Science & Technology Programs

Resource Management Officer Technology

• 2-Year Diploma Program

• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

• Apply for Admission

VIU also offers a Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection degree.

The Program

This program is designed to prepare students for careers related to the protection and management of Canada’s fisheries, wildlife, and parks resources. The program is supported by an Advisory Committee made up of management and enforcement representatives from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Provincial Ministry of Environment, BC Parks, Parks Canada, Environment Canada, and from resource user groups. Students are required to participate in a 2-week practicum at an off-campus location in the Fall semester of the second year. Students are also encouraged to seek employment with a resource management and protection agency, or in work related to natural resource enhancement or monitoring, in the summer between first and second year.

RMOT students are assisting various natural resource law enforcement agencies in monitoring illegal activities within the central Vancouver Island area. These patrols allow students first-hand experience in actual field and communication skills required to monitor and report illegal activities. All these activities are closely monitored with appropriate levels of training and coaching from both RMOT instructors and resource officers.

Note: Agencies accepting students on practica may require a criminal record check.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment as fishery officers with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as conservation officers with the Conservation Officer Service of the B.C. Ministry of Environment, or as parks officers with provincial and federal ministries. Graduates also work in habitat assessment or monitoring positions, in resource consulting firms, or in fish or wildlife technician positions.

Resource Management Officer Technology diploma program graduates interested in further studies can apply to the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection degree offered at Vancouver Island University. Please note however that students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.33 (“C+”) in the RMOT diploma program to be eligible to apply to the degree program.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
• A minimum “C” grade in either Principles of Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11, or a minimum “C+” grade in Applications of Mathematics 11, or equivalent.
• Biology 11 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
• Two letters of reference.
• Resume.
• A personal letter indicating reasons for applying.
• Interview.

Recommendations for Admission

• Completion of the B.C. Ministry of Environment’s C.O.R.E. program.
• Biology 12.
• Chemistry 11.
• Mathematics 12.
• Hands-on computer experience, including skills in MS Windows.

Notes on Admission

• Preference may be given to those candidates with prerequisites completed before the interview.
• Good health is essential, as this program includes a standard of physical fitness.
• Criminal record check may be required by agencies that employ graduates as Resource Officers.
• Consideration will be given to mature students without grade 12; however, they must complete the prerequisites or equivalents before applying.
• Prior to graduation, students are required to complete Occupational Level I First Aid, and Transportation Endorsement, in accordance with Worker’s Compensation Board requirements.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Grading Policy

Grades for individual courses are given in the manner described under the Grading Policy of this Calendar. The program has minimum standards as follows.

• A minimum “C” standing (60%) is required in all RMOT-designated courses.
• No more than 3 “C-” grades can be accumulated in non-RMOT (service) courses over the 2-year diploma program.
• Students who fail to achieve the above standard in the first year must repeat the required courses before being admitted into the second year of the program.
• All “D” and “F” grades must be upgraded before the student can proceed from first to second year, or graduate from the program.
• Students who need to upgrade a course may be allowed in the course the next time it is offered, providing there is space.
• The Practicum course (RMOT 271) will automatically be assigned an “F” if the student misses more than one session at the field station, without notifying the program Chair in advance. An “F” in this course will result in suspension from the program.
• Students who have attained less than the required “C” standing in RMOT designated courses as a result of extenuating circumstances, may be permitted to retake specific aspects of a course. In such cases, grades will only be elevated to a maximum of a “C” standing. Application of this clause is subject to review by the program Chair and affected course instructors.
• Students have a maximum of 3 years in which to complete the program. Students who do not attain satisfactory grades for all courses in the program within the consecutive 3-year period will be suspended and will not be accepted the following year. They may, however, reapply after one year.
• Students must complete all program course requirements to the above standards and have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 (“C”) in order to be eligible for graduation.

Program Outline

Updated: February 29, 2012