Ecosystem Management Technology

Program Highlights

Please note: the admission process for entry to this program is changing effective for the September 2012 start date. Please see more details in the Admission Process for Entry in September 2012* section of this page.

Fleming's Ecosystem Management Technology program begins with a four-day field camp in a remote wilderness setting. This experience offers both personal challenge and the opportunity to build effective working relationships with your classmates - essential preparation for the year ahead.

If you are looking for a challenge, are passionate about the environment and want to be a leader, then this program is for you.

Students participate in the unique placement program - Credit for Product - spending one day per week working with a team on a project for an external agency. Program students also host an annual EcoHealth conference every year in April. The class invites Lindsay and surrounding area residents, community groups and local businesses to attend, participate and learn. The 2011 conference theme was "Healthy Food, Healthy People, Healthy Planet." View conference details here

If you are interested in continuing your education once you complete the Ecosystem Management Technology program, the university transfer agreements in place with a number of universities are first rate.  Alternatively, if you are a university student looking for a program to complement your degree and provide you with a more applied approach to learning, then this program will meet your needs.

Why Choose Fleming

• The Ecosystem Management Technologist program is the only one of its kind at an Ontario community college.
• As a discipline, Ecosystem Management is on the leading edge of resource conservation in the 21st century - the future is now.
• The School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences at the Frost Campus encourages small class sizes and access to state-of-the-art technology.
• Dedicated, award-winning faculty provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region.
• Our transfer agreements with universities enable graduates to further their studies and obtain a degree.
• Program graduates are eligible to apply for a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at Trent or York University and complete it with an additional two years of study at these partner institutions (this would normally take seven years to complete instead of five).
• An agreement with Cape Breton University enables program graduates to obtain their Bachelor of Science (Environment) with approximately one year of study.  

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 you find 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.

Work Experience

In the fall and winter semesters, you will work in a small team for an external agency one day per week during the Credit for Product student placement program. It's a great opportunity to expand your network of employment contacts and gain valuable on-the-job experience. Our partners in this placement program include agencies like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, conservation authorities, provincial stewardship councils, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, local schools, community groups, and many more.

Examples of Credit for Product projects include analyzing data and making recommendations to Brampton’s Environmental and Planning Advisory Council:

http://www.bramptonguardian.com/news/article/1288248--1-000-dead-frogs-and-counting

Researching and reporting on new, green technologies for the Donald Eco-Innovation Centre in Haliburton Highlands:

http://www.haliburtonecho.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3463469

You may also have the opportunity to work directly with staff in the Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT), in the completion of applied research projects and related field/lab activities.

Is this You?

Success in this program and career field requires:

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

Career Opportunities

Taking your education up a notch from Ecosystem Management Technician, to an Ecosystem Management Technologist, you'll qualify for higher-level positions upon graduation in similar settings and job positions, as well as being qualified to work in:

• restoration/conservation of ecosystems
• habitat assessment
• Geographic Information Systems
• ecological research
• rural and urban planning
• environmental protection, and others

Minimum Admission Requirements for Entry to January 2012

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.

*Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

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 necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

*Admission Process for Entry in September 2012

Effective for entry to the September 2012 session, Fleming College will no longer be accepting applications for direct entry to Semester 1 of the Ecosystem Management Technology program. All applicants who have submitted applications to the Technology stream will automatically be considered for entry to the Ecosystem Management Technician stream.

Students interested in progressing to the Technology stream of the Ecosystem Management program will be considered during the final semester of Year 2 of the Technician program.  Applicants at that time will be required to submit an internal application and will need to have successfully completed all courses in semesters 1-4 with no failures.  All courses within the technician-level program will need to be completed at the end of semester 4. Should space in the Technology program be limited, offers will be based on academic grade point average within the Technician program.
 

Advanced Standing

College or university graduates may be eligible for advanced standing entry to semester five of this program. See the Ecosystem Management Technology - Advanced Standing program for details.

Additional Costs

In addition, plan to spend about $475 for books, supplies and field camps.

Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Cape Breton University
• Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
• Laurentian University
• Royal Roads University - Victoria, B.C.
• Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Trent University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• York University

For more information see the Pathways to University page.