What to expect from a career as a Natural Resource or Environmental Technician
With so many environmental issues at the forefront in today’s society, from consumption to pollution and much more, careers in natural resources are booming. Natural resources programs at Ontario colleges give students the knowledge and hands-on training they need for a number of careers across a number of industries.
If you have a passion for outdoor life and protecting the natural environment that you’d like to channel into a career in the natural resources industry, here’s what you need to know.
Natural Resources Courses
Natural resources courses are a combination of field skills and theoretical knowledge. Areas of study will include wildlife, tree and shrub identification, parks management, resource management, forest planning, measurement and management, environmental assessment and more. Additional courses in natural resources law, communications and other general skills that will help prepare students for their careers.
Work placements and time spent out in the field will also be part of the curriculum in most natural resources programs, giving students a chance to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom.
General Natural Resources Program Requirements
Ontario college natural resources programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Required credits may include grade 12 English and senior math, chemistry and biology. Non-academic requirements or recommendations may include physical fitness and CPR training, depending on the program.
Note: Some natural resource programs are offered as graduate certificates, which means students must possess a diploma or degree in a related field, such as environmental sciences or biology.
Natural Resources Jobs and Salaries
Graduates of natural resources programs are prepared to work in both the public and private sectors, in a number of different roles, including (but not limited to):
- Habitat Assessment
- Wildlife Management
- Environmental Research
- Resource Inventory
Salaries in the natural resources field depend on the exact role, but the average starting salary for graduates is roughly $35,000 per year and will increase with experience.
Ontario Colleges Offering Natural Resources Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of natural resources programs at Ontario colleges.
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