Be ready for an in-demand career in conservation enforcement with the option to continue your education.
You’ll learn from industry experts on how to detect and investigate natural resource violations through a mixture of coursework, labs and field trips. This blend of academic and practical learning focuses on the core of conservation enforcement in four areas: land, water, forests and cultural resources.
Why should you study Natural Resource Compliance at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
In addition to learning in field-leading labs, you’ll also have access to the Hubbard Collection at Lethbridge Polytechnic, one of the largest collections of full-body taxidermy mammals in Canada. And, you’ll have several opportunities to put theory into practice with three weeks of dedicated field work per semester. After completing the Natural Resource Compliance diploma, you can jump right into a career or head straight into our Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science degree program.
100+ specimens
in the Hubbard Collection, one of Canada’s largest collections of full-body taxidermy mammals
4 focuses of protection:
land, water, forests and cultural resources
Transfer
into Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science Degree
Career Opportunities
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Investigator/Inspector
- Fish and Wildlife Officer
- Fishery Officer
- Municipal Police Officer
- Park Patrol Officer
- Park Ranger
- Pollution Control Officer
- Resource Management Officer
- RCMP Officer
- Wildlife Investigator
Employability
- Natural Resource Law Enforcement Officer positions have specific physical requirements such as vision, hearing and physical fitness. The specific requirements differ with each agency. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that they meet the requirements of the agencies with which they hope to work.
- Persons with a criminal record may have difficulty competing for jobs as Conservation Enforcement Officers in Canada.
- Employers often require that students hold a valid Standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certificate and/or a CPR Certificate to be eligible for seasonal and/or permanent employment. Students are encouraged to obtain these certificates either prior to entering the program or during the first term.
- A number of workshops and short courses sponsored by various agencies are available on evenings and weekends. Students are encouraged to attend these sessions to enhance their credentials for employment.
$75,006
the average annual salary of a conservation officer in Alberta
61
districts in Alberta where fish and wildlife officers work
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Biology 20 or equivalent
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
Note: Admission is competitive. Competitive marks will be based on the combined average grades in the above courses.
Basic computer literacy in the use of the Internet, email, word processing and fundamental processes of spreadsheets is required for the student to be successful in this program.
Students lacking these skills are strongly urged to complete a basic computer literacy course prior to entering this program.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Biology 20 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Natural Resource Compliance diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied MathematicsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological SciencesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Systems | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information SystemsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Systems. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - GeneralGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Conservation Enforcement - Bachelor of Applied Science | Internal |
Ongoing
Conservation Enforcement - Bachelor of Applied ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.0, are eligible to continue directly into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement program. Contact Admissions (admissions@lethpolytech.ca) for more information on how to pursue this option. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Technology | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of TechnologyGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma, who have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and meet all other competitive admission and selection requirements, are eligible for admission into NAIT's Bachelor of Technology. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice | Outgoing |
September 2020 - October 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental PracticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma, who have a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher and meet all other entrance criteria, are eligible for block transfer into Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science | Outgoing |
September 2020 - October 2025
Bachelor of Science in Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Natural Resource Compliance Diploma, who have a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher and meet all other entrance criteria, may be eligible for block transfer into Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Students must complete one additional university level math course (calculus or linear algebra preferred) and two university level chemistry courses on arrival. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1172 | Ecology 1 | 3 |
| CEN-2255 | Ethics and Career Development | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| GEO-1166 | Physical Geology 1 | 3 |
| LAW-1161 | Introduction to Natural Resource Law | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO-1167 | Botany 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1168 | Zoology 1 | 3 |
| COM-2263 | Interpersonal Skills in Enforcement | 3 |
| LAW-1170 | Natural Resource Legislation I | 3 |
| RRM-1197 | Spatial Information Techniques 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CEN-2259 | Operational Procedures 1 | 3 |
| LAW-2264 | Courtroom Procedures | 3 |
| LAW-2270 | Natural Resource Legislation II | 3 |
| RRM-2250 | Grassland and Forest Resources 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2299 | Fire Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CEN-2269 | Field Investigation Techniques 1 | 3 |
| ENV-2265 | Parks and Recreation Operations 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2258 | Principles of Wildlife Biology 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2259 | Principles of Fishery Science 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2298 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
1 Indicates courses with a field study component.
Special notes about field studies:
Students are off-campus completing field studies during most of September and April. In the Fall term, field studies are in September, while in the Winter term, field studies are scheduled in April. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Students may complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses to enhance their employability. Courses such as firearms safety, ATV operation, chain saw operation, loading and backing trailers and basic first aid may be offered by third-party businesses. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,022.00
|
$2,122.00
|
$1,225.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,506.00
|
$2,407.00
|
$1,175.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$17,022.00
|
$2,122.00
|
$1,225.00
|
| Year 2
|
$18,357.00
|
$2,407.00
|
$1,175.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.
Field Studies Supplies
Students on field studies are expected to provide their own equipment and supplies. This may include:
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- adequate clothing for cold/wet weather
- backpack for gear
- binoculars
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- safety glasses
- water bottle
Equipment and supplies may not be required in all courses or terms. Please consult the course outlines for specific equipment required before purchasing. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Other Required Supplies
Available from Lethbridge Polytechnic Bookstore:
- 16x hand lens
- dissection kit
- lab coat
- safety glasses
Available from sporting, hardware and office supply stores:
- 4 GB or higher USB memory stick
- 12 or more coloured pencils (pencil crayons)
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- binoculars (8x40 or 10x50 magnification)
- chest waders (rubber soled)
- clipboard
- Nexus Type 115 or Silva Ranger compass (with declination adjustment screw)
- scientific calculator ($15-$30 range)
For additional information concerning lab or field equipment, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
The Natural Resource Compliance program is delivered through an on-campus format.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Featured Graduates
Ben Filipchuk
(On left in photograph)
“I enjoy hunting and fishing and would like to help preserve the future of these great outdoor activities. Lethbridge College came highly recommended by several natural resource officers.”
Stephanie Mueller
“This week-long field trip was a great experience and definitely worth it, but we were all very exhausted when the week was through. This photo was taken underwater!”