Integrated Resource Management

Program Overview

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 (fish farms) 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:

air-photo use and interpretation
applying Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to resource management situations
applying statistics to resource management problems
fish, wildlife, forestry and parks management
implementing quality control
mapping, compassing and remote sensing
operating and maintaining vehicles, boats and all-terrain vehicles
research design, analysis and technical reporting
surviving in the wilderness

You’ll graduate with hands-on experience and receive additional certificates in First Aid, ATV and snowmobile operation, etc. that make you job ready.

Get Your Feet Wet and Hands Dirty

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. 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. You’ll also participate in a unique grasslands camp in southern Saskatchewan.

Double Your Diploma

Most courses in your first year are common to both the Integrated Resource Management and Resource and Environmental Law programs. This means you can double your diploma in as little as three years. It’s a great way to increase your career options, while saving on education costs.

Diploma to Degree

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 and Salary Information

Your Career

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.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Biological Technician	Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221)	$29,200 - $74,700
Fish and Wildlife Technician	Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221)	$29,200 - $74,700
Forestry Technician	Forestry Technologists and Technicians (2223)	$22,300 - $65,900

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 70 weeks

Locations

Prince Albert

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
Minimum 65% average in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 (combined)
Minimum 60% in Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or 60% in Foundations of Math 30 or 60% in Pre-Calculus 30*
English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

Minimum combined average of 60% in Math A30 and B30

Note:

It is recommended that students entering the program have basic skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
For employment purposes, graduates may be required to obtain First Aid certification. Students will be offered the First Aid course FAID 1001 at the beginning of their program.

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

80 Arithmetic
75 Elementary Algebra
80 Reading
80 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

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.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $8,200
Year 2 - $8,100

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLTR 119

Indigenous Cultural Awareness

You will gain an understanding of the diversity and richness of First Nations and Métis cultures, histories and current issues.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ENVR 101

Environmental Science and Technology 1

You will examine the natural world scientifically in an attempt to explain how life on earth is sustained. You will review human population development with its increasing resource requirements. You will study sustainable resource management applied to urban and natural environments including associated risks of hazardous materials. You will take a global perspective using objective risk analysis and environmental ethics.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): ENVR 440
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

EQPT 401

Small Motors

You will learn how to use chainsaws in a field setting. This will include proper cutting techniques and safety procedures.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FORE 102

Introduction to Forestry

You will describe forest practices that are common in Saskatchewan. You will describe forest harvesting methods as well as harvest and transportation systems. You will be introduced to the forest regions of Canada while discussing various silviculture practices.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GPS 110

Basics of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

You will be introduced to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for resource managers. You will gain hands-on experience navigating using handheld GPS receivers. Your studies will include entering GPS data into various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) file formats. Using handheld and survey-grade receivers, you will practice advanced data collection techniques.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MAPS 101

Introduction to Mapping and Compassing

Your studies will focus on mapping systems and compassing. You will interpret maps and develop skills in ground and map measurements. You will learn the basics of internet mapping software.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MAPS 340
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

RLAW 104

Introduction to Resource Legislation

You will describe the creation and construction of legislation, the Summary Offences Procedures Act and the provincial and federal resource protection statutes and regulations. As well, you will be provided an overview of the specific legislation, regulations and policies affecting forestry and natural resources management in Saskatchewan which will help you recognize the principles and theories of resource management and law enforcement.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RSRC 101

Elements of Ecology

You will cover the spatial and temporal variation of life. You will explore the factors that influence the distribution of life and the competitive forces that restrict or enhance population growth. You will receive a summary evaluation of human's role in ecosystems.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): RSRC 340
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

RSRC 102

Landscape, Soils and Ecoregions

You will be introduced to processes and features that help shape and define the landscape of Saskatchewan. You will learn about fluvial and glacial geomorphologic processes and will be able to describe their associated landforms. This will provide you a foundation for the study of soils, parent material and corresponding vegetation. You will apply your knowledge of geology, soils and vegetation within the integrated context of ecological land classification.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TAXO 100

Plant Taxonomy and Identification

You will learn how to identify specific terrestrial and aquatic vegetation by field and site characteristics. The identification will consist of the binomial classification based upon phylogenetic and morphological characteristics. The course includes classifying rare and invasive species and understanding the significance of these species in Saskatchewan. You will be introduced to the Canadian Wetland Classification system as it pertains to identification of wetland vegetation. You will learn the significance of herbaria and conservation data centres and how to access their resources for the purpose of plant identification and species ranking.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WORK 126

