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Overview
Natural resources affect every aspect of our lives. Natural resources provide the raw materials for our homes and workplaces, the books and newspapers we read, our water, and more. Those who work in natural resources fill the role of attaining desired forest conditions and benefits. As professionals, natural resource personnel develop, use, and communicate their knowledge to sustain and enhance natural resources for diverse benefits in perpetuity. To fulfill this purpose, natural resources professionals need to understand the many demands on our natural resources and the potential for ecosystems to satisfy these demands now, and in the future.
The Community Forestry Certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Natural Resources prepares graduates to work in a variety of outdoor careers. The growing awareness of water quality, wetland protection, reforestation and environmentally sensitive timber harvest requires the services of technicians with a broad knowledge base. People who are trained to measure and sample the forest, its wildlife, streams and wetlands will enhance their employment opportunities. Wildlife biologists and professional foresters need personnel to efficiently produce accurate data. Park managers need knowledgeable personnel to perform maintenance duties and interpret wild land ecology for the public.
Students may enter these professional/technical programs at the beginning of any quarter.
All courses also apply to the Associate in Arts degree as elective courses and may be transferable to a four-year natural resources program.
We recommend that you complete high school science, algebra and trigonometry courses, or equivalent, before beginning these programs.
We offer the following programs:
A.A.S. in Natural Resources (Recognized by the Society of American Foresters)
A.A.S. in Natural Resources– Wildland Fire
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Park Management
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–Water Quality
A.A.S. in Natural Resources–GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Associate Pre-professional Transfer Degree in Natural Resources or
AAS-T degree in Natural ResourcesWhat’s the difference in these pathways?
Community Forestry: Protect and manage green spaces, parks, recreation areas, riparian zones, wetlands, wildlife management areas, and forest reserves in urban and suburban environments.
Forestry: Reforest areas; estimate the volume and value of standing timber; mark timber for cutting; map boundaries of proposed timber sales; interpret aerial photos; use a compass and tape; record neat, well organized field notes; inspect planting performance by contractors; collect field measurements of the species and stocking of reforested areas; and check compliance of thinning, pruning and reforestation contractors.
Water Quality: Monitor stream and lake systems for water quality and functions. Identify plants and animals, as well as wetlands delineation and mapping their location. Apply environmental regulations regarding stream and wetland protection.
Park Management: Construct and maintain trails and campgrounds. Collect fees, explain and enforce park rules. Interpret plant and animal ecology for the general public.
Natural Resources-GIS: Collect data, construct databases, and utilize databases to produce Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer-generated maps for public and private entities.
Wildland Fire: Fire prevention and education activities, wildfire suppression as crew member or leader of an aerial, engine or ground crew.
View Quarterly Schedule - please note that some of the required classes are only offered once a quarter.
Green River Community College • 12401 SE 320th Street • Auburn • Washington • 98092 • (253) 833-9111 ext. 3393