Environmental Resource Management

Assiniboine’s two-year Environmental Resource 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.