Natural Resources Management

Program Overview

The Natural Resources Management program prepares you with the necessary skills and certifications to work in the natural resources field. You will learn about the theories and physical aspects of conservation practices.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

• Campus and Community Projects: You will help manage two on-campus ponds and prairies as well as work with community members and conservation agencies on natural resources projects.

• Equipment: Train on a variety equipment, including boats, UTV’s, canoes, kayaks, fire equipment, forestry equipment, and electrofishing equipment. You will spend a good portion of your time getting hands-on experience in the field.

• Internship/Employment Experience: Gain 320 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in a conservation career.

Field Trips and Activities

You will have many opportunities to experience a variety of natural resources activities throughout the year, both on and off campus. A trademark of the program is the Advanced Outdoor Recreation Techniques class in which students travel to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area or backpacking in wilderness destinations.

Certifications

You may receive the following certifications: Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators, First Aid, CPR, National Certified Interpretative Guide, Wilderness First Aid, Boater Safety, ATV Safety, Hunter/Firearm Safety, Leave No Trace Trainer, Leave No Trace Master Educator, S130/S190 Wildland Firefighter, Fish Iowa!, Electrofishing Safety, Chainsaw Safety, and various additional federal certifications.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association. Hawkeye is the only college in Iowa to be accredited through the North American Wildlife Technology Association.

This accreditation provides assurance of the context and quality of the education offered. The program is reviewed every five years to maintain accreditation status, ensure curriculum standards are met; and recognize specific knowledge, skill sets, and aptitudes.

Transfer Information

Articulation agreements allow you to transfer your Natural Resources Management coursework to the Conservation Management program at Upper Iowa University and the Forestry program at Iowa State University.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.