Recreation, Fish and Wildlife – Diploma
Program Details
Diploma in Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife
Overview
Program Summary
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 first-based learning using new technology, giving you the hands-on skills and knowledge necessary to successfully compete for jobs like Park Rangers, Provincial Fisheries and Wildlife technologists, and Recreation technologists. Our small class sizes and experienced instructors provide a rich learning environment complemented by the spectacular West Kootenay landscape.
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.
Students enrolling in the Recreation, Fish & Wildlife will spend their first year studying alongside students in the Integrated Environmental and Forest Technology programs.
Common first year course must be completed before moving into second year courses. For first year course and admission requirements see the Environmental Programs page.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- manage and analyze information that contributes to applied research.
- use critical thinking skills to solve problems.
- communicate technical information effectively in both oral and written forms to a variety of audiences.
- demonstrate capability to use and maintain appropriate equipment.
- identify and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to aid with project success.
- develop proposals, manage budgets, contracts, and financial information.
- navigate current government structure, industry standards, and legislation, to implement best practices.
- model professionalism by adhering to professional ethics and standards and by committing to life-long learning and a healthy work-life balance.
- apply appropriate techniques to identify, sample, and record biological and physical components of natural systems.
- choose and employ appropriate technology to collect, manage, explore and visualize data.
- develop and apply risk management strategies that incorporate safe travel and best work practices, including OHS requirements to ensure personal, crew, and public safety.
- demonstrate field experience and skill.
- acknowledge and respect indigenous peoples through greater awareness of cultural traditions related to land management.
Program Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Successful completion of these high-school or equivalent courses:
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- Biology 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- 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.
Additional Requirements
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 check list 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.
Graduation and Promotion
In order to receive your credential in your program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Program Courses
Term 1
Required first year common courses
| ENVR150 | Hydrology I | 3.00 | 75 |
| ENVR160 | Surveying & Field Measurements | 3.00 | 90 |
| ENVR162 | Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification | 3.00 | 75 |
| ENVR164 | Soil and Earth Sciences | 3.00 | 75 |
| MATH160 | Technical Math Review | 3.00 | 45 |
| TWC150 | Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I | 3.00 | 45 |
Term 2
Required first year common courses
| ENVR154 | Maps and Navigation | 2.00 | 60 |
| ENVR158 | Introduction to Geomatics | 2.00 | 45 |
| ENVR163 | Terrestrial Ecology and Biology | 4.00 | 90 |
| ENVR170 | Fish and Wildlife Ecology | 3.00 | 75 |
| MATH190 | Resource Statistics I | 3.00 | 45 |
| TWC151 | Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications II | 3.00 | 45 |
The following Field School course is a requirement to successfully complete the first year of your program.
This course needs to be completed at the end of April
| RFW255 | Spring Field School | 2.00 | 64 |
Term 3
Required second year courses
| RFW256 | Backcountry Risk Analysis and Mitigation I | 2.00 | 75 |
| RFW262 | Ecosystem-Based Management | 3.00 | 75 |
| RFW263 | Outdoor Recreation Operations and Management | 4.00 | 90 |
| RFW272 | Techniques in Wildlife Sciences I | 3.00 | 75 |
| RFW280 | Techniques in Aquatics and Fisheries I | 4.00 | 90 |
| ENVR290 | Computer Applications in Resource Management | 2.00 | 45 |
Term 4
Required second year courses
| RFW251 | Environmental Legislation and Policy | 2.00 | 45 |
| RFW257 | Backcountry Risk Analysis and Mitigation II | 3.00 | 75 |
| RFW265 | Commercial Recreation Management | 3.00 | 75 |
| RFW271 | Applied Research Project | 1.00 | 15 |
| RFW273 | Techniques in Wildlife Sciences II | 3.00 | 75 |
| RFW281 | Techniques in Aquatics and Fisheries II | 3.00 | 75 |