Natural Resources

About Our Program

Green River Natural Resources degree options will prepare you for immediate employment in forestry, water quality, wildfire, and park management as applied to natural resources. You may also further your education 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), 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 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; streams and wetlands delineation; mapping locations of flora, fauna, and water features; apply environmental regulations regarding stream and wetland protection; perform stream and wetland typing
• Wildland Fire: Complete tasks specific to an engine, aerial, or ground crew member; work as a team to protect people, property, and wildlands; implement preventative and reactive fire suppression techniques; conduct prescribed burns; follow the structure of the Incident Management System (IMS)
• Park Management: Construct and maintain trails and campgrounds; perform ground maintenance tasks; register visitors and collect fees; explain and enforce park rules; interpret plant and animal ecology for the general public 

Did you know that the Green River Natural Resources A.A.S. in Forestry is accredited by the Society of American Foresters?