Program Information

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Natural Resources Web Site

Faculty

Natural Resources
Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Green River Natural Resources degree options prepare students for
immediate employment in forestry, wildfire, water quality, park management, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as applied to natural resources, or to continue at universities with natural resources programs.

Natural Resources technicians work outdoors on private, state and federal forestlands. They gather information, direct and inspect the work of others and explain land management activities to the public. They assist professional foresters, biologists and recreation managers. They utilize current technologies including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), laser measuring instruments, and current software in various applications. Some of the technicians’ tasks include:

Forestry: Reforest areas; estimate the volume and value of standing timber; mark timber for cutting; map boundaries of proposed timber sales; interpret aerial photos; use a compass and tape; record neat, well organized field notes; inspect planting performance by contractors; collect field measurements of the species and stocking of reforested areas; and check compliance of thinning, pruning and reforestation contractors.

Water Quality: Monitor stream and lake systems for water quality and functions. Identify plants and animals, as well as wetlands delineation and mapping their location. Apply environmental regulations regarding stream and wetland protection.

Park Management: Construct and maintain trails and campgrounds. Collect fees, explain and enforce park rules. Interpret plant and animal ecology for the general public.

Natural Resources-GIS: Collect data, construct databases, and utilize databases to produce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer-generated maps for public and private entities.

Wildland Fire: Fire prevention and education activities, wildfire suppression as crew member or leader of an aerial, engine or ground crew.

Natural Resources technicians are ready for immediate employment in a variety of outdoor careers.

As a natural resources technician, you may find work as a/an:
biological technician
contract supervisor in natural resources
forest fire crew supervisor
forest inventory technician
forest engineering assistant
natural resource field crew supervisor
GIS technician
independent forest contractor
log scaler
state park ranger’s assistant
surveying technician
trail maintenance supervisor
tree planting inspector

Options: Students can apply for immediate employment by earning one or more degrees:
A.A.S. in Natural Resources
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Fire
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Park Management
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Water Quality
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Students can prepare to continue to a university to earn a Bachelor of Science degree through earning one of the AAS degrees and adding specific prerequisites in mathematics, science, and humanities required by a university, or by earning the Associate Pre-Professional degree in Natural Resources.

For specific planning, consult the Natural Resources instructors. The typical plan for the A.A.S. in Natural Resources is shown.

Note: Students may enter the Natural Resources program in any quarter, however many Natural Resources courses are only offered one time each year with a few exceptions. Correct sequencing is important! Contact the instructors.

For specific information about Natural Resources, contact:

Dick Hopkins,
Extension 4509
dhopkins@greenriver.edu

Rob Sjogren,
Extension 4582
rsjogren@greenriver.edu

www.naturalresourceseducation.com

Dick Hopkins,
Extension 4509
dhopkins@greenriver.edu

Rob Sjogren,
Extension 4582
rsjogren@greenriver.edu