Conservation Enforcement - Bachelor of Applied Science
BAScCEnf
Program Office: 403.382.6991 • envisci@lethbridgecollege.ca
Take your passion for protecting the land, wildlife and fisheries resources to the next level in the Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science program. This made-in-Lethbridge degree has been honed through nearly four decades of experience and builds on the Natural Resource Compliance Diploma.
Through a proven blend of classroom theory, lab exercises and outdoor field work you’ll develop the skills needed to deal with problem wildlife, investigate violations, enforce resource laws and more. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and firsthand experience in natural and physical sciences and resource law enforcement to not only conserve the planet but sustain your future.
Supplies for Field Studies
Students on field studies are expected to provide their own equipment and supplies. This may include:
- adequate clothing for cold/wet weather
- backpack for gear
- binoculars
- cooking and eating gear (may be shared)
- field equipment vest (recommended)
- food
- ground sheet and pad
- hiking boots
- sunscreen
- tent may be required (notification will be given at orientation/can be shared)
- water bottle
- warm sleeping bag
- work gloves
Equipment and supplies may not be required in all courses or terms. Please consult the course outlines for specific equipment required before purchasing. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Other Required Supplies
Available from Lethbridge College Bookstore:
- “write-in-the-rain” treated field notebook/surveyors book or field enforcement notebook
Available from sporting, hardware, and office supply stores:
- 4 GB or higher USB memory stick
- 12 or more coloured pencils (pencil crayons)
- binoculars (8 X 40 or 10 X 50 magnification)
- clipboard
For additional information concerning supplies, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
Your Investment
Program fees will vary. To view fee information for your program, go to www.lethbridgecollege.ca/programs and select your program.
Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement Degree.
New third-year applicants, or transfer applicants with advance standing through completion of a related diploma, are accepted into the program in Fall (September) of each year for on-campus study.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
Students who have completed a Natural Resource Compliance Diploma from Lethbridge College will be accepted directly into the Conservation Enforcement - Bachelor of Applied Science. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Transfer students are required to have a diploma in natural resource management or equivalent, or a related bachelor’s degree in an area such as resource management, biology, environmental studies or a similar area of study. Transfer students with related credentials will be accepted into the program after being assessed on an individual basis to determine whether they are required to take bridging courses to meet degree outcomes. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Non-Academic Requirements
- Persons with a criminal record may have difficulty competing for jobs as Conservation Enforcement Officers in Canada.
- Employers often require that students hold a valid Standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certificate and/or a CPR Certificate to be eligible for seasonal and/or permanent employment. Students are encouraged to obtain these certificates either prior to entering the program or during the first term.
- A number of workshops and short courses sponsored by various agencies are available on evenings and weekends. Students are encouraged to attend these sessions to enhance their credentials for employment.
Medical Requirements
- Natural Resource Law Enforcement Officer positions have specific physical requirements such as vision, hearing and physical fitness. The specific requirements differ with each agency. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm that they meet the requirements of the agencies with which they hope to work.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| See Natural Resource Compliance diploma. | 30 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| See Natural Resource Compliance diploma. | 30 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CEN-3354 | Administrative Procedures | 3 |
| CEN-3357 | Environmental Compliance Techniques | 3 |
| CEN-3369 | Environmental Investigations 1 | 3 |
| Select 1 of the following options: | 6 | |
| Option A - Environmental Monitoring and Compliance specialty | ||
| Environmental Water Quality 1 | ||
| Environmental Assessment and Auditing 1 | ||
| Option B - Fish, Wildlife and Parks specialty | ||
| Parks and Protected Areas 1 | ||
| Problem Wildlife Management Techniques 1 | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CEN-3374 | Environmental Law | 3 |
| CEN-3379 | Case Management | 3 |
| CEN-3390 | Issues in Resource Enforcement | 3 |
| CJP-2287 | Strategies in Crisis Situations | 3 |
| Select 1 of the following options: | 3 | |
| Option A - Environmental Monitoring and Compliance specialty | ||
| Contaminant Management | ||
| Option B - Fish, Wildlife and Parks specialty | ||
| Cultural Diversity in Conservation Enforcement | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Students are eligible to register in Directed Field Studies courses after successful completion of Year 3. Students must complete a Summer and a Fall term of Directed Field Studies earning a total of 30 learning credits through completion of the following courses: | ||
| CEN-4455 | Field Enforcement | 6 |
| CEN-4460 | Community Involvement | 3 |
| CEN-4480 | Administrative Techniques | 3 |
| CEN-4491 | Senior Enforcement Project | 6 |
| CEN-4496 | Independent Study | 6 |
| Select 1 of the following options: | 6 | |
| Option A - Environmental Monitoring and Compliance specialty | ||
| Habitat Protection | ||
| Program Management | ||
| Option B - Fish, Wildlife and Parks specialty | ||
| Hazard Assessment and Public Safety | ||
| Problem Wildlife Field Techniques | ||
| Credits | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Courses with a field study component.
Special notes about field studies:
Students are off-campus completing field studies during most of September and April. In the Fall term, field studies are in September, while in the Winter term, field studies are scheduled in April. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Students will be expected to complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses as part of the requirement to complete the program. Courses such as firearms safety, loading and backing trailers, and basic first aid will occur as part of field trip season activities.
Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses. Prior valid training possessed by students will be considered for recognition.
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Investigator/Inspector
- Fish and Wildlife Officer
- Fishery Officer
- Municipal Police Officer
- Park Patrol Officer
- Park Ranger
- Park Warden
- Pollution Control Officer
- RCMP Officer
- Resource Management Officer
- Wildlife Investigator
Employability
- Natural Resource Law Enforcement Officer positions have specific physical requirements such as vision, hearing and physical fitness. The specific requirements differ with each agency. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that they meet the requirements of the agencies with which they hope to work.
- Persons with a criminal record may have difficulty competing for jobs as Conservation Enforcement Officers in Canada.
- Employers often require that students hold a valid Standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certificate and/or a CPR Certificate to be eligible for seasonal and/ or permanent employment. Students are encouraged to obtain these certificates either prior to entering the program or during the first term.
- A number of workshops and short courses sponsored by various agencies are available on evenings and weekends. Students are encouraged to attend these sessions to enhance their credentials for employment.