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.
Apply Now Grab and Go InformationCareer Opportunities
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Investigator/Inspector
- Fish and Wildlife Officer
- Fishery Officer
- Municipal Police Officer
- Park Patrol Officer
- Park Ranger
- Pollution Control Officer
- Resource Management Officer
- RCMP Officer
- Wildlife Investigator
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
100+ specimens
in the Hubbard Collection, one of Canada’s largest collections of full-body taxidermy mammals
4 focuses of protection:
land, water, forests and cultural resources
Transfer
into Lethbridge College’s Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science Degree
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Program Availability
View the program availability for the upcoming intakes.
Academic Centre
Admissions
This program is available for International Students.
New applicants are accepted into the Natural Resource Compliance program for the Fall (September) term only.
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.
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.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Natural Resource Compliance diploma.
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.
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.
Royal Roads University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Natural Resource Compliance diploma program are eligible for full block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice or the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University. Graduates may also receive full block transfer to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, with the completion of one additional university-level math course (calculus or linear algebra preferred) and two university-level chemistry courses on arrival.
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Delivery Formats
The Natural Resource Compliance program is delivered through an on-campus format.
Hyflex with In-Person Labs
This program is offered both online and on campus in a synchronous format (learning occurs at the same time) that allows lectures to be delivered in-person or through a hyflex approach as needed. All labs take place in-person on campus in Lethbridge.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Courses
| 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 will be expected to complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses as part of the requirements to complete the program. Courses such as bear safety, firearms safety, pleasure craft operator’s card and boat operations will occur as part of field trip season activities. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses. Prior valid training possessed by students will be considered for recognition.
Tuition and Fees
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$4,740.00
|
$1,483.00
|
$1,300.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,355.00
|
$1,723.00
|
$1,050.00
|
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$14,340.00
|
$1,483.00
|
$1,300.00
|
| Year 2
|
$15,491.00
|
$1,723.00
|
$1,050.00
|
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.
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
- field equipment vest (recommended)
- food
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- sunscreen
- safety glasses
- water bottle
- warm sleeping bag
- work gloves
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
- metric triangular scale with 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20 and 1:50 graduations
- safety glasses
- “write-in-the-rain” field notebook/surveyors book
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.
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This program belongs to the
Centre for Technology, Environment & Design
Featured Graduates
Ben Filipchuk
(On left in photograph)
“I enjoy hunting and fishing and would like to help preserve the future of these great outdoor activities. Lethbridge College came highly recommended by several natural resource officers.”
Stephanie Mueller
“This week-long field trip was a great experience and definitely worth it, but we were all very exhausted when the week was through. This photo was taken underwater!”
Scholarships
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships: