The RMOT courses at Vancouver Island University provide academic training and practical experience required for preparation for careers related to the protection and management of Canada's fisheries, wildlife, and parks resources. Past graduates have found employment as Fishery Officers, Fishery Inspectors, Compliance and Enforcement Foresters, Conservation Officers, Park Rangers, Park Wardens, Environmental Investigators, Environmental Consultants, Park interpreters, Wildlife officers, and as Technicians, among others.
VIU's RMOT program is the only Fish and Wildlife Technology program in BC that focuses on law enforcement and the legislation applicable to fish and wildlife management and conservation. Students learn to use field investigative techniques to apprehend and prosecute violators of fish, wildlife and environmental laws.
Those candidates that meet the “general admission requirements” of Vancouver Island University and meet the following:
General Admission Requirements for RMOT Diploma Program
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- A minimum “C” grade in either Principles of Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11, or a minimum “C+” grade in Applications of Mathematics 11, or equivalent.
- Biology 11 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Personal Profile.*
- 2 completed Referee forms.*
- Interview may be required.
* Personal Profile and Referee forms will be posted to the Calendar in late September.
Notes on Admission
- Good health is essential, as this program includes a standard of physical fitness.
- Criminal record check may be required by agencies that employ graduates as natural resource officers.
- Consideration will be given to mature students without grade 12 provided they have completed the minimum course requirements before applying.
- During the program, students are required to complete Occupational Level I First Aid (or equivalent), in accordance with Worksafe BC requirements.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Courses that are recommended for admission are:
- Completion of the BC Ministry of Environment CORE program
- Biology 12
- Chemistry 11
- Math 12
- Hands on Computer experience including experience in MS Windows and MS Excel
Applications are accepted between October 1 and March 31. Applications received after March 31 are considered late and will be processed only if space permits.
Information session in the form of online webinars are scheduled for early October, early December, and early February. Keep an eye on the RMOT website for details of dates, times, and how to register for the webinars. If you have questions not answered during the webinars, you can direct them to the Department email address (RMOT@viu.ca).
No, entrance to the program is not a “first come first serve” basis. The RMOT Diploma is a competitive entry program that on average has more applications than seats available. Students may still need to complete an interview as part of the screening process as well.
The Diploma program (Year 1) intake every September is usually 24 students. The availability of seats in the Degree program (Years 3 and 4) strongly depends on the number RMOT Diploma students planning to continue in the Degree program – these seats are offered to RMOT Diploma graduates first. The maximum number of students entering Year 3 is capped at 18.
The chance of being offered a seat in the Resource Management Programs is strongly dependent on the number of applications received. This number of applicants received varies from year to year.
Yes, if a seat is not offered to you one year, you may apply again.
Yes, you would have to send in a general application to Admissions to take the University transferable courses.
A few examples of the University transferable courses are as follows:
- Biology 121 (Introductory Zoology)
- English 115 ( College Composition)
- Mathematics 181 (Introductory Statistics)
It is best to contact John Morgan, Chair of RMOT for an updated list of potential courses and other recommendations.
Unfortunately all RMOT coded courses are only open to candidates who have accepted seats in the Diploma/Degree programs.
Yes, you can apply for the program to comply with the application dates set by Admissions; however the application will not be considered complete until documented proof of completion of all pre-requisites is shown to Admissions. If pre-requisites are in progress at the time of application, documented proof of enrollment can be used in lieu of documented proof of completion and completion.
Students may be required to take courses to certify in First Aid ($150) as part of RMOT 205 Field Skills. Students will be required to have a current PAL and RPAL if they wish to participate in the practical sessions associated with Firearms familiarization (part of RMOT 205 and RMOT 272). The PAL and RPAL are available locally and must be completed outside of the program (approximately $200). There is a mandatory field trip fee of ~$150-175 associated with RMOT 205.
Students should prepare themselves with personal equipment i.e. rain gear, camera, binoculars, boots, and waders (about $300) In addition to the above, tuition and textbooks, all travel and accommodation expenses for off-campus practicums and course assignments are the responsibility of the student.
All fees and other costs are subject to change without prior notice.
Students should have personal outdoor equipment i.e. raingear, boots, waders, binoculars and a camera.
In addition to the above, tuition and textbooks, all travel and accommodation expenses for off-campus practicums and course assignments are the responsibility of the student.
All fees and other costs are subject to change without prior notice.
Students tell us that on average 4-6 hours per day is normal, however this does increase when assignments are due.
There is an opportunity for an RMOT diploma graduate to transfer directly into the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection program. Students could also apply for partial transfer of credit to the Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology degree offered by Vancouver Island University.
For transfer to other institutions, one would have to contact the Admissions Department in the college or university of interest to learn more specifics to the transferability requirements.
Each candidate and his/her credentials are examined on a case-by-case basis. VIU’s Resource Management Officer Technology Diploma places a strong focus on enforcement curriculum and students may be requested to take a minimum of a bridging semester to bring all students entering the Degree program up to the same level.
Currently all graduates who seek employment find work. It is not always full-time regular employment at first , but there is an abundance of seasonal work that graduates have accepted to gain valuable experience in order to meet the criteria for full-time positions.
All graduates must complete an Application for Diploma as they are not issued automatically.