What to expect from a career in Fish Conservation and Wildlife Management
The conservation of fish and wildlife is an increasingly vital issue, which makes fish and wildlife programs at Ontario colleges a smart choice. In these programs, you’ll learn about the impacts on the natural habitats of fish and wildlife, the current measures being taken to protect them and the future improvements that need to be developed to continue to preserve and protect a number of fish and wild life species and their habitats.
If you’re interested in working outdoors and want to study, learn to manage, and ultimately protect the future of fish and wildlife populations, here’s what you need to know.
Fish and Wildlife Courses
Fish and wildlife conservation training focuses on laboratory skills, data collection and analysis, environmental monitoring and wildlife observation, and technology to prepare students for a variety of careers in the fish and wildlife industry. They also focus on social issues surrounding wildlife management and conservation, such as the impact humans are having on fish and wildlife as well as the environment.
Outside of the classroom, heavy emphasis is put on giving students hands-on experience in natural environments where they can study aquatic and land animals in their natural habitats. This is done through field trips and camping excursions, as well as work placements.
Fish and Wildlife Program Requirements
Ontario college fish and wildlife programs are typically broken into two categories: fish and wildlife technician and fish and wildlife technology. The primary difference is that the technology programs are three years in duration, where the third year is used to build on the foundations learned in technician programs and further refine skills through classroom time and field placements.
Each of these types of program requires an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Senior English and math credits are usually required.
Fish and Wildlife Jobs and Salaries
An education from Ontario college fish and wildlife programs leaves you poised for careers in a number of sectors, including government research and ministries, environmental management and wildlife rescue agencies, and private consultant groups. Possible positions include:
- Fish and Wildlife Technician / Technologist
- Conservation Officer
- Hatchery Worker
- Laboratory Technician
Salaries in the field will vary. Fish and wildlife technician graduates have an average starting salary of $33,000 per year, while technologists typically have a higher average, at around $41,000. Factors that may influence salary include company, industry, location and experience in the field.
Ontario Colleges Offering Fish and Wildlife Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of fish and wildlife programs at Ontario colleges.
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