Natural Resource Management

Information for the program you selected is currently unavailable. For program information, please contact one of the following:

Spokane Community College (SCC) Programs:

  • If you are seeking specific program information you may wish to contact one of the counselors available by department at: Transfer Center Counseling at (509) 533-8037; Multicultural Center Counseling at (509) 533-7032; Health Science Counseling at (509) 533-8622; Business Division Counseling at (509) 533-7195; Professional Technical, Business, and Environmental Science Counseling at (509) 533-7038.
  • For general information regarding Spokane Community College, please call for information at: (509) 533-7000 or email: SCCInfo@scc.spokane.edu.
  • To report a problem with a link, please contact the SCC Help Desk at (509) 533-8899.

Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) Programs:

  • For academic advising, please contact the program department, or call the SFCC Counseling department at (509) 533-3525.
  • For general information regarding Spokane Falls Community College, please call our information line at: 509-533-3500 or 888-509-7944 or email: sfccinfo@spokanefalls.edu

Winter 2018

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter on space availability

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Additional Costs

Books$500
Supplies and Equipment$100-600
* Estimated cost of books and supplies for length of program.

Program Description

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions.  The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree.  Second year: Student may remain in the main program which is forestry based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 105 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site and growth determinations.
  3. Identify species and habitat needs of common northwest freshwater fish, birds and wildlife.
  4. Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
  5. Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including through the use of geographic information systems.
  6. Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
  7. Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems.
  8. Apply field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor wildlife, birds and fish species and their habitat.
  9. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
  10. Parks maintenance and equipment.
  11. Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
  12. Understand concepts of ecology, conservation and management for fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
  13. Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
  14. Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
  15. Write technical reports and give presentations.
The number of technical level jobs has increased in some areas and remained steady in most others. Public pressure for environmental protection and management has led agencies to undertake projects in all areas of the natural resources that require qualified field technicians to complete.

Career Opportunities

Employers of graduates include federal agencies such as the US Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the US Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Park Service; state forestry, park and wildlife agencies; county and city agencies and private forestry companies and contractors.
POTENTIAL POSITIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: forestry technician or aide, biological technician or aide, park technician or aide, conservation aide, range aide, wildlife technician, fishery technician, surveying aide or timber worker.