Natural Resources Technologies in Geographic Information Systems

Summer 2018

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter on space availability

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Program Description

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions.  The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree.  Second year: Students may remain in the main program which is forestry-based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 105 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site and growth determinations.
  3. Identify species and habitat needs of common northwest freshwater fish, birds and wildlife.
  4. Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
  5. Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including through the use of geographic information systems.
  6. Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
  7. Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems.
  8. Apply field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor wildlife, birds and fish species and their habitat.
  9. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
  10. Parks maintenance and equipment.
  11. Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
  12. Understand concepts of ecology, conservation and management for fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
  13. Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
  14. Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
  15. Write technical reports and give presentations.
The number of technical level jobs has increased in some areas and remained steady in most others. Public pressure for environmental protection and management has led agencies to undertake projects in all areas of the natural resources that require qualified field technicians to complete.

Certificate - SCC

Offered at Locations:  Spokane Community College
Natural Resources Electives 13
Natural Special Project Electives 23
6

First Quarter
NATRS112Natural Resources Mathematical Applications 35
NATRS120Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources 2
7

Second Quarter
ENVS 220Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources 45
NATRS230Global Positioning Systems 3
8

Third Quarter
NATRS204Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation 5
NATRS221Applications in Geographic Information Systems 4
9
30 credits are required for the Certificate

Natural Resources Electives 
ENVS 207Wildlife Biology 5
ENVS 217Wildlife Techniques 64
ENVS 226Fisheries Techniques 74
NATRS216Forest Inventory 85

Natural Special Project Electives 
NATRS232Field Projects in Natural Resources 3
1Students may select courses from the Natural Resource Elective's group for a minimum of three credits.
2Students must be enrolled in the Natural Resources Management, Parks and Recreation option, or the Wildlife/Fisheries option program.
3This related education requirement may be met by any course or combination of courses approved by the instructional dean. NATRS 112 must be passed with a 2.0 or higher grade.
4NATRS 220 contains a prerequisite of NATRS 120 or permission of instructor. Student must be enrolled in the Natural Resource Management, Parks and Recreation option, or the Wildlife/Fisheries option program.
5Student must be enrolled in the Natural Resource Management or the Parks and Recreation option program.
6ENVS 217 contains a prerequisite of NATRS 120, 122, ENVS 207 or permission of instructor. Student must be enrolled in the Wildlife/Fisheries option program.
7ENVS 226 contains a prerequisite which requires enrollment in the Wildlife/Fisheries option program or permission of instructor.
8NATRS 216 contains a prerequisite of NATRS 215, 122 or permission of instructor and enrollment in the Natural Resource management program.

Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. the information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.