Overview

Assiniboine’s two-year Land and Water Management diploma program prepares graduates for careers in land reclamation, environmental stewardship and rural planning emphasizing environmentally sustainable land management practices. 

Students learn to work with landowners and other stakeholders to balance the realities of preferred land uses with conservation principles, environmental remediation and environmental monitoring.  Learning and assessing how soils and water, alongside plants and animals, impact an ecosystem and its diversity and health sets the stage for the program capstone projects.  The capstone has students working with industry partners to find solutions to specific local environmental challenges in balance with the land uses in that area. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of environmental science, including principles of ecology, geology, hydrology, and soil science. 
  • Apply advanced skills and techniques for the monitoring, assessment, and management of land and water resources, including the use of GIS and other geospatial tools. 
  • Evaluate the environmental impacts of various land use practices, and develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts and promote sustainable land management. 
  • Analyze and evaluate the regulatory and policy frameworks governing land and water management, and develop strategies to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. 
  • Design and implement environmental management plans, in collaboration with stakeholders, that promote sustainable land and water use practices. 
  • Apply techniques for land reclamation and restoration, including soil remediation, erosion control, and habitat restoration. 
  • Evaluate the economic and social implications of different land and water use practices, and develop strategies to optimize sustainable and equitable land use. 
  • Apply advanced techniques for water management, including water conservation, water quality monitoring, and water treatment. 
  • Evaluate the impact of climate change on land and water resources, and develop adaptation strategies to mitigate risks and promote resilience. 
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including landowners, policymakers, community members, and industry professionals, about land and water management issues and solutions. 
  • Apply principles of environmental ethics and sustainability to their work in land and water management 
  • Identify and address environmental risks and hazards associated with land and water management, using a proactive and preventive approach. 
  • Develop and implement effective strategies for rural planning and development, using principles of sustainability and community engagement. 
  • Identify and apply best practices for environmental stewardship, including the responsible use of natural resources and the promotion of biodiversity. 
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of different land and water management practices, using quantitative and qualitative methods, and continuously improve their skills and knowledge through ongoing professional development. 

Examples of what jobs graduates from this program can do: 

Graduates find jobs in conservation districts, non-governmental organizations, natural resource management organizations, agricultural organizations, resource extraction companies and all levels of government across the Prairies and beyond.

Success Factors

You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 

  • A career managing land and water resources, and ensuring their long-term sustainability 
  • Appreciate working outdoors in a variety of terrains and regions 
  • Learning how to incorporate sustainable land and water management practices across a variety of landscapes 
  • Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to solve problems 
  • Interpreting and applying various acts, regulations, policies, and procedures 
  • Potential to work in a variety of urban and rural communities and different ecological settings 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the need to travel for outdoor field lab activities and your work co-op placement. 

The industry often requires individuals to: 

  • Be able and willing to travel. 
  • Possess a valid driver’s licence, and access to a vehicle. 
  • Work in outdoor settings in varied terrain.  
  • Ability to quickly problem solve and deal with stakeholder conflicts and complaints in a professional manner 
  • Have physical strength and stamina as well as the mobility and motor skills to undertake the required tasks. 
  • Operate equipment as required 
     

Admissions

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • English 40G/40S or equivalent
  • Pre-calculus or Applied Mathematics 40S or equivalent

Applicants who have Mathematics 40G, Mathematics 301 or Consumer/Essential Mathematics 40S will be required to write a mathematics assessment test to assess their eligibility for admission.

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. 

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program. 

Program Considerations

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for co-op work placement.

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Compliance (conservation)
  • Land use planning
  • Water quality and quantity management
  • Environmental consulting
  • Wildlife management
  • Environmental health and safety
  • Watershed districts

Connections

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.

Tools & Supplies

Our largest lab is the great outdoors! You take full advantage of moderate spring and fall conditions to study watersheds, habitat, fisheries and wildlife. Other classes are scheduled in computer labs, chemistry labs, soils and crops labs and regular classrooms. You use GIS software, computers and environmental monitoring equipment to study air, water and land conditions.

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.

Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career. Tool and supply lists are available from the school office 30 days prior to the start date of the program.

Program Checklist and Textbooks/Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. MAC computing devices are not compatible with program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Land & Water Management (YR 1) 75 $4,480 $1,520 $530 $1,570
Land & Water Management (YR 2) 60 $3,400 $1,860 $470 $350

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Land & Water Management (YR 1) 75 $19,520 $1,520 $530 $750 $1,570
Land & Water Management (YR 2) 60 $15,270 $1,860 $470 $750 $350

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Courses

To graduate with an Environmental Technologies - Land and Water Management Specialization diploma, students must successfully complete 120 academic credits and 15 practical credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Year One Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
1st Aid - Emergency (HLTH-0030)

Basic First Aid & CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals and employees who want an overview of First Aid & CPR in the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergences for Adults, CPR and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. This course meets the minimum regulations for Workplace Health & Safety for Basic First Aid. Participants who meet the required standard receive a nationally recognized certification that is valid for three years. Textbook included in cost of tuition.

