The Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program is a two-year Diploma program which links opportunities to learn from experience in the field with academic coursework in the classroom and skill training in the laboratory. Graduates of the program will possess the ability needed to succeed as technicians and officers in natural resource and environmental management careers including wildlife, forestry, marine and freshwater fisheries, planning, water resources, environmental protection, parks, land claim resource management, oil and gas, and mining. The program places emphasis on learning through experience. 

Eligibility for the Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program will be determined on the basis of the student’s abilities in English, Mathematics and Science. The applicant should possess a grade 12 diploma and must have earned credits (minimum 65%) in:

• English 30-2 or Aurora College ALBE English 150
• Math 30-2 or Aurora College ALBE Math 150
• Grade 12 Biology 30, Chemistry 30, or Physics 30

Applicants are required to possess or be eligible to obtain a valid Firearms Acquisition and Possession License to successfully complete field camp requirements.

Students must be motivated to work in the field of environment and natural resources and demonstrate their motivation in a letter of intent.

Applicants may be asked to participate in a personal or telephone interview with the Program Head or a designate.  

Mature students and students with academic equivalences will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be encouraged to apply for the University and College Access Program, if available.

Among the eligible applicants, preference is given to residents of the Northwest Territories. Non-residents will be considered if the available spaces are not filled by eligible Northern residents.

Graduates of the Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program will have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to:

1. Become employed at the technician and/or officer level with territorial, provincial and federal agencies, aboriginal organizations, and/or private industry;
2. Apply their technical and managerial skills to the fields of environment, land, water, fisheries, forest and fire management, and wildlife;
3. Understand the application of science and scientific method;
4. Develop clear linkages between Traditional Knowledge and scientific education;
5. Communicate technical and scientific content effectively, both orally and in writing, using language that is appropriate to the audience;
6. Clearly communicate resource management policies, procedures and decisions to various stakeholders at the community and territorial level;
7. Coordinate and implement field work activities in remote northern conditions.
8. Utilize spatial technologies in acquiring, compiling and interpreting data;
9. Apply critical thinking skills to research and resource management activities and environmental stewardship;
10. Effectively manage projects such as data collection and analysis, educational outreach, and public safety;
11. Pursue further academic education and other continued learning experiences;
12. Actively participate in the sustainable management of northern natural resources;
13. Enhance the capacity of Northerners to participate in resourced-based development and conservation opportunities of their lands;
14. Participate in future northern research and long-term monitoring and analysis of environmental trends;
15. Integrate Traditional Knowledge and scientific education when providing advice to local stakeholders on resource management issues;
16. Model and promote professionalism in dealing with natural resource challenges at the community, territorial and federal level; and
17. Become a part of an alumni legacy of northern graduates who now work as natural resource professionals

The passing mark for a course will be 50%. To earn a diploma, students must maintain a cumulative average of 60% or more in the program.

Students are required to complete all 22 Core Courses in the Program. In addition, students must complete at least one elective and the required non-credit course field camps listed.  The total credits required are 69 for successful completion of this diploma.

The diploma program must be completed within five years of commencing studies.

A considerable amount of the program will be delivered in field settings. Approximately 40% of class time will be spent in the laboratory or the field for most classroom-based courses. In addition, significant practical learning experiences will be undertaken during the three remote field camps listed in the program design.

Field work can be physically strenuous. Applicants should be physically and mentally fit and prepared for the rigours of field work.

It is recognized that students entering the program may already possess certain required skills. Students may receive advanced credit for certain program courses on the basis of documented completion of equivalent learning and/or successfully passing a challenge examination.

In addition to College tuition and fees, the student will be required to purchase textbooks, classroom supplies, and personal field equipment as specified in course outlines and camp manuals.

Transfer agreements are in place with the University of Lethbridge, University of Saskatchewan, and University of Northern British Columbia. Transferable coursework are also available at other major institutions on a case-by-case basis.