Fish and Wildlife Technician (Optional Co-op) Please login to Apply

The purpose of fish and wildlife management is to ensure that quality habitat exists in sufficient quantity for wild populations to flourish and, for game species, that they are managed in a sustainable manner. This requires knowledge not only about animals, but about their habitats and how people interact with them. Consequently, fish and wildlife management has evolved into a multidisciplinary science-based profession that takes our graduates in many directions, across Canada and beyond.

Program Highlights

• The theory and skills required by fish and wildlife professionals are taught through applied learning activities with a significant amount of time doing hands-on work in the lab and field.
• Third-semester students spend five weeks in field school, focusing on the topics of fisheries, wildlife, terrestrial habitats, wetlands, and freshwater ecology. These field schools introduce new skills such as: boat handling, GPS navigation, fish netting, sampling and tagging, electrofishing, habitat assessment, wetland classification, bird banding, and use of wildlife monitoring technologies. Through these activities, students will work together to collect, analyze and present the data over the remainder of the technician-level education and training.
• During field excursions you will learn about the logistics involved in the design and implementation of field projects.
• You will also spend considerable time in the outdoors learning mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and plant identification skills, tracking animals and conducting wildlife surveys.

Optional Co-op

Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. Students who are accepted will participate in a Career Preparation course, and will do their co-op between semesters 2 and 3. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:

• Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
• Explore the variety of careers available in the field
• Network for future job opportunities

The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.

Success Stories

"I have heard employers from as far away as Alberta and California praise the Fleming Fish and Wildlife program and the quality technicians it produces. The program's reputation works in favour of Fleming graduates in the employment selection process."

Chris Nadeau, Program Graduate

Why Choose Fleming

• Fleming College Fish and Wildlife Technician/Technology graduates have been the number one choice for employers in our industry for many years.
• Program graduates are eligible for advanced standing entry into many universities and can often complete a degree with two years of study.
• Fleming is one of only two colleges in the province offering a Fish and Wildlife program, and the only one located in southern Ontario.
• The comprehensive, challenging training you'll receive in this program, facilitated by faculty with experience in the field, ensures that you will obtain the well-rounded, relevant skills employers are seeking.

Common First Semester

Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.

Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.

Is this You?

You love working outdoors and have a commitment to the conservation of fish and wildlife. Experience working or volunteering in an environmental or natural resource-related organization or project is an asset. You should also possess:

• Analytical skills
• A good background in high school sciences and maths
• Willingness to move for work
• Willingness to work in challenging outdoor situations and weather conditions

Career Opportunities

Fleming College Fish and Wildlife Management Technician/ Technology graduates have been the number one choice for employers in our industry for many years.

Recent graduates have found employment with agencies of the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the private sector, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and academia. Recent government employers include the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and many Conservation Authorities. There are many private sector positions with organizations such as Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Birds Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Delta Waterfowl and Ducks Unlimited. There are also opportunities to work with private environmental consultants who provide assessments inventories and surveys of wildlife and habitat for industry and the government.

In 2017, Eco Canada published a report on careers in fish and wildlife, stating: "The current political environment is driving a positive outlook for FW careers because governments are looking to improve fisheries and wildlife management, conservation, and protection. In addition, the use of technology is reshaping the sub-sector. These, and other factors, will maintain demand for FW skills and knowledge. The FW sub-sector is expected to continue grow at a steady rate until 2024, creating a stable, vibrant, and diverse future for core FW workers."

Pathway Program

If you do not meet the admission requirements for Fish and Wildlife Technician, consider the General Arts and Science - Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option. This pathway program may provide the requirements you need for admission, while you earn credit for first semester of Fish and Wildlife Technician.

Related Programs

Once you've earned your Fish and Wildlife Technician diploma, you might want to take a third year to earn the Fish and Wildlife Technology diploma. It will open up even more careers for you upon graduation. Graduates of the Fish and Wildlife Technician program may also consider continuing their education in the Ecosystem Management Technician, Environmental Technician or another of our two-year environmental or natural resource sciences diploma programs. In just two more semesters, you can obtain an additional Technician diploma and expand your career opportunities.

Additional Costs

Plan to spend about $1,050 in the first year and $900 in the second year for books, supplies, equipment, and field camps.

Health Requirements

• Fish and Wildlife students are required to show proof of an adequate titre from rabies vaccination before they enter into semester 3 and/ or semester 5. This applies to all students including those who may transfer into or enter the program with advanced standing.
• Students will handle mammal carcasses so, for health and safety reasons, those who do not provide proof of an adequate titre will not be permitted access to the Pathology Lab nor will they be able to complete the program successfully
• Fish and Wildlife students are required to participate in field activities that include walking kilometres over rough terrain, carrying heavy gear, and operating small watercraft in all weather conditions, including: rain, deep snow and extreme temperatures.

Technology Requirements

PC / Windows

• Operating System:
  Windows 10
• Processor:
  2.2+ GHz processor hyperthreaded*, multicore
• Memory:
  8+GB minimum
• Hard Disk:
  32GB free space
• Software:
  1024x768 or higher, 24-bit color depth and with 4+GB graphics memory

Internet Connection: 10 Mbps Download and 1.0 Mbps Upload (recommended)

Tuition and Fees Detail

Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.