Program Description

The Environmental Conservation (ENVC) program is designed to meet the growing need for environmental and natural resource technicians within the natural resources and parkland areas. The effects from landscape uses such as forestry, agriculture, and urban development are the main focus of the Aquatic/Terrestrial emphasis. Students choosing the Marine emphasis will focus on jobs in the marine environment. Graduates may be employed by federal, state, county, and city governments, tribal nations or private businesses managing natural resources. Employment by non-governmental organizations is also on the rise. The Parks Resources Management emphasis is designed to meet the needs of students seeking employment with federal, state, county, city, or private recreational agencies. Students may need to conduct a job search beyond the local community in order to find the positions they desire. In addition, graduates may use their ATA degrees as a transfer degree to the College of Forest Resources, University of Washington; Evergreen State University; Fairhaven College (WWU); or the Department of Natural Resources, University of Idaho. Students who plan to transfer should first work with the Department Chair to develop a two-year schedule of classes.

Career Opportunities

The six-quarter Environmental Conservation program includes: (1) the study of aquatic/terrestrial ecology from pristine lakes and forest lands to highly utilized riverine systems in unmanaged and managed landscapes including a mosaic of agriculture, forests, urban areas; (2) the study of marine environments such as estuaries and coastal areas; and (3) the study of fish and wildlife ecology and management issues. Biological and ecological analysis in the field as well as in the laboratory, geographic information systems (GIS), technical writing skills and the acquisition of related occupational skills will be developed. In addition, environmental interpretation and facilities maintenance courses are offered for the Parks Resources Management emphasis. Career development courses are available in forestry techniques, salmon ecology, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Students interested in a career path in a wastewater and drinking water treatment emphasis should take ENVC 212 and 249 as electives as well as CHEM 131 and 132. Please see the Department Chair for details.

Entry into the Program

Please apply to the Admissions Office. Students are generally admitted Fall or Winter quarters. It is highly recommended that students have completed their pre-college coursework before entry. However, students with relevant work experience or equivalent coursework may be admitted at other times with the Department Chair's permission. Advanced standing may be requested.

For further information, contact the Department Chair or the Admissions Office.