The Natural Resources program consists of a one-year technical certificate of completion, a two-year associate of technical science degree (ATS), and an identified pathway designed for students who may want to transfer for a university degree. The technician certificate and ATS degree programs train students in the basic understanding of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, safe and accurate measurement techniques, and the social context of natural resource management. The courses emphasize field application of learned information and techniques. The programs focus on training students to work as seasonal or permanent technicians in agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department, Chelan County PUD, Nature Conservancy, and Chelan Douglas Land Trust. Job tasks with these agencies might include identifying plants or animals, testing water quality, counting and tagging animals, building trails, measuring trees, and navigating to a site using maps and global positioning. The program was developed collaboratively with local natural resource agencies and organizations.
Core program courses may have prerequisite requirements. English and mathematics courses require qualifying assessment scores or acceptable preparatory coursework in these subjects. See course descriptions for details. A "C" grade (2.0) or better is expected in the natural resource program courses to be successful in a career in natural resources. Students interested in transferring for a university degree in natural resources should work closely with the program adviser on course selection and sequencing.Career OpportunitiesFor more information about careers related to this field, go to My Next Move or the Employment Security Department Web page (scroll through the alphabetical list by occupation, or type the name of an occupation into the search filter, such as forest/conservation techs, fish and game officers, environmental techs).
Natural Resources Technician (Certificate) Students who complete the Natural Resources Certificate will be able to:
Navigate and safely function in an outdoor workplace.
Operate tools and equipment commonly used in natural resource field work.
Utilize basic math skills to make accurate quantitative observations of natural resource conditions and objectively record measurements.
Think critically and apply basic knowledge of ecology in collecting data.
Skillfully communicate in a multi-agency context, in oral and written forms with supervisor and peers.
Skillfully communicate with resource area visitors regarding basic questions relating to ecosystem components, recreational opportunities, and employer rules and regulations.
Work as an effective team member.
Demonstrate a good work ethic and take personal responsibility for education, professional development, and career advancement.
Make decisions about how to live and consume based on understanding of human effects on the ecosystems of which they are a part.
Develop a foundation to continue their studies in Natural Resources and related fields.
Natural Resources (ATS Degree) Students who complete the Natural Resources Associate Degree will be able to:
Navigate and safely function in an outdoor workplace.
Operate tools and equipment commonly used in natural resource field work.
Utilize basic math skills to make accurate quantitative observations of natural resource conditions and objectively record measurements.
Think critically and apply basic knowledge of ecology in collecting data.
Skillfully communicate in a multi-agency context, in oral and written forms with supervisor and peers.
Skillfully communicate with resource area visitors using a public service approach to clients, regarding basic questions relating to ecosystem components, recreational opportunities, and employer rules and regulations.
Work as an effective team member.
Demonstrate a good work ethic and take personal responsibility for education, professional development, and career advancement.
Use understanding of human effects on the ecosystems of which they are a part to direct, mitigate, or change human impacts on natural systems.
Acquire training and education to stay current in their field of employment and/or to engage in advanced studies.
