Wildlife/Fisheries

Fall 2018

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter on space availability

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Tuition and Fees

http://www.ccs.spokane.edu/TuitionFees

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 conditionally 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.

AAS - SCC

Offered at Locations:  Spokane Community College

First Quarter
ENVS 110Plant Biology 5
NATRS112Natural Resources Mathematical Applications 15
NATRS120Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources 2
NATRS202Dendrology 5
NATRS225Natural Resources Occupational Experience 1
18

Second Quarter
NATRS122Natural Resources Trigonometric Applications 5
NATRS204Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation 5
NATRS215Forest Measurements 5
NATRS225Natural Resources Occupational Experience 2
WATER120Hydrologic Technical and Field Reports 25
22

Third Quarter
ENVS 220Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources 5
NATRS130Chainsaw Operation, Maintenance and Safety 3
NATRS201Forest Protection 5
NATRS230Global Positioning Systems 3
16

Fourth Quarter
ENVS 216Fisheries Ecology 5
ENVS 226Fisheries Techniques 4
NATRS209Silviculture 5
NATRS225Natural Resources Occupational Experience 31
15

Fifth Quarter
ENVS 207Wildlife Biology 5
ENVS 210Environmental Soil Science 5
NATRS221Applications in Geographic Information Systems 4
NATRS225Natural Resources Occupational Experience 31
WATER209Water Quality 5
20

Sixth Quarter
ENVS 217Wildlife Techniques 4
ENVS 227Advanced Wildlife Biology 4
ENVS 237Bird Identification 3
WATER205Differential Leveling 3
14
105 credits are required for the AAS
1Must pass with a 2.0 or higher grade before advancing into NATRS 122.
2Approved written communication courses at the level of 100 or higher may be substituted.
3A 400 hour internship, either paid or volunteer, must have been completed before registering for this course.

Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. the information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.