Fleming College

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

The third year of Ecosystem Management Technology begins with a mandatory 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.

You will participate in a variety of applied learning experiences. This includes a unique placement program - Credit for Product - in which you will spend one day per week working with a team on a project for an external agency. Students in the program also host an annual EcoHealth conference, inviting the public, local area residents, community groups and businesses to attend, participate and learn.

If you are interested in continuing your education once you complete the program, we offer a number of transfer agreements with top universities. 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.

Please note, as part of the program, you will attend the Annual National Council for Science and the Environment Conference in Washington D.C. A current passport for this activity is required.

• The Ecosystem Management Technologist program is the only Ontario college program of its kind.
• As a discipline, Ecosystem Management is on the leading edge of resource conservation in the 21st century.
• We encourage small class sizes and access to state-of-the-art technology.
• Dedicated, award-winning faculty provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment.
• Our many transfer agreements with universities enable graduates to further their studies. This includes: 
  • A Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at Trent University or York University. Successful applicants can complete their degree with an additional two years of study at either of these partner institutions, earning graduates an advanced diploma and degree in just five years.
  • An agreement with Cape Breton University, which enables program graduates to obtain their Bachelor of Science (Environment) with approximately one additional year of study.

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:

• Creating and presenting a detailed report with recommendations on how to develop and maximize recreational and educational usage for a property bequeathed to Havelock township.
  
  
• Analyzing data and making recommendations to Brampton’s Environmental and Planning Advisory Council.
  
  
• Spreading awareness about the Emerald Ash Borer in the County of Peterborough

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in this program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. Upon graduation, your transcript will indicate the IPD designation, which will be highly marketable in the employment sector.

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.

Taking your education up a notch to an Ecosystem Management Technologist, upon graduation you'll qualify for higher-level positions in similar settings and job positions, including: 

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

You can apply for entry to semester one of the Ecosystem Management Technology program and/or semester one of the Ecosystem Management Technician program. The curriculum is the same for the first two years of these programs.

To progress to semester 5 of the Ecosystem Management Technology program you must have successfully completed (and passed) all courses in semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4.

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

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

As an Ecosystem Management student you will be required to:

• Participate in field activities, sometimes in remote areas, including walking several kilometers over rough terrain, carrying heavy gear, and working in all weather conditions such as rain, deep snow and extreme temperatures.
• Participate in activities that require reading, interpreting and creating maps using Geographic Positioning Systems and Geographic Information System software, topographic paper maps and aerial photographs.
• Identify landscape features, rocks, minerals, soil layers, flora and fauna, including microscopic plankton and invertebrates for the purposes of habitat assessment. Identification of these elements of the ecosystem will be based almost exclusively on live and/or preserved specimens, objects or samples, maps and photographs etc.
• Apply verbal and non-verbal communication techniques in a team context to resolve conflicts and achieve project goals.

• Use Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing technologies as a decision-making tool in ecosystem-based management planning and decision-making.
• Apply project management skills (work flowcharts, project planning, etc.) to complete projects for internal and external clients.
• Apply the principles of sustainability (social, environmental, cultural and economic) to decision-making at a variety of levels (local, regional, global).
• Analyze the role of government policies (both market-driven and legislated) that encourage accountability and influence human behaviour towards biodiversity conservation and ecosystem sustainability in wilderness, rural and colonized landscapes.
• Respect individuals and their multiple perspectives in the successful completion of team-based projects and activities.
• Apply effective leadership skills ...
• Apply effective communication skills (written, spoken and through digital media and social networks) to engage the public in activities that generate awareness of current issues in ecosystem management and environmental sustainability.
• Develop event-planning, fundraising, media and advocacy skills required to work effectively both with and for non-government agencies and the non-profit sector.
• Work effectively with a wide variety of sampling tools, protocols and technologies to accurately collect, organize, analyze, interpret and communicate ecological and spatially geo-referenced data to external clients and the general public.
• Respect a variety of worldviews and perspectives on ecology, sustainability, and the role that humans play within ecosystems at the local, regional, and global level.
• Prepare comprehensive external reports, maps, and field records, documenting information accurately and in a timely manner, in compliance with industry and government regulations, established policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment appropriately, in compliance with industry safety and operating standards, ensuring optimum health and safety of self, team members and the environment.

Students applying to Ecosystem Management Technology must meet the following requirements:

• OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 12 C Math

Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.