Natural Environment Technology

Objectifs du programme

The aim of the Natural Environment Technology program is to prepare students to practise the occupation of natural environment technician mainly in the fields of land use planning; rational natural resource use and development; and interpretation, information, education, protection, monitoring, restoration and conservation of the natural environment. In this program of study, the term “natural environment” includes terrestrial, aquatic and wetland ecosystems and the resources derived from water, air, soil, vegetation and wildlife.

The work of a natural environment technician is performed with a view to sustainable development. This is best achieved through the integrated management of an area’s diverse natural components. Such an approach takes into account the many different functions, resources and users of the area concerned, along with the criteria for sustainable development, when selecting scenarios for its development. To do this, natural environment technicians must broaden their field of investigation, work in partnership, gather a variety of data and master the techniques required to manage the area’s resources and habitats.

Specialization A: Forest Resource Management

Forest resource management technicians collaborate in forest resource development and perform various tasks relating to the management, planning, conservation, research and sustainable use of forest resources. They are called on to participate in preparing management plans and reports, coordinating and controlling silvicultural work, planning timber harvesting and transportation, planning infrastructure construction and maintenance work, carrying out forest and environmental inventories, supervising the production of plans for forest resource use, participating in forestry research, mapping forests and helping to protect forests.

Specialization B: Wildlife Management

The work of wildlife management technicians is associated with the harvesting and management of terrestrial, avian and aquatic wildlife resources. Among other things, they may be asked to monitor population and habitats in different environments, play a role in preparing plans for wildlife conservation, management and development, carry out habitat and wildlife resource management activities, monitor resource harvesting activities, design projects, take part in research, manage projects and educate users of the environment.

Specialization C: Natural Heritage Management and Interpretation

Natural heritage management and interpretation technicians work in the field of ecotourism, and perform activities involving natural and cultural heritage management and the development and presentation of heritage activities. They may also be involved in natural environmental research, management, planning and conservation work. In addition, they may carry out inventories of biological, physical and socio-cultural resources, conduct site characterizations for heritage development through management and interpretation activities, produce interpretation materials and equipment, promote and present interpretation activities, ensure that materials and equipment are functional, manage projects involving the development of a natural and cultural heritage site, develop ecotourism infrastructures and enforce current regulations at heritage sites.

Specialization D: Environmental Protection

The work of environmental protection technicians is associated with impact assessment studies, site characterization, waste management, decontamination and the implementation of measures to restore, mitigate and protect the environment. They must demonstrate a constant concern for environmental laws and regulations. Among other things, they may be asked to carry out natural or disturbed environment characterizations for diagnostic purposes, propose interventions, apply monitoring programs, provide technical support for environmental protection initiatives, communicate with various stakeholders, ensure that technical gear is available and in working order, manage inventory projects and environmental interventions, respond to complaints and write reports.

Durée de la formation

Total length of training includes general training that is common to all programs for 420 hours, general training for this program for 150 hours as well as complementary general training courses for 90 hours.

Duration of training consists of theory and lab work for courses; personal time that the student invests is excluded.