Skip to main content
Home Print logo
Selkirk College

Utility

  • About Selkirk
  • Moodle
  • Quick Links
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Events

CTA

  • Apply
  • Give
  • Are You Okay?

Main navigation

  • Why Selkirk Chevron Down Created with Sketch.
    • The Selkirk Experience
    • Let's Connect
    • Our Campuses
    • Our Places
    • Our Priorities
    • Viewbook
  • Programs & Courses Chevron Down Created with Sketch.
    • Program Areas
    • Academic Upgrading & Development
    • Arts & Technology
    • Business
    • Environment & Geomatics
    • Health & Human Services
    • Hospitality & Tourism
    • Industry & Trades Training
    • University Arts & Sciences
    • Community Education & Workplace Training
    • Co-op Education
    • Dual Credit
    • Open Studies
    • Start in Spring & Summer
    • Start in Winter
    • Explore All Programs
  • Apply & Register Chevron Down Created with Sketch.
    • Apply
    • Register
    • Important Dates
    • Student Records
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Regulations
    • Contact Us
  • Tuition & Financial Aid Chevron Down Created with Sketch.
    • Tuition & Fees
    • How to Pay
    • Financial Aid & Awards
  • Student Life & Support Chevron Down Created with Sketch.
    • Student Supports
    • Events Calendar
    • Campus Services
    • Student Life
    • Housing
    • Convocation
    • Alumni
  • International Chevron Down Created with Sketch.
    • International Students
    • Study Abroad
    • Our Team

Search

  1. Home /
  2. Programs & Courses

    /
  3. Environment & Geomatics /
  4. FAQs

Environment & Geomatics

Main navigation

  • Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology
  • Forest Technology
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Recreation, Fish & Wildlife
  • FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main similarities and differences between the three core programs in Environment & Geomatics?

The first year of each of the programs is common to all three, covering the basics in such areas as botany, geology/soils, hydrology, navigation, computers and GIS, measurements and mathematics. The second year is where the specialization begins. There is the opportunity for students to switch programs after first year if, once a student starts on one path, they decide another is really more appropriate to their needs and goals. Transfers to another program are dependent on space available, in any given year.

All three of our diploma programs have strong basis in ecology. Integrated Environmental Planning Technology (IEP) leans a little more toward environmental chemistry, planning and the restoration of damaged ecosystems. Forestry (FOR) leans toward operational and silvicultural activities (the harvesting and growing of trees). Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technology (RFW) leans toward fish, wildlife and their habitats, and how to travel and play safely and effectively in our wilder places.

Do I need to worry about a waitlist for any of the programs?

The intake of first-year students in the School of Environment & Geomatics is capped at 75 students, with the aim of having three full programs of 25 students apiece entering second year. Those students who are waitlisted would be the last to apply—the "late summer" applicants. If you apply early, you shouldn't have to worry about being waitlisted.

GIS program intake is limited by the number of workstations available for student use in the dedicated teaching lab. Early registration is encouraged for this popular program.

What is the job market like for graduates?

The number of jobs available varies from year to year, as does any job market. Employment opportunities for many of our graduates are also strongly influenced by the cyclical natural resources market.

Because there is a great deal of overlap between the core field skills of the programs, often graduates of different programs are hired to work together as a team and do the same jobs, with employers knowing that each brings a slightly different skill set to the workplace.

Can Selkirk College help me with my job search?

Yes! The School of Environment & Geomatics (SEG) runs a job board for current students that is active during the Winter Term (January through the end of April). New job postings are put up on the board several times per week, with hundreds of jobs being posted over the course of the semester. These jobs are entry level, with a strong focus on Western Canada (BC, AB, YT, and some in SK and MB), and are posted by us only on the physical job board at the college and on the college intranet, so our current students are able to get a leg up on the competition.

Co-op Education is also an excellent option. Students who enrol in this program have access to employers that the general public does not and can earn college credits, as well as a pay cheque, while they work. 

