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Saskatchewan’s natural resources are rich and varied—fisheries, forests, wildlife and park areas. Integrated resource management (IRM) takes a balanced approach to managing these resources. The focus is on sustainability and stewardship.
Integrated resource management practitioners are analytic thinkers who combine a knack for science with a love of the outdoors. It’s an excellent career choice if you want to play a role in sustainable silviculture (forestry management), fisheries, wildlife or park management.
Integrated Resource Management is a two-year diploma program that gives you a unique perspective on balancing the environmental, economic and social factors of natural resource development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through labs, camps, field exercises and work experience. You’ll learn how to collect and analyze data, enforce regulations and monitor resource use. You’ll develop knowledge and skill in:
You’ll graduate with hands-on experience from a North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA) accredited program.
Field camps are a popular part of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Natural Resources programs. We have our own outdoor camp on the north side of Candle Lake, the Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Centre. You’ll spend three weeks here in the fall learning a variety of hands-on skills. You’ll return for winter camp to learn about winter ecology and outdoor survival.
Ladder your Integrated Resource Management diploma into a degree at the University of Regina (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology), University of Saskatchewan (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management) or Lakeland College (Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management).
Career choices for Integrated Resource Management graduates are excellent. You could work as a fish and wildlife technician, forestry technician, plant specialist or park ranger across Western and Northern Canada. You might work for conservation authorities, First Nation communities, forestry companies, exploration and resource companies, government agencies, municipalities, private contractors and many more.
| Sample Job Title | NOC Classification1 | Earning Potential2 |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Technician | Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221) | $32,500 - $104,000 |
| Fish and Wildlife Technician | Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221) | $32,500 - $104,000 |
| Forestry Technician | Forestry Technologists and Technicians (2223) | $37,900 - $80,500 |
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
Note:
ACCUPLACER©
The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
2020/21 Academic Year
Year 1 - $9,480
Year 2 - $8,865
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for the Arts and Sciences courses in this program. To discuss PLAR for other courses in this program, contact us at 1-866-467-4278 and ask for the Program Head of this program.
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:
Credit toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology, University of Regina (this joint diploma/degree requires five additional semesters of university study in Biology and Environmental Studies). If you would like to complete this joint diploma/degree, you:
For more information about the joint Integrated Resource Management diploma and degree program, contact Scott Lipsit at Saskatchewan Polytechnic (telephone: 306-765-1635) or Dr. Mark Brigham at the University of Regina (telephone: 306-585-4255).
As well, graduates may be eligible to obtain 33 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Forestry or a Bachelor of Science in Forest Business Management at the University of Alberta.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.
Our program is the only one in Saskatchewan accredited by the North American Wildlife Technologist Association (NAWTA). When you graduate, you’re recognized by NAWTA as an accredited practitioner in fish and wildlife management procedures.