Ecosystem Management Technician

Start In:

Location:	Lindsay
Program Status:	Accepting applications
Program Code:	EMT
Co-ordinator:	Mike Fraser
Credential:	Ontario College Diploma
Classes Start:	September 7, 2010
Tuition/ Fees:	$1,660.75 per semester * * Tuition and fees subject to change.

Program Highlights

Be a part of the solution - as an Ecosystem Management Technician, you contribute to the health of ecosystems, minimizing the negative impact we have on the environment. Through careful consideration of the needs of society and the environment, you'll help governments, conservation groups, and wildlife organizations do environmentally sustainable planning for the future.

"The earth we abuse and the living things we kill, will, in the end, take their revenge; for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future." -- Marya Mannes, More in Anger

Fleming's Ecosystem Management Technician program highlights a holistic approach to the management of human activity within ecosystems. We will prepare you for an exciting career that can take you where YOU want to go, either in your home community, in a wilderness environment, or across the globe. You will study ecosystem composition, structure and function in wilderness, rural, and

urban landscapes, and acquire a broad range of technical skills, as well as the flexibility to adapt to changing job requirements. Throughout this program, you will:

learn the principles of experimental design and research, and how to apply them to a project of your own
participate in the monitoring and assessment of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, conduct resource inventories and environmental sampling, and develop plans for the management of public and private landscapes
conduct field research in partnership with the college's Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT) and analyze data generated by this nationally-accredited lab
learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to analyze ecosystems at a variety of scales.

Why Choose Fleming?

Ecosystem Management is on the leading edge of resource conservation in the 21st century - the future is now
The School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at the Frost Campus encourages small class sizes and provides state-of-the-art technology
Dedicated, award-winning faculty provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region
While you learn about ecosystem science and the current techniques of sustainable resources management, you will also develop essential skills in communications, human relations, facilitation, problem solving, dispute resolution, and cultural awareness
This combination of skills and knowledge is transferrable on a global scale.

Work Experience

The Ecosystem Management Program provides the student with a 2 week (80 hour) mandatory field placement. This placement is designed to allow you to apply your skills, demonstrate your abilities and obtain valuable work experience that many employers are looking for.

The program has partnered with national conservation agencies to offer an international 2-week placement opportunity in Costa Rica, that includes working with nesting sea turtles amd monitoring species biodiversity in coastal rainforest habitats. Students who participate in this experience are selected based on a rigorous screening process. For more information, blogs and video, visit the 2010 Costa Rica field trip website.

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 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.

Aboriginal Emphasis Initiative
Fleming College's Aboriginal Emphasis Initative is an inclusive approach to providing more understanding of Aboriginal peoples, communities and nations. You will have an opportunity to take courses designed from an Aboriginal perspective with emphasis on Aboriginal peoples, history, spirituality and culture. See the Aboriginal Emphasis Initiative page for courses available in this program.

What it Takes to Succeed

the ability to ask questions, solve problems and create sustainable plans
an interest in understanding how ecosystems and humanity interact
analytical and creative thinking
excellent oral and written communication skills
the ability to work as part of a team
good organizational ability
cultural awareness/sensitivity
excellent interpersonal skills
volunteer or work experience in such areas as conservation, parks, greenspace projects, public education about the environment, or habitat restoration is an asset.

Career Opportunities

As a Technician, you'll find work in careers such as:

resource management technician
urban forest management
Geomatics technician
aquatic / terrestrial biologist
environmental education
land use planning
restoration technician
watershed technician
environmental consultant, and others.

You'll work for conservation authorities, parks departments, private consulting firms, municipal/provincial/federal governments, non-governmental organizations, First Nations communities, or stewardship organizations. Positions can be found across Canada and around the world. Willingness to relocate for work, and taking the initiative to develop contacts in the field greatly enhances the opportunities available to you.

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. 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

Graduates of the Ecosystem Management Technician program may want to consider continuing their education another year to attain the Technologist diploma. You might also want to consider taking one of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs - Applications Specialist, or Cartographic Specialist to enhance your skill set and career opportunities. Alternatively, you can obtain a dual diploma by taking another of our School's Technician programs, and can usually complete the second diploma with just two more semesters of study.