During the summer months and on occasion during the rest of the year, jobs are posted on the SEG student and alumni Facebook group. This is a private group with membership made up of current SEG students, staff and alumni only, with membership granted at the request of the student/alumni. Jobs posted on this Facebook group may be entry level (except during the Winter Term, as discussed above) or require the experience possessed by more seasoned applicants. Alumni may remain a member of this group for as long as they like. Often alumni find themselves in a position to advertise employment offers on this site themselves. It’s not only a great place to find a job, but also a great place to find an employee!

Do I really need to go out and buy *all* that gear?

Along with a registration package, incoming students will receive a list of gear that is required to enable participation in their chosen program.  Although all of this gear will be required, it is not necessary—or even advised—that an incoming student go out to purchase everything before showing up for classes! The list is given mainly to help incoming students with their budgeting process. 

Some things required for first-year courses may be purchased in advance, such as good-quality rain gear, sturdy boots and warm winter clothing. Some students find they already have many of these types of items. 

Other gear can be purchased in advance but is also available at our college bookstore, including items such as hard hats, lab coats, field books and field vests.

It is recommended that students wait until they arrive at the college before purchasing specialized instruments such as a compass or calculator. For ease of instruction, it is required that all students use the same make and model of such items, and if you arrive with the wrong type, you may find yourself having to go out and purchase another.

Still other purchases may be put off until they are needed in the course of instruction—things like snowshoes, chest waders and camping gear. If you decide to wait to purchase these items, please talk to your instructor to see when they will be required.

It is often possible to purchase used field gear from past students through flyers posted at the college. Please be aware that such purchases should be inspected carefully before the transaction is completed—buyer, beware!  If you’re not sure how to determine if a piece of gear will suit your needs, ask an instructor or a second-year student. They’ll be glad to help you make sure you get what you need.

Do I need to buy all the books listed for my courses at the bookstore?

We try to minimize the number of textbooks that students are required to purchase through a combination of methods, such as the use of reference books owned by the college, which are signed out to students via the SEG Equipment Room, the use of free online resources and the production of inexpensive lab manuals and course note packs. 

Lab manuals and course note packs are available at the bookstore, and you are sure to need these in the course for which they were produced. It’s safe to beat the beginning of semester rush, and buy these in the days before classes start, if you are able.

Textbooks may be required or optional purchases, as they can be quite expensive items. It may be best to wait and talk to your instructor to see if and how they are to be used. It may be possible to share a copy between a few students, or to purchase used copies via the bookstore. 

If you decide to purchase books privately from past students, please make sure the edition you are purchasing is the one currently being used in classes, and that it contains all required parts (e.g., CDs or separate appendices).

SVG
Land Acknowledgement icon
Selkirk College acknowledges the traditional territories of the Sinixt (Lakes), the Syilx (Okanagan), the Ktunaxa and the Secwépemc (Shuswap) Peoples.
selkirk College

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

Footer menu

  • Quick Links
    • Careers
    • IT Service Desk
    • Programs A-Z
    • Marketing & Communications Service Desk
    • MySelkirk
    • Staff Directory
  • Student Links
    • Academic Calendar
    • Bookstore
    • Important Dates
    • Learning Commons & Library
    • Moodle
    • Webmail

