What skills will I learn?
Learn technical skills for entry-level internships or part-time positions in natural resources.
Develop communication skills
Develop problem-solving skills
Critical thinking strategies
Build teamwork skills
Forestry Unit:
Tree and plant identification
Forest measurements
Forest management
Fish and Wildlife Units:
Species identification Habitat requirements
Management plans
Water and Soil Unit:
Physical and chemical properties Water and soil management practices
Park Management Unit:
Recreational usage
Human interactions
Land policies

What equipment will I be trained to use?
Proper use of landscape hand tools
Proper use of chainsaws/augers/
wood chippers-splitters
Utilize Hach and La Motte water and soils kits
Operate variety of computer programs and technologies
Microscopes and dissecting scopes
GPS and compasses
Clinometers and diameter tapes
ATV/snowmobiles/boat safety training

What personal qualities and interests should I consider about myself?
Strong desire to work with your hands
Love of outdoors
Self-discipline, ability to work with-out constant supervision
Above average communication skills
Basic math and science skills
Able to function as a team member

What kind of jobs are available upon successful completion of this program?
Natural Resources Scholarship Fund
Summer employment programs
Professional mentorships
Landscaping
Tree service companies
Greenhouse operations
Forestry aide
Environmental specialist
Environmental interpreter
Guide assistant
Campground and park aides

With further education, what additional employment opportunities are available?
Wildlife manager
Fish and game law officers
Soil conservationist
Land managers
Foresters
Park rangers
Wildlife/fishery biologist
Landscape designers
Watershed managers

 

Natural Resources Management
Mike Woods, Instructor

Tech prep agreement with University of Alaska Anchorage and
University of Alaska Fairbanks

2 semesters. Fall semester: Alaska resources.
Spring semester: Management of Alaska resources.
Class is not repeatable. Grade level 11-12.

Learn about and experience the beauty and mystery of Alaska while exploring careers that manage the natural resources of our state. Through classroom and outdoor skill building activities students will examine soil and water conservation, wildlife and fisheries management, and forestry and recreation in both historical and contemporary contexts. This course examines the geography, history, political and economic forces that have shaped contemporary Alaska. Course content is organized around five themes of population, land, resources, governance and cultural landscape. The NRM program offers career pathways to Alaska resource development and conservation career fields by offering Tech Prep college credits toward degrees and opportunities for paid summer natural resource career internships.
This course is an integration of social studies and physical science with career field exploration. ASD's Alaska Studies curriculum is taught when fall and spring semesters are taken consecutively. This course includes a review of the history and the political and economic forces that determine contemporary Alaska resource development decisions and other issues confronting the state.