Wildlife Conservation Technology
Applied Sciences
Wildlife Conservation Technology combines the great outdoors with classroom learning.
Learn about plant and animal ecology, environmental chemistry, map use and analysis, canoe safety, advanced wilderness and remote first aid, and wildlife management. You will spend many hours in field camps, where you will conduct habitat and night animal surveys, tour parks and wildlife rehabilitation centres, learn about wildlife and human interaction, and much more. You will use your new skills during 160 hours of on-the-job training. You will take part in songbird banding every year, contributing to the songbird population and migration research on a regional and global scale.
You may use this program as a stepping-stone to your Bachelor in Wildlife Conservation degree from UPEI.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Diploma, Wildlife Conservation Technician
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Waiting list
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Waiting list
Other International Applicants
Waiting list
Notes:
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland College | Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management | Graduates will enter Year 3 of a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Science | Graduates receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Science degree, with three additional university level courses: chemistry, math (linear algebra or calculus), and English. |
| Royal Roads | Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice | Graduates receive up to two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice degree. |
| Saint Mary's University | Bachelor of Science | Graduates who meet SMU admission requirements and have obtained an overall average of 70% in their courses may be granted up to 45 credit hours in a 120-credit hour degree program. SMU requires that 50% of a student’s degree and 50% of a student’s major be completed at SMU. |
| University of New Brunswick - Fredericton | Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources | Graduates receive up to 63 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources. |
| University of New Brunswick - Saint John | Bachelor of Applied Management | Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree. |
| University of Prince Edward Island | Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation | Graduates receive 60 hours of credit toward a Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation degree. |
SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act...
0
BIOL-1200
A foundational course in ecology. Students study~animal behaviour, habitats and niches, life~histories, and conservation. Also, students~explore the relationships among various organisms~in ecosystems.
4.00
BIOL-1201
An examination of the parameters of population~structure, identification of mammals, birds,~amphibians and reptiles, and basic genetics. ~Also, students learn to make field~identifications, conduct animal population~surveys and assessments.
6.00
BIOL-1205
A survey course of common plants of the local~plant communities including bog, dune, forest,~roadsides and fields, ponds and saltmarshes. ~Students experience hands-on plant collection,~identification and habitat assessment instruction~in a variety of local habitats. Students prepare~archival quality plant specimens and present them~in the form of a plant collection.
4.00
BIOL-1206
Building on the skills and knowledge gained in~Plant Ecology I students learn plant adaptations,~plant families, plant anatomy, diseases and~winter identification of plants.
3.00
BIOL-1220
A fundamental study of the ecology of freshwater~rivers, streams and lakes. Subjects covered are~watersheds, streams, lakes, lake types and water~quality.
3.00
BIOL-2200
An introduction to the study of zoology and a~survey of invertebrates with a focus on field and~lab identification of invertebrates commonly~encountered by wildlife technicians. This course~includes the use and care of microscopes, and the~collection and preservation of specimens.~
3.00
BIOL-2201
A survey of vertebrates with a focus on their~importance from a management perspective.~Included in this course are specimen preparation,~preservation and vertebrate anatomy and~dissection.
3.00
CHEM-2000
Exploration of basic chemistry and chemical~processes as they apply to nutrient cycling,~soils, climate change, long range transport of~atmospheric pollutants, waste management/nutrient~enrichment, heavy metals in the environment,~toxic organic chemicals/pesticides, and water~pollution and purification. Knowledge gained~will be applied to aspects of environmental~monitoring.
3.00
COMM-1110
The vital role that communication plays in the~science field will be emphasized in this course. ~The importance of accurate recording of~laboratory and field activities as well as the~ability to communicate findings to both the~scientific and general communities will be~stressed.
3.00
COMP-1000
Students learn productivity software and explore~digital environments with practical applications~for various workplaces and educational~institutions. The main areas of focus include word~processing, spreadsheets, presentation software,~email and other electronic communication tools,~various digital environments, and~industry-specific applications.
3.00
GEOG-1000
Use and practice mapping and navigation skills in~the field. Students gather and translate data,~prepare maps, and experience how a Global~Positioning System (GPS) and Global Information~System (GIS) are applied in occupational fields.
3.00
MATH-1200
This course in mathematics for applied science~programs begins with an intensive overview of~measurement, emphasizing both metric and imperial~units, conversion of simple and derived units,~proper treatment of significant digits, and~techniques for handling measurement error. ~Following a review of algebra and Euclidean~geometry (including many scientific calculator~functions), the course will continue to apply~mathematical skills to solve systems of two and~three linear equations by means of graphic,~algebraic, and determinant methods; derive and~graph functions; and utilize factoring techniques~to solve fractional and quadratic equations. The~course will utilize trigonometric and vector~analysis to solve practical problems involving~angles in any quadrant, as well as right and~oblique triangles. Finally, the relationship~between exponents and radicals, and the~relationship between exponential and logarithmic~functions will be applied to biotic systems.
4.00
MATH-1300
Exploration of the essentials of statistical~collection, analysis, and interpretation. Topics~covered include the principles of statistical~design, frequency distributions, descriptive~statistics, measures of central tendency and~dispersion, basic probability, standard normal~distributions, linear regression and correlation,~and a variety of statistical tests for goodness~of fit, differences between means, and~identification of outliers. Emphasis will be~placed on the use of statistical software for~data analysis.
2.00
NCPR-1002
Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials~Information System (WHMIS) training and~certification.
0.00
NCPR-1100
Students will be trained and certified in safe~All-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding practices.
