Natural Resource Compliance Diploma
Program Office: 403.382.6991 • envisci@lethbridgecollege.ca
Uncover a Wilderness of Opportunity
Focusing on the core of conservation enforcement – “bears and bad guys,” as one instructor explains – the Natural Resource Compliance program turns the outdoor activities you enjoy into a career you’ll love. If you’re thinking of a career in conservation enforcement, start in the Natural Resource Compliance program.
You’ll put in two fast-paced years learning about natural resources and how to detect and investigate natural resource violations through a mixture of lectures, labs and field trips. With our blend of academic and practical learning, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to begin upholding the law and protecting the resources of our beautiful landscape and wildlife.
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.
Field Studies Supplies
Students on field studies are expected to provide their own equipment and supplies. This may include:
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- adequate clothing for cold/wet weather
- backpack for gear
- binoculars
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- safety glasses
- water bottle
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:
- 16x hand lens
- dissection kit
- lab coat
- safety glasses
Available from Sporting, Hardware and Office Supply Stores:
- 4 GB or higher USB memory stick
- 12 or more coloured pencils (pencil crayons)
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- binoculars (8X40 or 10X50 magnification)
- chest waders (rubber soled)
- clipboard
- Nexus Type 115 or Silva Ranger compass (with declination adjustment screw)
- scientific calculator ($15-$30 range)
For additional information concerning lab or field equipment, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
Your Investment
Program fees will vary. To view fee information, click here 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 Natural Resource Compliance diploma.
New applicants are accepted into the Natural Resource Compliance program for the Fall (September) term only.
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
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 11 Biology
- Grade 12 Math (equivalent to Alberta’s Math 30-2 or a higher level Math)
Note: Admission is competitive. Competitive marks will be based on the average of grades in Grade 12 Math and English and Grade 11 Biology.
Basic computer literacy in the use of the Internet, e-mail, word processing and fundamental processes of spreadsheets is required for the student to be successful in this program.
Students lacking these skills are strongly urged to complete a basic computer literacy course prior to entering this program.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1172 | Ecology 1 | 3 |
| CEN-2255 | Ethics and Career Development | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| GEO-1166 | Physical Geology 1 | 3 |
| LAW-1161 | Introduction to Natural Resource Law | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO-1167 | Botany 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1168 | Zoology 1 | 3 |
| COM-2263 | Interpersonal Skills in Enforcement | 3 |
| RRM-1197 | Spatial Information Techniques 1 | 3 |
| STS-1155 | Descriptive Statistics | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CEN-2259 | Operational Procedures | 3 |
| ENV-2265 | Parks and Recreation Operations 1 | 3 |
| LAW-2264 | Courtroom Procedures | 3 |
| RRM-2250 | Grassland and Forest Resources 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2299 | Fire Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CEN-2267 | Natural Resource Legislation | 3 |
| CEN-2269 | Field Investigation Techniques 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2258 | Principles of Wildlife Biology 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2259 | Principles of Fishery Science 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2298 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Indicates 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 may complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses to enhance their employability. Courses such as firearms safety, ATV operation, chain saw operation, loading and backing trailers, and basic first aid may be offered by third-party businesses. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses.
Interested students can obtain further information on these partnerships from the School of Environmental Sciences Chair. Students who wish to continue studies at other institutions must meet the entrance requirements of that institution.
Athabasca University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Natural Resource Compliance diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards a post-diploma Bachelor of Science (General Science) at Athabasca University.
Graduates are also eligible to receive 30 credits towards a post-diploma Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics), Bachelor of Science (Computer and Information Systems), or a Bachelor of Science (Human Science) at Athabasca University. Students may receive up to 30 additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Bachelor of Science post-diploma programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information.
Lethbridge College
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma will be accepted directly into the Conservation Enforcement - Bachelor of Applied Science. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma, who have completed the required Bridging Courses, may be eligible for acceptance into the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Natural Resource Compliance diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.7, are eligible for admission into the Bachelor of Technology program at NAIT. Graduates must meet the competitive admission and selection requirements of the Bachelor of Technology at the time of application. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for fur
Royal Roads University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Natural Resource Compliance diploma, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, are eligible to receive block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice or the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University - provided all entrance criteria for admissions to Royal Roads University are met and space remains available. Graduates may also be eligible to receive block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Royal Roads University, with the completion of one additional university level math course (calculus or linear algebra preferred) and two university level chemistry courses on arrival. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information.