Fleming College

Are you an Environmental Studies, Biology or Science grad? You may be eligible for advanced standing entry to the final year (semester five) of the Ecosystem Management Technology program. In just eight month s (two semesters) you will:

• gain practical field skills and applied experience
• add a Fleming College diploma to your degree
• increase your confidence and marketability
• network with potential employers
• graduate job ready

The program begins with a field camp in a remote wilderness setting, where you will complete field research, as well as undertake team-building exercises.

Your technical skills, along with your project management and leadership skills, will grow throughout the program. You will obtain valuable work experience through the Credit for Product student placement program, and you will also have the option to obtain certifications recognized and valued by employers.

Students in the program host an annual EcoHealth conference in the spring, inviting area residents, community groups and local businesses to attend, participate and learn. 

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. You’ll work with community and resource agencies that are dedicated to long term ecosystem health and sustainability. 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 and Forestry, local schools, community groups, and many more.

As an Ecosystem Management Technologist, you’ll qualify for work in:

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

Plan to spend an additional $475 for books, supplies, and field camp.

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 (Advanced Standing) must meet the following requirements:

• B.Sc. (emphasis Biology) or B. Environmental Science/Geography, or an Ontario College Diploma in Environmental or Natural Sciences or equivalent

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