301 Frank Beinder Way
Castlegar BC V1N 4L3
Canada

(250) 365-7292
1 888 953-1133
(250) 365-6568
Contact by email

© SELKIRK COLLEGE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Legal

  • Policies
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Why Selkirk
    • The Selkirk Experience
    • Let's Connect
      • Find Out More
    • Our Campuses
      • Castlegar Campus
      • Grand Forks Campus
      • Kaslo Learning Centre
      • Nakusp Learning Centre
      • Silver King Campus
      • Tenth Street Campus
      • Trail Campus
      • Victoria Street Campus
    • Our Places
      • Mir Centre for Peace
        • Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping
          • UCP Database
        • History
          • Donors
          • Remembering Dr. Myler Wilkinson
        • Resources
        • Student Awards
        • Statements
        • Our Team
      • The Gathering Place
      • Selkirk Technology Access Centre
        • Research & Development
        • SMARTS Program
        • Interactive Visits
      • Shambhala Music & Performance Hall
      • Tenth Street Indigenous Gathering Space
      • Skattebo Education Forest
        • Education & Research
        • History
        • Recreation & Operations
        • Woodlot 400
        • FAQs
        • Directions & Contact Us
      • Applied Research & Innovation Centre
        • Research & Development
        • Interactive Visits
      • Scholar's Dining Room
      • Hair Salon
    • Our Priorities
    • Viewbook
  • Programs & Courses
    • Program Areas
    • Academic Upgrading & Development
      • Academic Upgrading
        • BC Adult Graduation Diploma
        • Pathways to High-Demand Careers
        • College Success
        • Our Team
      • Steps to Opportunities, Academics and Readiness (SOAR)
        • Our Team
      • Commercial Kitchen Assistant
    • Arts & Technology
      • Blacksmithing & Metal Art
        • Portfolio Guidelines
        • Faculty
        • Photo Gallery
      • Ceramics
        • Portfolio Guidelines
        • Photo Gallery
        • Faculty
      • Contemporary Music & Technology
        • Performance Major
        • Production Major
        • Composition Major
        • Songwriting Major
        • General Music Major
        • Advanced Diploma
        • Auditions
        • Berklee College of Music Academic Partnership
        • FAQs
        • Facilities
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
        • Photo Gallery
      • Digital Arts
        • Portfolio Guidelines
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
        • Photo Gallery
      • Digital Fabrication & Design
        • Student Expectations
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
        • Photo Gallery
      • Full-Stack Web Development
      • Textile Arts
        • Portfolio Guidelines
        • Photo Gallery
      • Web Development
    • Business
      • Business Administration
        • Business Administration - Advanced Diploma
        • Business Administration Accounting Finance - Diploma
        • Business Administration Professional Management - Diploma
        • Dual Credit Course - Intro to Business
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
      • Office Administration & Technology
        • Bookkeeping Advanced Certificate
        • Bookkeeping Certificate
        • Bookkeeping Skills Associate Certificate
        • Office Assistant Certificate
        • Word Processing Skills Associate Certificate
        • FAQs
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Accounting – Postgraduate Diploma
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Business Management – Postgraduate Diploma
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Career Launch
      • Hire a Student
      • Dean's Honour Roll & Dean's List
    • Environment & Geomatics
      • Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology
        • Important Dates
        • Careers
        • Faculty
      • Forest Technology
        • Important Dates
        • Careers
        • Faculty
      • Geographic Information Systems
        • Geographic Information Systems – Advanced Diploma
        • Geographic Information Systems - Bachelor's Degree
        • Geomatics in the Workplace - Advanced Certificate
        • Faculty
      • Recreation, Fish & Wildlife
        • Important Dates
        • Careers
        • Faculty
      • FAQs
    • Health & Human Services
      • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
        • Application Information
        • Additional Information
        • Nursing Student Life
        • Important Dates
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Community Support Worker Associate Certificate
        • Faculty
      • Early Childhood Care & Education
        • Application Information
        • Early Childhood Care and Education – Inclusive Practice Advanced Certificate
        • Early Childhood Care and Education – Infant/Toddler Advanced Certificate
        • Teaching, Learning & Assessment Approach
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Important Dates
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Early Learning & Childcare - Diploma
      • Education Assistant & Community Support Worker
        • Application Information
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Gerontological Nursing - Postgraduate Diploma