0 credit(s) No No No
Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory (AGRC-0162)

This course introduces students to key features, challenges and sustainable management of the prairie agro-ecological landscape systems. Based on various field and laboratory exercises and guided site tours, this course provides hands-on training to students by introducing them to various agricultural and environmental sites discussing origin, development and classification of soils, water resources, wetlands and river dynamics, crop agronomy and weeds identification, wild-life habitat, forestry and shelterbelts, the Dominion Land Survey (DLS), mapping and Global Positioning System (GPS), agricultural equipment and livestock production.
Based on field and laboratory exercises and tours, this course introduces students to key features of the prairie agro-ecological landscape. Various aspects are discussed including soils, water, native vegetation, the Dominion land survey, map reading, and crop and livestock production. The concepts of integrated watershed management and the use of mapping and GPS technology are introduced.

6 credit(s) No No No
Aquatic Ecosystems (ENVR-0044)

In this course, students are introduced to water resource terminology and technology. The course examines the interconnection of land and water and the interdependence of the activities upon these resources. Topics include watersheds, physical landforms, wetlands, riparian areas, water quality risks and issues, water controls and integrated planning. Students gain experience in sampling and evaluating water quality, and interpreting water analysis reports.

6 credit(s) No No No
Co-op Work Placement - LWMGT (COOP-0021)

Prerequisites: PEDV-0313 Professional Development, SCIE-0038 Plant Physiology and Taxonomy, AGRC-0291 Terrestrial Ecosystems, ENVR-OO37 Soils and Water, plus cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater.
This requires a minimum of 600 hours of full-time, paid, related work experience. The work placement is subject to prior approval of and monitoring by a faculty member. Credit is based on successful completion of the work placement plus assignments based on the student's work experience.

15 credit(s) No No No
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

0 credit(s) No No No
Communications and Technology (COMP-0571)

This course will help students communicate better in the work world.  Using technology as a communication tool, students will learn to write, present, organize and interpret data, and interact with the online world.  

6 credit(s) No No No
GIS Applications (GEOS-0022)

This course provides learners with the concepts, principles, and theories behind Geographic Information System (GIS) fundamentals and digital mapping, including GIS theory, cartography, database, and the ArcGIS suite of software applications. The goal of this course is to understand GIS as a useful and flexible tool that can be used to address and solve a wide range of everyday resource management questions and problems. Students will also learn how to design and export GIS maps, explore Web Mapping Applications and complete basic analysis. The course is composed of two components: lectures and labs. The lectures will discuss the GIS theory and concepts while labs reinforce concepts through hands-on experience in defining and analyzing real world problems using a variety of GIS analytical techniques. Topics include spatial data, digital mapping and interpretation, analysis and basic remote sensing.

6 credit(s) No No No
Natural Resources Technology (COMP-0572)

This course provides learners with the concepts, principles and theories behind a variety of technology used by resource management organizations. Students will learn the applications of field-based and mapping technology used by the industry. Both spatial and non-spatial data systems will be covered providing fundamental knowledge to enable learners to interact and provide basic services to organizations and specialists. Topics will provide theory and hands-on proficiency in GPS and surveying equipment, data collection procedures, as well as data accuracy, analysis, and processing. Learners will use software to download, manage, summarize, map and report on field-collected data.

6 credit(s) No No No
Plant Physiology and Taxonomy (SCIE-0038)

The morphological, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of vascular plants within the Aspen Parkland and Boreal Forest are the foci of this course. Emphasis is placed on using appropriate terminology to identify and classify flora within local communities. Field trips and lab work provide opportunity for students to recognise common plant families and use taxonomic keys for identification. Habitat, ethnobotany, and plant ecological relationships supplement plant identification and classification.

6 credit(s) No No No
Professional Development (PEDV-0313)

This course prepares students to perform at a high level as stakeholders in the agriculture and environmental industries. Topics include preparing for and understanding the workplace, striving for performance, interacting efficiently, and sharing the organizational vision.

6 credit(s) No No No
Soils and Water (ENVR-0037)

Prerequisites: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory, ENVR-0044 Aquatic Ecosystems
This course is designed to introduce students to the important and dynamic roles soils play within prairie ecosystems, including the hydrologic and nutrient cycles. Studies include, but not limited to, distinguishing the features of a soil profile (horizons and physical characteristics), classifying soil properties and soil formation factors, identifying soil constituents (organic matter, sand, silt, and clay), determining basic soil characteristics (texture, structure, etc.) and their relation to soil properties, and understanding soil water, its movement, storage and uptake by plants.

6 credit(s) No No No
Statistics for Life Sciences (MATH-0072)

This course provides students with an overview of graphing and sampling distributions, probability and inference, regression and correlation. It also provides an introduction to the principles of experimental design and the techniques of analysis of variance in a manner that emphasizes and illustrates the real-world aspects of statistical analysis. Students gain an understanding of estimation and hypothesis testing, design of experiments, analysis of categorical data, analysis of covariance and data management.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Terrestrial Ecosystems (AGRC-0291)

Prerequisite: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory, MATH-0106
This foundational course provides an overview of the principal factors (climate, soils, geology, plants, animals, microorganisms) and processes (fire, productivity/biomass, carbon sequestration) determining the distribution of global terrestrial ecosystems. The course focus is on applying ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of prairie landscapes agricultural, forested and urban.

