Fish and Wildlife Technician

 

Love working in the outdoors? Have a keen interest in fish and wildlife - and a concern for the responsible management of these resources? A career as a Fish and Wildlife Technician may be just right for you - combine your love of the outdoors with the training you'll receive in this program, and set yourself up for a rewarding future.

 

Program Highlights

Besides your classroom sessions learning the theory and skills needed for hands-on work, you'll spend a significant amount of time in laboratory work - and participate in numerous excursions into the field. In second year, you'll participate in an intensive, one-week field camp, where students practice fisheries management skills and learn about the logistics involved in the design and implementation of field projects.

 

Word from the Workplace

"I have heard employers from as far away as Alberta and California praise the Fleming Fish and Wildlife program and the quality technicians it produces. The program's reputation works in favour of Fleming graduates in the employment selection process."

Chris Nadeau, Program Graduate

 

Why Choose Fleming?

• Our program is the only one in Ontario accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA).
• Fleming is one of only two colleges in the province offering this program, and the only one located in southern Ontario.
• Our spectacular learning environment includes an on-campus fish hatchery that supports the School's participation as a partner in the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Project. Students are involved in daily hatchery operations.
• The comprehensive, challenging training you'll receive in this program, facilitated by faculty with experience in the field, ensures that you will obtain the well-rounded, relevant skills employers are seeking.

Common First Semester

Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.

Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.

 

Work Experience

You will have plenty of opportunities to put your education into practice in this program. Lab work, excursions into the field, and the one-week field camp offer you the chance to get hands-on experience.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

Obviously, you've got to love working outdoors, and have a commitment to the conservation of fish and wildlife. It would be an asset to have worked in a volunteer or paid position in an environmental or natural resource related organization or project. You should also possess:

• analytical skills
• a good high school sciences/maths background
• willingness to move for work

 

 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Fish and Wildlife Technician program will mostly find work within Canada. The positions you'll hold include fish and wildlife technician/technologist, interpreter at fish and wildlife reserves, fishing/hunting guides, and wetlands inventory technicians. Employers seeking Fish and Wildlife technicians include government research agencies and ministries and private consulting firms or environmental management agencies - such as Ducks Unlimited and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Once you've earned your Technician diploma, you might want to take a third year to earn the Technology diploma. (It will open up even more careers for you upon graduation.)

 

Health Requirements

Fish and Wildlife program students are required to show proof of a protective titre from rabies vaccination before they enter into third semester. Students will handle mammal carcasses, so for health and safety reasons, students who do not provide proof of a protective titre will not be permitted to progress to semester three of this program.

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

 

Additional Costs

Plan to spend about $1,050 in the first year and $900 in the second year for books, supplies, equipment, and field camps.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
• Royal Roads University - Victoria, B.C.
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences	45.00
Communicating Technical Information	45.00
Ecology and Environment	60.00
Ecosystem Skills	60.00
Environmental Leadership	45.00
Geospatial Techniques	45.00
Optional Courses:   Communications Plus 15.00
Semester 2
Aquatic Studies	45.00
Introductory Chemistry	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Technical Reporting	45.00
Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario	45.00
Wildlife Observation Skills	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 3
Field Camp	40.00
Geomatics in Surveying	45.00
Habitat Classification	60.00
Introduction to Fisheries Management	60.00
Limnology I	60.00
Statistics	45.00
Vertebrate Biology	60.00
Wildlife Technologies	45.00
Semester 4
Animal Pathology	60.00
Environmental Issues: The Human Factor	45.00
Human Relations	45.00
Limnology II	60.00
Natural Resources and the Law	45.00
Wildlife	60.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

Environmental Leadership

Course Number: NATR008

This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. A dynamic, interactive case study approach will be used to examine issues arising from environmental disputes and conflicts, and to develop an understanding of ecological sustainability.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences

Course Number: MATH063

This course will enable students to apply specific mathematical concepts and acquire foundation skills important in the Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences. It is designed to complement and reinforce learning within other first semester courses and program areas.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Communicating Technical Information

Course Number: COMM044

This course focuses on the development of fundamental writing and speaking skills, both individually and in teams, within the context of program and work needs in the environmental field. Also, students will be required to apply and to demonstrate fundamental research skills, including an analysis of library and Web resources pertaining to program-related topics. Assessment strategies will be tied closely to other common first semester courses.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Ecology and Environment

