Saskatchewan’s natural resources are rich and varied—fisheries, forests, wildlife and park areas. Integrated resource management (IRM) takes a balanced approach to managing these resources. The focus is on sustainability and stewardship.

Integrated resource management practitioners are analytic thinkers who combine a knack for science with a love of the outdoors. It’s an excellent career choice if students want to play a role in sustainable silviculture (forestry management), fisheries (fish farms) or park management.

Integrated Resource Management is a two-year diploma program that gives students a unique perspective on balancing the environmental, economic and social factors of natural resource development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through labs, camps, field exercises and work experience. Students learn how to collect and analyze data, enforce regulations and monitor resource use. Students develop knowledge and skill in:

• Air-photo use and interpretation • Applying Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to resource management situations • Applying statistics to resource management problems • Fish, wildlife, forestry and parks management • Implementing quality control • Mapping, compassing and remote sensing • Operating and maintaining vehicles, boats and all-terrain vehicles • Research design, analysis and technical reporting • Surviving in the wilderness

Students will graduate with hands-on experience and receive additional certificates in First Aid, ATV and snowmobile operation, etc. that make them job ready. 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 hands-on skills. Students return for winter camp to learn about winter ecology and outdoor survival. Students will also participate in a unique grasslands camp in southern Saskatchewan.

Career choices for Integrated Resource Management graduates are excellent. Students could work as a fish and wildlife technician, forestry technician, plant specialist or park ranger across Western and Northern Canada. Students might work for conservation authorities, First Nation communities, forestry companies, exploration and resource companies, government agencies, municipalities, private contractors and many more.