        • Application Information
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Health Care Assistant - Certificate
        • Application Information
        • Funding Opportunities
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Health Care Assistant - Diploma
        • Application Information
      • Human Services Diploma
        • Child and Youth Care Specialty – Human Services Diploma
        • Early Childhood Care and Education (Inclusive Practice) - Human Services Diploma
        • Early Childhood Care & Education (Infant and Toddler) – Human Services Diploma
        • Social Service Worker - Human Services Diploma
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
      • Mental Health & Addictions
        • Application Information
        • Faculty
      • Mental Health and Substance Use - Certificate
        • Application Information
        • Faculty
      • Nursing Unit Clerk
        • Application Information
        • Additional Information
        • Important Dates
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Pharmacy Technician
        • Application Information
        • Important Dates
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Practical Nursing
        • Application Information
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
      • Social Service Worker Certificate
        • Application Information
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • FAQs
        • Faculty
    • Hospitality & Tourism
      • Culinary Management
      • Postgraduate Diploma - Culinary Management
      • Postgraduate Diploma - Hospitality Management
        • Faculty
      • Professional Cook Program
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Resort & Hotel Management
        • Transferability
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
      • Ski Resort Operations & Management
        • Transferability
        • Tales of SROAM Success
        • Photo Gallery
        • Faculty
      • Ski Industry Courses
    • Industry & Trades Training
      • Carpentry Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Carpentry - Apprenticeship Level 1 to 4
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Electrical Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Electrical - Apprenticeship Levels 1 to 4
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Fine Woodworking
        • Important Dates
        • Featured Works
        • Faculty
      • Hairstylist Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Hairstylist - Apprenticeship Level 2
      • Heavy Mechanical Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Metal Fabricator Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Millwright/ Machinist Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Multi-Process Alloy Welding
      • Plant Operator
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Welding Foundation
        • Important Dates
        • Faculty
      • Welding - Apprenticeship Level 1 to 3
        • Important Dates
        • Welder A (Modular)
        • Welder B (Modular)
        • Welder Testing & Upgrading
        • Faculty
      • Youth Train in Trades
    • University Arts & Sciences
      • Associate of Arts Degrees
        • Creative Writing – Associate of Arts Degree
          • Faculty
        • Elementary Education – Associate of Arts Degree
        • English – Associate of Arts Degree
          • Faculty
        • General Studies – Associate of Arts Degree
        • History – Associate of Arts Degree
          • Faculty
        • Psychology – Associate of Arts Degree
          • Faculty
        • Sociology - Associate of Arts Degree
          • Faculty
      • Associate of Science Degrees
        • Biochemistry – Associate of Science Degree
          • Faculty
        • Biology – Associate of Science Degree
          • Faculty
        • Chemistry – Associate of Science Degree
          • Faculty
        • Entry to Pharmacy – Associate of Science Degree
        • General Studies – Associate of Science Degree
      • Engineering Transfer
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Faculty
      • Liberal Arts - Diploma
        • Creative Writing – Liberal Arts Diploma
          • Faculty
        • Law and Justice Studies - Liberal Arts Diploma
          • Faculty
        • Peace and Conflict Studies - Liberal Arts Diploma
          • Faculty
      • Liberal Arts and Sciences - Diploma
      • Rural Pre-Medicine
        • Application Information
        • Transfers & Exchanges
        • Why Join RPM?
        • Faculty
      • Disciplines & Courses
      • FAQs
    • Community Education & Workplace Training
      • Register for CEWT Courses
        • Registration by Employer or Sponsor
        • Pay for Your Course
      • Financial Support
        • CACE Bursary
        • StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
      • Community Education
        • Art, Culture & Music
        • Computers & Digital Technology
        • Food & Beverage
        • Health & Wellness
        • Languages
        • Lifelong Learning in Retirement
          • Greater Trail Life-Long Learners
          • Learning in Retirement
            • LiR Eldercare Scholarship
        • Recreation & Leisure
      • Contract Training & Corporate Solutions