Course Number: ENVR020

Learn how nature works by studying the key components of the ecosystems in the Kawartha Lakes Region. Through field and lab exploration of wild life, landforms, forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands, students will see the connections between themselves, the environment and ecosystems that surround them.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Ecosystem Skills

Course Number: ECOS013

This course will focus on three areas of study: identification, field and lab skills. Students will identify and classify the living and non-living components of the specific ecosystems described in the Ecology and Environment (ENVR 20) course. Field skills to be developed include the ability to navigate through the natural environment and use a variety of ecosystem inventory techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on safe work habits in lab and field.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Environmental Leadership

Course Number: NATR008

This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. A dynamic, interactive case study approach will be used to examine issues arising from environmental disputes and conflicts, and to develop an understanding of ecological sustainability.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Geospatial Techniques

Course Number: GEOM036

This course is designed around the four pillars of Geomatics: Remote Sensing, Cartography, Surveying and GIS. Students will develop entry-level skills in data capture, surveying, (computer) drafting, principles of remote sensing, air photo interpretation, and in usage of representative Geomatics-related software.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Communications Plus

Course Number: COMM012

Communications Plus will provide individualized help in language and writing skills for students enrolled in Common First Semester Communicating Technical Information. This is a one-hour timetabled class in addition to the Communicating Technical Information course. Students who are recommended and/or elect to take Communications Plus will work on computer-based modules, and may receive assistance on seminar and lab writing assignments from all courses. No additional work is required other than the one class hour per week.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Semester 2

General Education Elective

Course Number: SSFC019

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Aquatic Studies

Course Number: FIWI042

Aquatic Studies is an introduction to some of the basic components and procedures involved in the study of aquatic ecosystems. Fish identification skills as well as aquatic and wetland plant identification skills will be stressed in this course. Invertebrate identification will be introduced. The students will also learn field water chemistry procedures and electofishing techniques.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Chemistry

Course Number: SCIE062

This course is designed to provide a knowledge and understanding of the principles of chemistry. The course will also familiarize the learner with the important industrial processes. The following topics: matter and energy, atomic structure, properties and nomenclature of compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and petroleum refining will be presented.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Technical Reporting

Course Number: COMM034

This course is an introduction to technical writing and speaking for students in the School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences. Students will write a formal technical report by applying research skills in the library and on the Internet, writing an outline and an introduction, documenting their sources of information in the APA style, editing and revising drafts of their reports, writing formal elements of the report, and integrating graphic presentations with text. In addition, they will present their reports orally, using appropriate audiovisual media, write a set of instructions in memo format, and be able to identify several common types of reports.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario

Course Number: FSTY050

This course deals with the identification of approximately 100 species of trees and shrubs of importance to those managing the forests resources of Ontario. Throughout the semester identification features for common trees and shrubs in both summer and winter condition are introduced and applied. A number of field trips are utilized to assist students with their identification skills. In the weekly lecture series topics such as tree growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, forest ecology and uses of trees will be introduced. At the completion of the course students will have a sound working knowledge of dendrology. The skills introduced in this semester may then be used in following semesters when working with Forest Ecosystem Classification, Restoration Ecology, Conservation Planning and other habitat management situations.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Wildlife Observation Skills

Course Number: FIWI041

This course is an introduction to a range of skills in wildlife observation. A variety of wildlife species may be present in an environment despite not being seen. Important skills include visual and auditory identification of wildlife signs. The primary emphasis in this course will be on identification of wildlife signs such as tracks, trail patterns, scat, skulls, impacts on the environment, bird song and amphibian calls. When ever possible it is important to achieve visual observation and documentation of wildlife. Photography will be examined as a tool to document wildlife and their signs. Studies of wildlife observation technology will include an evaluation of binoculars and spotting scopes. Wildlife observation projects and groups will be reviewed including the Christmas Bird Count and breeding bird surveys. Lab instruction will be augmented with field trips to observe signs of local wildlife and when possible to document actual wildlife sightings.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

Field Camp

Course Number: APST023

This course is designed to give second-year students an enhanced exposure to the aquatic community. It involves two days of intensive training into the use and philosophy of aspects required for the preparation and procedural concepts of fisheries research. This will be followed by one week of active work on the lake, collecting data that will be incorporated by the government agencies responsible for managing the Kawartha Lakes. Areas of study will include boat handling and motor maintenance, learning to read water conditions, applying the use of GPS units, working with a variety of fish nets, water chemistry, shoreline habitat documentation, fish sampling, and the application of fish tags. Another concept is the knowledge of working together in a group format to produce valid results.

Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00

Geomatics in Surveying

Course Number: SURV018

This course places the emphasis on the fundamental principles of Geomatics as they apply to Surveying. Electronic instruments will be used with emphasis on data loggers to obtain field positions with features and attribute data. These field locations and attributes will be used to create GIS related survey plans. Coordinate Geometry will be used in the computation of boundaries areas and volumes. The GIS features will be implemented using practical field projects and the projects will be related to land information systems.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Habitat Classification

Course Number: FIWI044

This course will provide participants with a variety of habitat inventory techniques following a number of Environment Canada's, Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) protocols. The course will start with a large scope approach looking at world wide biomes and realms, focusing on the variables of plant and associated wildlife species. The course the narrows its focus in a nested manner looking at Canadian ecosystems, then Ontario Ecological land Classification and Forest ecosystem classification. At each level of habitat classification wildlife habitat suitability will be emphasized and outline preferred and useable habitat for all wildlife species. Within these classifications, woody plant identification, coarse woody debris, herbaceous plant identification, soils and biodiversity of both terrestrial and wetland habitat will be investigated leading to establishing links between habitat and wildlife suitability. The main objective of the course is to explore current field inventory techniques employed by Fish and Wildlife resource technicians in North America.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Introduction to Fisheries Management

Course Number: FIWI016

The principles, philosophy, and application of fisheries management in Ontario are examined in this course. Case histories will be used to emphasize current topics in natural resource management. The laboratory sessions will stress field activities and hands-on experiences as well as practical expertise in identifying, collecting, and aging fish components.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Limnology I

Course Number: FIWI017

This course provides an introduction to basic limnology, with an emphasis on chemical and physical aspects. Students will learn how to properly use common limnological instruments and sampling devices and to perform aquatic surveys. The concepts of sample and analytical integrity will be stressed, as well as interpretation of results. Laboratory sessions will deal with laboratory and field techniques, while lectures will relate to the principles behind, and rationale for, lab and field techniques.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Statistics

Course Number: MATH025

This course covers data organization, the basic statistical parameters, confidence intervals for means, the normal distribution, hypothesis testing (Chi-square, 'F', 't' and Anova), and regression analysis.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Vertebrate Biology

Course Number: SCIE032

The course provides an introduction to ichthyology, herpetology, ornithology, and mammalogy. Included will be concepts of evolution, behaviour, anatomy, and the physiology of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The laboratory periods will be used to study, dissect, and identify representative vertebrates.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Wildlife Technologies

Course Number: FIWI043

This course offers knowledge and practical training in current and emerging technologies important in fish and wildlife management. The technologies covered in this course include but are not restricted to the following: radio and ultrasonic telemetry, GPS navigation, PIT tags, data loggers and a variety of computer applications.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 4

Animal Pathology

Course Number: SCIE004

This course examines and identifies the more important parasites and diseases of common freshwater fish, birds, and mammals of Ontario and central Canada. The course will include data on bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan forms as well. Life cycles and the ecological importance of certain parasitic organisms will also be discussed.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Environmental Issues: The Human Factor

Course Number: GNED015

This course introduces students to the non-technical aspects of environmental issues: historical, cultural, ethical, political, and economic. It is concerned with how environmental issues enter public consciousness and how they are subsequently dealt with in the Canadian and global communities. Students will be encouraged to adopt a balanced, analytical approach as the basis for developing and expressing their own viewpoints as informed citizens and technicians/technologists.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Human Relations

Course Number: MGMT005

This course examines self-awareness, interpersonal relations, motivation, stress, small group dynamics, and organizational behaviour. Particular attention will be paid to leadership and conflict management in employment situations. Contemporary developments reshaping human relations will be introduced for study and discussion.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Limnology II

Course Number: FIWI018

This course examines the ecology, biology, and taxonomy of common freshwater aquatic organisms. Additional topics will include an introduction to water pollution (including its effect on aquatic life), food web structure, and the impact of new species invasions.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Natural Resources and the Law

Course Number: LAWS056

This course provides an introduction to laws that have an impact on the use of natural resources in Ontario. The course will deal with an overview of the legal system, the underlying principles of gaining compliance, and specific legislation that may be encountered in the natural resources field.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Wildlife

Course Number: FIWI038

This course includes instruction in standard field and laboratory techniques used in the study of wildlife and basic principles of wildlife management, with emphasis on aging and sexing techniques. Concepts relating to small game, big game, fur, and waterfowl management will be introduced. This course has a compulsory two-day field exercise occurring in the week immediately following the winter semester.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00