Work Preparation

You will develop skills that allow you to successfully compete for jobs in the field of resources, as well as other related careers.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CAMP 102

Winter Camp

You will participate in a winter camp and apply the principles of snowmobile safety, winter emergency survival techniques and ice-rescue techniques. You will increase your competency for working under arduous conditions while exploring winter ecology in a boreal setting.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

CAMP 305

Winter Aquatic Surveys

You will participate in a winter camp and apply the principles of winter water quality and under-ice fish netting techniques. You will increase your competency for working under arduous conditions while exploring winter ecology in a boreal setting.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

CAMP 415

Natural Resources Field Technician-Forestry

You will immerse yourself in forestry management field techniques. You will work through a variety of scenarios to develop tools and techniques for managing forestry. You will develop field skills suitable for resource technicians including how to manage forestry projects.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning

COM 106

Technical Report Writing

You will be introduced to scientific research and accessing and incorporating scientific literature. These elements are combined in a research project that will provide you with the opportunity to assemble, synthesize and report your research findings in a technical report format.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FEMT 301

Botany

You will describe the processes of plant life from the cellular level, growth and reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, fluid translocation and germination. You will identify a plant's contribution to society and the ecosystem with emphasis on forestry plants. You will also identify some physical properties of wood.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): FEMT 410, FORE 342
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FIRE 101

Wildland Fire Fundamentals

You will apply wildland fire management fundamentals including fire detection, assessment and reporting, fire safety and organization, fire weather, fire behaviour as well as response planning systems. You will participate in field exercises in fire pump set-up, hose handling, sprinkler system set-up, two-way radio communication and the use of hand tools and fire foam. A simulation exercise in basic fire tactics is integral to the course.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

FISH 301

Aquatic Ecology

You will learn about freshwater aquatic ecology. You will safely sample and interpret water quality of nearby waterbodies. You will become familiar with fish anatomy and learn how to identify fish species and aquatic invertebrates inhabiting Saskatchewan waters.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CAMP 305(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

FORE 400

Advanced Forestry

You will describe the need for forest measurements and understand the tools commonly employed in forest measurements. Forest sampling techniques will be used to obtain wood volumes for trees, wood piles, unit areas, and the stand level.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GIS 101

Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 1

You will achieve a basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts and principles. You will learn how to display spatial data, work with tables and create a map layout using GIS software.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): GIS 350, GIS 440
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SFTY 106

Wilderness Survival

You will learn the basic survival techniques involving clothing, shelter building, fire, signaling and collecting food and water. You will also learn how to deal with wildlife during dangerous encounters.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

STAT 122

Introductory Statistics

You will be introduced to statistics for the purpose of summarizing and communicating scientific information. Your studies will include distributions of data summarized by central tendencies and patterns of dispersion. Data sets will be examined and students will prepare point estimates, confidence intervals and graphical representations of data (e.g. histograms).
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WILD 101

Ecology, Biology and Management of Saskatchewan Wildlife

You will examine how wildlife populations relate to their environments. You will learn the life history and biology of Saskatchewan wildlife. Students will examine at-risk species in Saskatchewan and review environmental laws governing at-risk species. You will learn wildlife management challenges, strategies and goals for Saskatchewan wildlife populations.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

WILD 301

Wildlife Anatomy and Systematics

You will compare the internal and external anatomical features of amphibians, birds and mammals as well as describe necropsy procedures. You will learn how to identify the members of these vertebrate classes that occur in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

WORK 403

Work Experience

You will participate in and report on a six-week work experience. You will apply and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field of natural resource management.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 180.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience -Individual

Semester 4

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CAMP 412

Aquatic Field Surveys

Your training will include an engagement in aquatic resource management field techniques. You will work directly with a variety of aquatic organisms, learn and complete survey protocols, and collect field data that will be used in your second year courses. You will learn and practice the ethical treatment and proper handling of fish.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

CAMP 416

Natural Resources Field Technician-Wildlife

You will immerse yourself in wildlife management field techniques. You will work through a variety of scenarios to develop tools and techniques for dealing with wildlife. You will develop field skills suitable for resource technicians including how to manage public relations when working with problem wildlife.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning

