From forestry to tourism, from First Nations to park users—many people enjoy Saskatchewan’s natural resources. There are laws and environmental policies in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries, forests and wildlife. Students who want to play an active role in ensuring these laws are respected will enjoy the Resource and Environmental Law program. It’s a career that demands a strong belief in what students are doing, a good understanding of human behaviour and excellent communication skills.

Resource and Environmental Law is a two-year diploma program that specializes in conservation and environmental law enforcement. Students will develop solid skills in environmental protection, enforcement and investigation. Students will learn about:

• Indigenous resource rights • Canadian criminal justice system • Control tactics • Courtroom procedures • Environmental and field investigations • Environmental legislation and compliance • Environmental sampling • Investigative techniques • Park services and enforcement • Wildlife and fisheries management

Hands-on learning is key. Students will augment classroom learning with lab exercises, simulated field investigations, outdoor camps and work experience. Students will work with trainers from different government agencies, participate in ride-alongs and more.

Field camps are a popular part of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Natural Resources programs. Saskatchewan Polytechnic has their own outdoor camp on the north side of Candle Lake. Students will spend three weeks here in the fall learning a variety of skills. Students will return for winter camp to learn about working in arduous outdoor conditions. Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s excellent camp facilities give students first-hand experience working in the outdoors, from learning how to pull boats over for compliance checks in the summer to ice rescue in the winter.

Because jobs in environmental law enforcement can be physically demanding, Saskatchewan Polytechnic puts Resource and Environmental Law students through the same fitness test as new RCMP recruits.

Resource and Environmental Law graduates can choose from a variety of career options. Work in the field as a conservation officer; environmental protection officer; park warden; or fishery, forestry or wildlife officer. Potential employers include environmental agencies, federal and provincial parks, natural resource companies, First Nation communities, even border services or law enforcement agencies.