Be ready for fieldwork with a view.
Your path to a career in resource management begins with this intensive two-year diploma, focusing primarily on biology. You’ll learn essential skills, including telemetry, GIS mapping and environmental monitoring, and make connections with a wide range of potential employers.
Dual Diploma Option
Students pursuing Environmental Assessment and Restoration or Renewable Resource Management diplomas share a common first year of courses. The common first year enables Renewable Resource Management students to take two extra semesters (one additional year) of courses to earn a second diploma in Environmental Assessment and Restoration from the School of Environmental Sciences at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Renewable Resource Management at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
At Lethbridge Polytechnic, classroom theory comes to life through hands-on experiences, field courses and project-based learning. Renewable Resource Management students have opportunities to participate in real wildlife tracking, habitat assessments and fisheries management activities. The polytechnic is home to Canada’s only dedicated Wildlife Analytics Lab, providing wildlife cementum analysis, and one of the country’s largest collections of full-body taxidermy mammals. Students who complete this diploma program can earn a Bachelor of Ecosystem Management degree at Lethbridge Polytechnic with just two more years of study.
1st
The Renewable Resource Management program is the first step toward becoming a Registered Technologist in Biology, meeting all the criteria needed for Biological Technologist in Training
100+ specimens
in the Hubbard Collection, one of Canada’s largest collections of full-body taxidermy mammals
Transfer
into Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Ecosystem Management degree program or Environmental Assessment and Restoration
Career Opportunities
Your diploma will prepare you for work in a wide variety of environmental and natural resource management career opportunities, including as a(n):
- Biological technician
- Environmental technician
- Field research technician
- Resource management technician
Employment is found with government agencies, private environmental organizations, environmental (non-governmental) consulting firms, and natural resource industries (oil, gas, mining, and forestry).
$70,166
the average annual salary of a biological technician working in Alberta
64%
of our RRM grads had a related job less than six months after completing the program
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, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 11 Biology
- Grade 11 Chemistry
- Grade 12 Math (equivalent to Alberta’s Math 30-2 or a higher level Math)
Basic computer literacy in the use of the Internet, e-mail, 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.
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.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Renewable Resource Management diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - GeneralGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological SciencesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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 - Applied Mathematics | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied MathematicsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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 - Computer and Information Systems | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information SystemsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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 Commerce | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of CommerceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour RelationsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Griffith University, Australia | Bachelor of Environmental Science | Outgoing |
July 2021 - June 2026
Bachelor of Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma, with a cumulative GPA of 65% or higher, are eligible for transfer credit towards the completion of Griffith University's Bachelor of Environmental Science. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website for more information. |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Ecosystem Management - Bachelor of | Internal |
Ongoing
Ecosystem Management - Bachelor ofGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.0, are eligible to continue directly into the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management program. Contact Admissions (admissions@lethpolytech.ca) for more information on how to pursue this option. |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Environmental Assessment and Restoration | Internal |
Ongoing
Environmental Assessment and RestorationDual Diploma Option |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Technology | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of TechnologyGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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 - September 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental PracticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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 with 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 - September 2025
Bachelor of Science in Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management 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 Science in Environmental Practice. 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 RRU or visit their website for further information. |
| University of Alberta | Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Science - Land Reclamation | Outgoing |
September 2003 - August 2027
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Science - Land ReclamationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards the University of Alberta's Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Science - Land Reclamation. To receive the total allowable credits, applicants must present all diploma program requirements and meet the University of Alberta's entrance requirements. Students should contact Academic Advising at the University of Alberta for further information. |
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science | Outgoing |
May 2021 - February 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Renewable Resource Management Diploma, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| BIO-1167 | Botany | 3 |
| BIO-1168 | Zoology | 3 |
| BIO-1170 | Plant Systematics | 3 |
| BIO-1172 | Ecology | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| GEO-1166 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| RRM-1197 | Spatial Information Techniques | 3 |
| RRM-2252 | Water Resources | 3 |
| RRM-2253 | Soil Resources | 3 |
| STS-1155 | Descriptive Statistics | 3 |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| LAW-1150 | Introduction to Environmental Law | 3 |
| RRM-2256 | Rangeland Management 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 | |
| Term II | ||
| GEO-1165 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| RRM-2264 | Forest Management 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2291 | Wildlife Habitat Management 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2293 | Fish Habitat Management 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2299 | Fire Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
1 Indicates courses with a field study component
Special note about field studies: Students are off-campus completing field studies during most of September and April. Due to scheduling conflicts it is extremely difficult to take Year 1 and Year 2 courses simultaneously.
Students are advised to complete all Year 1 courses before proceeding to Year 2, and all Year 2 courses before enrolling in Year 3 courses (for related post-diploma certificate or degree programs).
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 are mandatory.
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 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,025.00
|
$1,983.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,499.00
|
$1,983.00
|
$950.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$16,275.00
|
$1,983.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$18,049.00
|
$1,983.00
|
$950.00
|
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.
Supplies for Field Studies
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
- field equipment vest (recommended/optional)
- 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
- “write-in-the-rain” field notebook/surveyor's book (optional)
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!
The Renewable Resource Management 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.
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.
Featured Graduates
Diandra Bruised Head
“In nature, if a species is at risk you don’t just write it off, you look to improve its habitat. The people, my people, in the Blood Nations are at risk. I’m trying to improve their habitat so they can thrive. Better the environment, better the people. There is an old saying that resonates with me, ‘When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.’ Saahkomiitapii (our earth being) and the many beautiful resources it shares with us are not a business, and we need to pay our respects.”
Randy Woroniuk
“The reason I went to Lethbridge College was because it had the best program. The college experience gave me footing, and I had a fantastic career as a natural resource officer for 32 years. Our environment is very important, and throughout my career, I always felt I was protecting our natural resources for future generations. We need people to look after it, and I was one of those people fortunate enough to have a career doing that. I talked with my sons a lot about what I learned at the college and my boys said, ‘this is the place to go!’ I encouraged them to leave home and experience the world on their own, and Lethbridge College was the perfect venue to do it because of the welcoming nature of the school and the people. I’m very proud of them.”
Erinn Shirley
“I wanted to be outside, in the mountains, hiking all day. It seemed like the kind of career where you do that and not feel like you are working. I learned so much about our natural resources and about life at Lethbridge College. It was there that I learned that I wanted to focus on wildlife biology.”