0.00
NCPR-1101
While dealing with the tools of the forestry~trade, particularly chainsaw safety and the~physical well being of the worker, the Lesson~Plan also covers the mental well being of the~worker by covering such areas as harassment and~employee rights.~The plan begins with intensive classroom~instruction and is followed with practical~one-on-one, hands-on instruction in the woodlot.
0.00
NCPR-1102
Students receive training in the responsibilities~of a boat operator, the importance of ensuring all~the right boating safety equipment in on board in~good working order, how to safely sharewaterways~with other vessels. Students will also learn how~to get a boat, guests and themselves prepared~before leaving the dock, how to prevent unsafe~situations once underway, and what to do in the~event of an emergency.
0.00
NCPR-1103
Students receive training and certification in~Advanced Wilderness and Remote First Aid, ideal~for those participating in wilderness or remote~activities within hours or days of advanced~medical care. This course will enable~participants to have an appreciation for the~realities of providing First Aid in a wilderness~and remote environment. Emphasis will be on~practical skills, decision making, and management~of the outdoor environment. Basic First Aid and~CPR are included.
0.00
NCPR-1104
Beginner tandem paddlers are introduced to how to~paddle with a partner in calm sheltered waters.
0.00
NCPR-1105
Students are trained and certified in firearms~safety: the evolution of firearms, major parts,~types and actions; basic firearms safety~practices; ammunition; operating firearm actions;~safe handling and carry procedures; firing~techniques and procedures; care of non-restricted~firearms; responsibilities of the firearms~owner/user; and safe storage, display,~transportation and handling of non-restricted~firearms.
0.00
NCPR-2100
Students are trained and certified in basic~forest fire suppression techniques.
0.00
NCPR-2101
Students are trained and certified in aspects of~hunting safety. This includes an online portion~and a field day.
0.00
NCPR-2102
Students are trained and certified in backpack~electrofishing. The training includes online~study and on-site practical training. Topics~include: what is electrofishing; why electrofish;~electrofishing theory; impacts of electrofishing;~electrofishing safety guidelines; field procedures~and techniques; and recommended standard operating~procedures.
0.00
NCPR-2104
Students are trained and certified in safe~trapping practices.
0.00
PRAC-2045
On-the-job training provides the student with an~opportunity to relate what they have learned in~the Wildlife Conservation Technology program to a~relevant work environment. Students assume, with~appropriate supervision, the duties and~responsibilities normally expected of an~entry-level person in a similar position. Using~their own observations and initiative, students~are expected to acquire and apply new skills as~may be expected of a new employee in their~respective workplace setting.
4.00
WCTN-1100
Students experience camp life combined with field~surveys, tours of parks and wildlife~rehabilitation centers, evening and night animal~surveys, Global Positioning Systems use, and~habitat surveys. Students learn the skills~necessary for bonding, living together, team~building, work load balancing, survival, camping~procedures, maintenance and use of camping~equipment, and wildlife/human interaction.~
2.00
WCTN-1110
Building on skills and knowledge of camp life~combined with wildlife observations, taking~particular note of seasonal differences and~evening and night animal surveys. Students learn~the skills necessary for bonding, living~together, team building, work load balancing,~survival, camping procedures, maintenance and use~of camping equipment, and wildlife/human~interaction.
2.00
WCTN-2005
An overview of the policies and legislation at~the municipal, provincial and federal levels,~governing natural resources: fish, wildlife, land~and forestry. Students examine jurisdiction,~authority, and power, the making of policies and~laws, as well as, specific pieces of legislation~in Prince Edward Island and Canada.
3.00
WCTN-2010
Students study many aspects of wildlife~management. Subject areas to be examined include~the capture and tracking of wildlife, assessment~of wildlife habitat, and the evolution of~wildlife conservation.
3.00
WCTN-2011
A comprehensive course on wildlife management~issues and practices. Subject areas include:~wildlife population survey techniques,~socioeconomic surveys, consumptive and~non-consumptive uses of wildlife, and habitat use~by wildlife. Students assess an assigned area of~habitat and create a comprehensive habitat~management plan for the area.
3.00
WCTN-2020
Students learn saltwater species identification,~harvesting methods, population assessment, and~habitat management. In addition, students collect~and preserve specimens, conduct surveys, and~determine age for various species.
3.00
WCTN-2030
A comprehensive review of the forest industry and~forest management. Subject areas examined~include: commercial forestry, forestry for~wildlife and recreational values, forest pests~and diseases, forest harvesting and regeneration,~silviculture and holistic forest use. ~Additionally, students learn about fire as a~management tool, fire ecology and forest cruising~techniques.
3.00
WCTN-2100
This course builds on skills developed during~previous field camps. Students experience camp~life combined with field surveys, Global~Positioning Systems use, telemetry,~immobilization, and habitat surveys. Students~will learn the skills necessary for bonding,~living together, team building, work load~balancing, survival, camping procedures,~maintenance and use of camping equipment, and~wildlife/human interaction.
2.00
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The Wildlife Conservation Technology program is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association. All students graduating from this program will receive North America-wide recognition as a Wildlife Technician and will receive a certificate from the accrediting body upon graduation.
Please note: some occupations in this field require a Criminal Record Check.
"The program exceeded all my expectations! What I loved the most about it was all our outdoor practices and hands-on activities such as bird banding, habitat assessments, and field trips around PEI.
During the program, I completed several certifications like Chainsaw Training, Advanced Wilderness First Aid, and Field Assistant on Aquatic Biomonitoring. These courses are important for future employment opportunities, but are also great experiences."
- Carolina, Class of 2021