      • First Aid & Safety Certification
        • Canadian Red Cross First Aid
        • Firearms & Hunting
        • Workplace Safety
        • WorkSafeBC First Aid
      • Workplace Training & Micro-Credentials
        • Business & Finance
        • Leadership
          • Applied Leadership Series
        • Technology & Innovation
        • Tourism
          • Ski Industry Courses
        • Trades
          • Core Skills For Refrigeration Occupations
        • Transportation
      • Online Learning
      • Contact Us
    • Co-op Education
      • Students
        • Enrol in Co-op
      • Hire a Co-op Student
      • Contact Us
    • Dual Credit
    • Open Studies
      • Courses
    • Start in Spring & Summer
    • Start in Winter
    • Explore All Programs
  • Apply & Register
    • Apply
      • Admission Requirements
      • College Readiness Tool
        • College Readiness Tool Requirements
        • Book the College Readiness Tool
        • Resources & FAQs
      • Transfer Credits
      • Submitting Your Transcripts
    • Register
      • Add/Drop Courses
      • Withdraw Dates
      • New Student Checklist
    • Important Dates
    • Student Records
      • Forms
      • Selkirk College Transcripts
        • FAQs
      • Tuition & Enrolment Certificates
        • FAQs
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Regulations
      • Academic Glossary
      • Admissions & Standards
      • Calculation of Grade Point Average
      • Grading System
    • Contact Us
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Tuition & Fees
      • FAQs
    • How to Pay
      • FAQs
    • Financial Aid & Awards
      • Student Loans & Grants
        • Full-Time Students
        • Part-Time Students
        • Out-of-Province Students
        • Youth in Care
        • Adult Upgrading Grant
        • FAQs
      • Entrance Scholarships & Scholarships
        • Entrance Scholarships
        • Scholarships
        • FAQs
      • Bursaries
        • FAQs
      • Indigenous Funding
      • Trades Funding
      • Accessibility Funding
      • External Awards
      • Student Relief Funds
      • Budgeting Resources
      • Contact Us
  • Student Life & Support
    • Student Supports
      • Accessibility Services
        • Exam Booking
        • Resources
        • FAQs
        • Our Team
      • Assessment Services
        • External Exam Services
          • Special Exam Sittings
        • Typing Tests
      • Counselling Services
        • Mental Health Resources
        • Academic Planning
        • Career Planning
        • FAQs
        • Our Team
      • Employment Services
        • Work Study
          • FAQs
      • Indigenous Services
        • Getting Started
        • Welcome
        • Resources
        • Programs & Learning
        • Our Team
      • Learning Supports
        • Academic Integrity
          • Generative AI Guidelines & Resources
          • Resources for Students
          • Resources for Employees
        • Early Alert Support System
        • Learning Resource Centre
          • Academic Reading
          • College Success
          • Memorization
          • Online Learning
          • Peer Tutoring
          • Study Hall
          • Taking Notes
          • Taking Tests
          • Time Management
          • Writing
          • Our Team
        • Writing Centre
    • Events Calendar
    • Campus Services
      • Library
        • Online Repository
      • Bookstore
      • Food Services
        • Tenth Street Bistro Menu
      • IT Services
        • Technology Needs
        • Learning Technologies
        • Security Awareness
      • Childcare Services
        • Nelson Childcare
        • Castlegar Childcare
      • Duplicating Centre
    • Student Life
      • Athletics & Recreation
        • Castlegar Gym
        • Nelson Gym
        • Lessons and Summer Camps
        • Contact Us
      • Student Clubs
      • Healthy Campus
        • Sexual Violence Prevention
          • Training
        • Food Security
        • Gender Diversity & Inclusion
        • Options for Sexual Health Clinic
        • Stress Reduction
        • Substance Use on Campus
        • Suicide Prevention
      • Student Leadership
        • Student Ambassadors
    • Housing
      • On-Campus Housing
        • Castlegar Student Housing
        • Silver King Student Housing, Nelson
        • Tenth Street Student Housing, Nelson
        • FAQs
      • Off-Campus Housing
      • Homestay
        • Become a Host Family
        • FAQs
    • Convocation
      • FAQs
    • Alumni
      • Alumni Network
        • Sign Up for the Alumni Network
      • Alumni Spotlight
      • 50 Years of Nursing
  • International
    • International Students
      • International Programs
        • PGWP-Eligible Programs
        • English Language Program
          • Explore Program
          • Short-Term Programs
      • Apply
        • Apply from Africa
        • Apply from the Greater China Region & Mongolia
        • Apply from India
        • Apply from Korea
        • Apply from Mexico
      • Tuition & Fees
      • Getting Here
      • Students with Children
      • Immigration & Permits
        • FAQs
      • Medical Information & Health Insurance
    • Study Abroad
      • Partner Institutions
      • Exchanges
      • Scholarships
      • Past Projects
    • Our Team