This program trains individuals to work as natural environment technicians, notably with relation to the development and rational use of resources as well as development, interpretation, information, education, protection, surveillance, restoration and conservation as it relates to the natural environment. The natural environment is here defined as including land, aquatic and wetland ecosystems within a specific territory as well as any and all resources related to water, soil, flora and fauna.
Specialization B, Wildlife Management
The work of Wildlife Management technicians relates to the operations and management of terrestrial, avian and aquatic wildlife. They are called upon to take inventory of the populations and inhabitants of different environments; help produce plans targeting wildlife conservation, development and enhancement; perform wildlife resource and habitat development activities; follow-up on resource exploitation; create projects; collaborate in research activities; manage projects and educate users of the territories.
With a view to ensuring sustainable development, integrated territorial management must take into consideration the integrity of ecosystems, of the territory, of resources and of the territory’s different users. Part of a wildlife management technician’s job therefore involves measuring the impact that the exploitation of other territory resources will have on wildlife. Since data is no longer limited to that which concerns wildlife, these technicians must also produce multi-resource development plans.
Specialization C, Heritage Management
Heritage management technicians work in the area of ecotourism and are involved in activities related to the development of natural and cultural heritage as well as the development and hosting of activities of said heritage. They also collaborate in research, planning and the conservation of the natural environement. These technicians are called upon to conduct inventories of biological, physical and socio-cultural resources; characterize sites for the purposes of promoting heritage through development interpretation activities; produce interpretation material and equipment; promote and host interpretation activities; ensure the proper functioning of material and equipment used; manage natural and culture heritage promotion projects for a given site; develop ecotourism infrastructures and ensure regulations are respected on site.
With regards to sustainable development, the job of these technicians is to promote awareness and ensure that the public understands the connection between being granted access to a given site and respecting the site’s integrity. Over and above increasing public awareness, heritage management technicians use interpretation activities to encourage individuals to personally commit to sustainable development.
Specialization D, Environment Protection
The work of environment protection technicians mainly concerns impact assessments, site characterization, waste management and decontamination as well as the implementation of measures pertaining to environment restoration, mitigation and protection. They must have a constant regard for laws and regulations related to the environment. The work of environment protection technicians involves characterizing natural or disturbed environments for diagnostic purposes; suggesting measures of intervention; applying follow-up programs; providing technical support for environment protection; communicating with various stakeholders; ensuring material is available and functional; managing environment inventory and intervention projects; responding to complaints and writing reports.
In order to analyze environmental issues with a view to ensuring sustainable development, environment protection technicians collect data and information and perform sampling activities of various types. They also act as consultants who help clients find new solutions or who develop new technologies that are in keeping with economic imperatives and regulations. Their work also involves creating sustainable development and environmental management plans. Their knowledge of related laws and regulations enables them to play a proactive role in terms of environment protection.