This two-year program offers you work-integrated training in applied environmental sciences that will prepare you for careers in land reclamation, environmental stewardship and rural planning emphasizing environmentally sustainable land management practices.
In-field study and future-focused curriculum help you acquire the skills needed to manage soil, plant and water resources in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Students in this program have the option of choosing to major in two areas of specialization: Land Reclamation & Remediation and/or Environmental Stewardship & Rural Planning.
Graduates are eligible for membership in the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) where they can pursue the following professional designations: Agrology Technologist In-Training (ATT) leading to Registered Technologist in Agrology RT(Ag).
Graduates are also eligible for membership in the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists where they can pursue the following professional designations:
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a diploma in Land & Water Resources with a major in Land Reclamation & Remediation or Environmental Stewardship & Rural Planning.
Gear up for a rewarding career in the reclamation industry by helping restore land to its original state after it has been disturbed or contaminated by industry development. Increasing pressure to meet government and industry regulations has led to a spike in demand for land reclamation professionals within the oil and gas, mining and forestry sectors throughout western Canada.
Make a positive impact on the world around you with a career in environmental stewardship and rural planning, ensuring sustainability of the soil, water and wildlife resources amidst agriculture or land development activities. The rapid growth of Alberta’s towns and cities has made both environmental stewardship and rural planning extremely important in order to avoid environmental damage and reduce conflicts that arise between agricultural, industrial, and residential development. This major is certified nationally by the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians (CACPT) and is the only certified planning diploma in western Canada.
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
Alternate Admission: Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants will be asked to provide the following:
*Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*
Transfer Options: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.
For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards.
Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Land & Water Resources
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
|
|
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Program Dates
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
Class Registration
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Technology Recommendation
It is required that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.
Materials & Supplies
It is recommended that you come prepared with the following items for your field experiences:
Many courses at Olds College require instructor prepared modules as a substitute for textbooks. These modules provide you with the essential course notes and laboratory exercises. They also serve as excellent reference materials for you after you leave school. Modules typically cost between $25 - 40, depending on the size.
Information on other required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
Other Important Information
Time Requirements: An exciting component to this program is you will participate in an off campus hands-on field school experience.
Additional Skills: Basic computer skills are recommended for all and it is certainly beneficial to have some prior experience with computers before you arrive at college. A familiarity and comfort in the use of Google products, word processing, spreadsheet and e-mailing software will be a definite asset.
Student Clubs: The Land & Water Resources students have a student club which you are strongly encouraged to join. The club involves both social activities and opportunities for professional networking through their annual career day.
Opportunities: The Land & Water Resources (LWR) program includes the opportunity to take field trips and attend conferences as part of your studies. These provide real world grounding of subjects learned at the college and allow you to begin to network with industry people.
Accreditation: Every graduate of the Land & Water Resources Program is eligible for membership in the Alberta Institute of Agrology. (Agrology Technologist In-Training -ATT). An ATT must meet the educational requirements and be approved for registration by the Registration Committee. Upon completion of the In-Training Program, an ATT is eligible to become a Registered Technologist in Agrology RT(Ag). Similarly, graduates are eligible for membership in the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (Biological Technologist in Training - BTT) leading to Registered Technologist in Biology (R.T.Biol.) with several additional experience requirements that need to be met.
"My experience at Olds College was amazing. I took the Reclamation and Remediation major in the Land and Water Resources program. Now I am working with a Lands and Leasing Department and helping them with all of the environmental components associated with the job both in the field and the office. Everything I learned in school has come in handy and I am so grateful for all of the help and support I received while going to school. The Instructors were great and took the time to help me succeed."
Tara Telnes, 2020 Graduate