6 credit(s) No No No
Year Two Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Ecology (SCIE-0039)

Prerequisites: AGRC-0291Terrestrial Ecosystems, ENVR-0044 Aquatic Ecosystems, MATH-0072 Statistics for Life Sciences
Building on the fundamental ecological principles introduced in Aquatic Ecosystems and Terrestrial Ecosystems, this course focusses on the key concepts and theories ecologists use to guide ecological inquiry and answer ecological questions. The interrelationships between organisms and their environment, and the ways that these interactions influence processes which shape populations, communities and the biosphere will be emphasized. Labs supplement lecture material through the collection, analysis and interpretation of data from ecological experiments and simulations.

6 credit(s) No No No
Environmental Capstone 1 (ENVR-0047)

Prerequisites: COMP-0571 Communications and Technology, GEOS-0022 GIS Applications
Opportunity to structure and research an environmental project is provided in this project based course. Students determine project scope, time, stakeholders, costs and risks.

6 credit(s) No No No
Environmental Capstone 2 (ENVR-0048)

Prerequisites: ENVR-0047 Environmental Capstone 1, ENVR-0042 Environmental Legislation, SCIE-0039 Ecology
Students receive direction and support to complete a capstone project that enables them to practice environmental management via integrated skills learning in previous courses. Students incorporate available concepts and tools that link environmental issues with strategies, product and service development, and public and external relations.

6 credit(s) No No No
Environmental Chemistry (ENVR-0045)

This course introduces students to the chemistry of the environment from a natural and anthropogenic perspective. The purpose is to provide students the chemical basis for understanding the environment and environmental problems. Topics of study may include, stratospheric chemistry and ozone depletion, ground-level air pollution, the natural and cultural greenhouse effect, heavy metal poisoning, acid rain and waste disposal.

6 credit(s) No No No
Environmental Legislation (ENVR-0042)

This course introduces environmental and natural resources related legal principles and legislation in Manitoba. The course will review the rationale for environmental law, major legislation, significant relevant Indigenous law, environmental assessment and hearings.

6 credit(s) No No No
Environmental Topics (ENVR-0046)

Prerequisite: ENVR-0040 Socio-Environmental Management
Students explore current issues and trends on local, regional and global scales, which are related to an array of ecological, biological, agricultural, technological, economic, social, political and other issues associated with a growing human population. The focus is on how individually and collectively we impact, positively and negatively, the quality of our environment and human living conditions. Students are challenged to use a multi-perspective approach to assess natural resource issues.

6 credit(s) No No No
Fisheries/Wildlife Management (ENVR-0039)

Prerequisite: ARC-0291 Terrestrial Ecosystems; ENVR-0044 Aquatic Ecosystems
This course introduces the principles of conservation and management of wildlife and fisheries resources. Focus is on current industry practices, procedures and problems. Topics may include fish and wildlife identification, population estimation, habitats requirements and management, methods of studying wildlife, capturing and handling of wildlife for study, telemetry, natural and artificial regulation of animal numbers, control of problem wildlife, economic value of wildlife, management for biodiversity and management for harvest.

6 credit(s) No No No
Natural Resources Field Lab (AGRC-0292)

Prerequisites: AGRC-0162 Agro-Ecology Field Laboratory; COMP-0572 Natural Resources Technology
Students learn basic field and lab measurement techniques which are commonly used in managing natural resources. Fieldwork is a major component of this course. This course provides learners with the concepts, principles and theories behind a variety of technology used by resource management organizations. Students learn the applications of field-based and mapping technology used by the industry. Both spatial and non-spatial data systems are covered providing fundamental knowledge to enable learners to interact and provide basic services to organizations and specialists. Topics provide theory and hands-on proficiency in GPS and surveying equipment, data collection procedures, as well as data accuracy, analysis, and processing. Learners use software to download, manage, summarize, map and report on field-collected data.

6 credit(s) No No No
Reclamation and Remediation (ENVR-0036)

Prerequisite: ENVR-0037 Soils and Water
Students are introduced to the principles and practices associated with contaminated soils, disturbed site mitigation and restoration ecology. Areas of study include, Manitoba’s acts and regulations governing cleanup of contaminated sites, the various physical, chemical and biological approaches to remediation of contaminated lands, the ecological relationships at various spatial scales as they apply to restoration, the restoration of various prairie ecosystems (forest, grasslands, and freshwater), and the management of invasive species.

6 credit(s) No No No
Socio-Environmental Management (ENVR-0040)

Ecological and social dynamics influencing natural resource and environmental management are studied via readings, case studies, and discussions. Students explore theories and methods used by natural resource professionals to engage stakeholders.

6 credit(s) No No No

Fast Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next program information session?

Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.