FISH 402

Aquatic Surveys

You will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to survey and summarize the physical, chemical and biological components of lakes and streams.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): CAMP 412(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FISH 403

Advanced Aquatic Surveys

You will be introduced to advanced topics in aquatic habitat sampling and interpretation. You will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for biomonitoring sampling, electrofishing, and fish population surveys. You will also be introduced to fish stress and advanced fish handling procedures such as tagging and surgery.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FORE 200

Forest Health

You will study forest health concerns in Saskatchewan. These studies will include common forest pests and diseases and the role of fire in forest ecology. You will examine the effects of climate, fire, and pollution on forest health.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FORE 405

Forest Access Techniques

You will apply the principles and techniques required for planning, constructing, managing and retiring forest access. You will prepare a plan for an all-weather forest access road as well as discuss skidding, yarding systems and harvest distribution.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): FORE 470
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

STAT 403

Statistics and Statistical Software for Resource Managers

Building predictive models from empirical data lies at the heart of resource management procedures. You will apply statistics to compare samples and make management decisions based on comprehensive data analysis. You will use statistical software to predict outcomes and compare samples. You will prepare data analyses to help you make resource management decisions.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): STAT 122
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WILD 404

Wildlife Management Field Techniques

You will learn fundamental field skills in wildlife damage prevention, data and sample collection, and age/sex determination. You will also learn how to ethically capture and handle wildlife.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): CAMP 416(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WILD 409

Wildlife Habitat Assessment

You will study techniques to assess habitat quality to determine its capability for supporting wildlife. You will learn the fundamentals of and current guidelines for the protection of wildlife and their habitats within a variety of human resource developments.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Semester 5

Code

Name/Description

Credits

ENVR 401

Environmental Science and Technology 2

You will study pollution prevention and mitigation technology. You will also develop environmental management strategies for agriculture, oilfield, mining and pulp and paper operations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): ENVR 441
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FISH 404

Fisheries Management

You will be introduced to legislation and fisheries management principles as they apply to protecting fish habitat and fisheries resource utilization. You will become familiar with fish parasites and disease, the steps involved in conducting fish kill investigations, aquatic invasive species, and enforcement.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): FISH 446
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

FISH 405

Current Topics in Fisheries

You will study biological components of fisheries management and critique current issues in fish and fish habitat management.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

HORT 400

Urban Forestry

You will be introduced to horticultural practices with practical application to pruning landscape trees and shrubs within an urban environment. You will study exotic plant species and their identification, establishment and maintenance. Your background in landscaping and plants will aid in an assessment of a site visit for the purpose of recommending horticultural practices. You will be provided with an insight to a variety of urban forestry equipment and their relative costs and safe use.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PARK 400

Park Programs

Your studies will focus on the principles and application of environmental interpretation and visitor service programs. You will also learn about procedures for trail development, managing visitors and conflict. The course includes an introduction to emergency troubleshooting, fire hazard and risk management.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PROJ 401

Applied Research in Resource Management

You will conduct a research project. You will integrate the skills, training and knowledge you acquired throughout the program to design, conduct, analyze and present the results of a resource management project.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RLAW 105

Indigenous Resource Rights

You will describe the treaties, Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, Constitution Act 1982 and case law with respect to the special rights of Indigenous people to the resources.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SYST 401

Remote Sensing 1

You will be introduced to satellite imagery. Your studies will include remote interpretation techniques for natural resource management applications.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): SYST 340
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WILD 405

Wildlife Population Assessment and Regulation

You will assess wildlife populations using a variety of survey techniques that wildlife managers use to quantify the size, distribution and density of wildlife populations. You will also examine the tools managers use to regulate the sustainable harvest of wildlife and simulate the responses of wildlife populations to human manipulations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WILD 406

Assessment of Wildlife Physiological Condition

You will use physiological parameters to assess the health and reproductive status of wildlife populations. You will examine the principles of wildlife nutrition and learn methods to assess the reproductive and nutritional status of wildlife.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

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:

may enrol in the University of Regina portion first and then transfer to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, or enrol in this program first and then transfer to the University of Regina
must register with both Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina at the onset of your program (to ensure minimal delay when transferring between the two institutions)

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.

Student Awards

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. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA), second year of a three year accreditation; Association of Saskatchewan Professional Forester (ASFP); Canadian Institute of Forestry

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.