Overview
In the environmental sector, workers need to be able to describe what they see in ecosystems, conduct themselves safely, and employ field skills that enable them to collect data for restoration and monitoring projects.
Currently, there are few places to obtain these skills. Most training programs focus on theory, and comparatively less on practice. While theory is important, our experience is there are skills gaps in students trained to work in the environmental sector. This poses a challenge for environmental consultants who need people to conduct themselves productively and safely in outdoor environments with little supervision.
This micro-credential focuses on essential field skills for environmental professionals. We developed a network of short courses each focused on one of three non-exclusive themes: identification (i.e. the ability to correctly identify and describe what one sees in an outdoor environment), safety (i.e. the ability to conduct oneself safely in outdoor, remote, forested environments), and sampling techniques (i.e. the ability to collect data for use in environmental assessment and monitoring).
The micro-credential will consist of five courses that develop the most commonly-needed skillsets for environmental professionals. Each course will be standalone, and developed and taught by subject matter experts in the field. When the students complete all five courses, they receive the micro-credential.
Entrance Requirements
This microcredential is applicable for anyone working or studying in natural sciences, ecological restoration, forestry, resource management, arboriculture, planners, stewardship outreach, and education.
Application processing
Ongoing throughout the year.
Recommended for success
- Grade 10 mathematics or equivalent
- English proficiency
- Competency with computers and online learning
- An internet connection fast and reliable enough to participate in live seminars
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs
Apply to program
Formal application to the microcredential is not required. Upon successful completion of the courses, email the program contact with your full name, student number, and mailing address to be issued a microcredential.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| XENV 1510 | Introduction to Field Identification of Native Trees, Shrubs & Herbs | 1.5 | |
| XENV 1520 | Introduction to Field Soil Classification and Assessment | 1.0 | |
| XENV 1530 | Introduction to Field Identification of Freshwater and Anadromous Fishes | 0.5 | |
| XENV 1540 | Electrofishing Operator Certification | 1.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 4.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Digital badge information
For information on how to obtain your course and/or microcredential digital badge, please review our Frequently Asked Questions page.Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
This program is delivered in-person, online, and through field work.Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Contact Us
Giti Abouhamzeh
Program Assistant
Tel: 778-331-1392
Email: giti_abouhamzeh@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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