Fleming College: Learn | Belong | Become

Program Highlights

The Fish and Wildlife Technician program can lead you into a rewarding career that combines your love of the outdoors and keen interest in fish and wildlife, with a commitment to responsible resource management.

• 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 3rd semester,  you'll participate in an intensive, one-week field camp, with either a fisheries focus - a fisheries camp and course, or a wildlife focus - wildlife camp and course (students are not guaranteed the option of their choice - this is determined on a first come, first served basis).
• During field camp you will practice fisheries or wildlife 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.

Recommended:

• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry is strongly recommended.

(Although not required for admission, these courses will help to prepare you for the program.)

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. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be neccessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

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

Related Programs

Once you've earned your Fish and Wildlife 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. Graduates of the Fish and Wildlife Technician program may also consider continuing their education in the Ecosystem Management Technician, Environmental Technician or another of our two-year environmental or natural resource sciences diploma programs.  In just two more semesters, you can obtain an additional Technician diploma and expand your career opportunities.

Health Requirements

• Fish and Wildlife program students are required to show proof of a protective titre from rabies vaccination before they enter into semester 3. This applies to all students including those who may transfer into or enter the program with advanced standing.
• Students will handle mammal carcasses, so for health and safety reasons, those who do not provide proof of a protective titre will not be permitted to progress to semester 3 of this program. For more information and to print the required form, go to: Immunization Information page.
• Effective September 2011: proof of protective rabies titre is required prior to the start of classes in semester 2
• Students with advanced standing who are entering or transferring into the program in semester 3 must provide proof of  a protective titre from rabies vaccination  prior to the start of classes

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. Sutdents attending the Wildlife Camp will pay an addional camp fee of about $300.

University Transfer Agreements

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

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Environmental Leadership	45.00
Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences	45.00
Ecology and Environment	60.00
Ecosystem Skills	60.00
Geospatial Techniques	45.00
ONE of: College Communication Skills for Environmental Science 67.00 College Communications for Environmental Science 37.00
Please Note: All students will complete literacy testing in order to determine enrollment in the appropriate Communications course.
Semester 2
Aquatic Studies	45.00
Data Management for Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences	45.00
Introductory Chemistry	45.00
Technical Reporting	45.00
Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario	45.00
Wildlife Observation Skills	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 3
Field Ornithology	45.00
Habitat Classification	60.00
Human Relations	45.00
Limnology I	60.00
Vertebrate Biology	60.00
Wildlife Technologies	45.00
Choose Two Program Electives: Fisheries Field Camp (BO) 40.00 Introduction to Fisheries Management 60.00 Introduction to Wildlife Management 60.00 Wildlife Field Camp 40.00
Please Note: If students are pursuing the Fisheries option in Semester 3, they must select APST23 and FIWI16. If students are pursuing the Wildlife option in Semester 3, they must select APST92 and FIWI47.
Semester 4
Environmental Issues: The Human Factor	45.00
Animal Pathology	45.00
Limnology II	60.00
Natural Resources and the Law	45.00
Statistics	45.00
Wildlife	60.00
Wildlife Diseases	15.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

College Communication Skills for Environmental Science

Course Number: COMM157

Units: 67.00
Hours: 67.00

College Communications for Environmental Science

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: 37.00
Hours: 37.00

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. An integrated, community based learning approach will be used to identify and apply a personal understanding of leadership, sustainability and community in the context of natural resource sciences.

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

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

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

Semester 2

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 electrofishing techniques.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Data Management for Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences

Course Number: COMP461

A complete understanding of how to use data management tools will be gained through hands on work with data from a variety of disciplines in the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. The course will cover data entry, manipulation and analysis as well as how to import/export and link data, charts and graphs to documents in various programs.

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 following topics: matter and energy, atomic structure, properties and nomenclature of compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and a brief study of organic chemistry will be presented

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 CSE name-year 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 Ornithology

Course Number: FIWI046

This course is designed for people working with or interested in working with passerines, waterfowl, shorebirds, upland gamebirds, wading birds and raptors. In this course, emphasis will be placed on; field identification of; biology of; external topography of (including feather groups and how they are used to determine age and sex); external sexing and aging techniques; preferred habitats and habitat requirements of; population status of; vulnerability and conservation efforts in; population census and monitoring techniques in; and internal management agreements concerning each of these bird groups. This course will include field excursions and outdoor research technique demonstrations; capture and handling techniques; bird banding; tissue and other biological sample collection; applications in genetic biology; and advances in bioacoustic technologies.

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

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 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

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

Fisheries Field Camp (BO)

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

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

Introduction to Wildlife Management

Course Number: FIWI047

The principles, philosophy, and application of wildlife management in Ontario are examined in this course. Emphasis will be placed on current topics in wildlife management and inventory techniques. This course also includes approaches to basic fisheries management and the techniques used by fisheries managers. The laboratory session will stress field activities and hands-on experiences and may include wildlife surveys.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Wildlife Field Camp

Course Number: APST092

Wildlife field camp will focus on wildlife population inventories and other fish and wildlife population investigation techniques. Range and/or habitat assessments for selected Ontario wildlife species will also be conducted.

Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00

Semester 4

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

Animal Pathology

Course Number: SCIE126

This course examines the pathology of diseases of common freshwater fish, birds, and mammals of Ontario and central Canada. Emphasis will be placed on factors contributing to disease, disease investigation, disease management strategies, Animal handling and euthanasia, necropsy techniques, methods of evaluating health parameters and tissue sampling procedures. N.B. All students must show proof of a protective rabies titre for this course

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

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

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

Wildlife Diseases

Course Number: SCIE127

This course identifies and examines prominent diseases of common freshwater fish, birds, and mammals of Ontario and central Canada, with a focus on diseases of zoonotic and economic importance. Emphasis will be placed on disease recognition, significance of each disease, identifying causative agents, hosts, predisposing factors, methods to reduce disease transmission and zoonosis, signs and symptoms, testing for disease, and disease management strategies.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00