renewable resource management, and planning fields. Emphasis will be placed on how geographic data is represented, collected, managed, analyzed, and displayed using GIS tools. Hands-on experience will be developed with desktop GIS software, ESRI's ArcGIS for Desktop.
ENVR163 - Terrestrial Ecology and Biology
ENVR 163 Terrestrial Ecology and Biology builds upon the concepts from ENVR 162 with further studies of local forest ecosystems. Students will identify key forest structural components and study the role that disturbance (such as fire), environmental gradients, and competition play in defining a species' niche. Participants will also examine the role of primary and secondary growth, nutrient uptake, reproduction, and survival mechanisms for plants. Winter plant identification, ecosystem form and function, and plant adaptations to timberline will also be examined. A practical field based assignment will form a major portion of the term assessment. This project includes collecting the data in the field, entering and analyzing the data in the computer lab, and presenting the data in a written scientific report.
Tuition & Fees
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
Find Out More
We look forward to connecting with you! Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you.