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.

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.