Educational Programs
Explore numerous College, University, and Training programs in the parks sector.
Click the category below to view programs within each category.
Business and Management Operations Programs
Under general direction, plan, organize, and manage the operations and maintenance of a regional and municipal park areas that may include several parks, camp facilities, trails, and open spaces.
University of Fraser Valley Bachelor of Business Administration for Agriculture Management UFV’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Agriculture Management is especially designed for professionals who have been working in this growing industry for two years or more and would like to advance their career by studying at a university that has a recognized track record of agricultural excellence in teaching and research. | Program Site |
Conservation and Sustainability
In B.C., we are lucky to have many natural resources. We must carefully plan how we use them to preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.
Source: BC Gov
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration (ER) This degree, the first of its kind in Canada, provides world-class applied training on restoring the numerous damaged aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that exist across British Columbia, Canada, and around the world | Program Site |
Diploma of Natural Resource Management (Fish, Wildlife and Recreation) The two-year FWR Diploma provides you with hands-on training in managing fisheries, wildlife, and parks and recreational lands | Program Site |
Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Engineering The Environmental Engineering program recognizes the wide range of science and engineering backgrounds associated with this industry and is structured to accommodate the needs of a diverse range of applicants. | Program Site |
Douglas College
Earth and Environmental Sciences Program The Associate Degree in Environmental Science is awarded to students who complete the general requirements for an Associate of Science Degree with a focus on courses concerned with environmental issues. This program concentrates on the principles of science that govern and describe the physical and biological character of the Earth, and on matters concerned with environmental degradation. | Program Site |
College of New Caledonia
Natural Resources and Environmental Technology Diploma CNCs interdisciplinary program is your gateway to exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the natural resources sector across a range of industries. | Program Site |
Royal Roads
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management This is a degree completion program encompassing years three and four of a four year undergraduate degree. It is a two year interdisciplinary program that combines three intensive three-week on campus residencies with online learning at a distance. This allows you to complete your degree while continuing to work. | Program Site |
Selkirk College
Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Technician 2 year program. This program provides you with a 4-month Co-op Education experience and transfers to several Canadian universities offering transfer into a variety of degree programs. Location: Castlegar Campus | Program Site |
Integrated Environmental Planning 2 year program. This program provides you with a 4-month Co-op Education experience and transfers to several Canadian universities offering transfer into a variety of degree programs. Location: Castlegar Campus | Program Site |
Thompson Rivers University
Bachelor of Natural Resource Science This unique program consists of 120 credits which can be completed in four or five-years on a full-time basis, or up to seven- years on a part-time basis once admitted to the program. You will take courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, scientific methods, and specific resource management courses. | Program Site |
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Environment Faculty of Land and Food Systems Location: Vancouver Campus; includes co-op option | Program Site |
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation Faculty of Forestry Location: Vancouver Campus | Program Site |
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management with Major in Outdoor Recreation and Conservation For more information about Outdoor Recreation and Tourism jobs: http://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/career-centre/degreeoutdoorrecreationtourismmanagement.pdf | Program Site |
University of Victoria
Restoration of Natural Systems Division of Continuing Studies. Program offered at 3rd and 4th year undergraduate level. Minimum 2 years post-secondary studies or an equivalent preparation through work and life experience. 1st year ecology or biology course recommended. Interest in environmental field, indicated by courses taken, positions held, volunteer work or hobbies. | Program Site |
Professional Specialization Certificate in Ecological Restoration This four course professional certificate provides advanced training for those working in landscape architecture, landscape design and management, forestry, agrology, biology, mining, ecological restoration, and environmental practice. The ER program is offered online so you can meet your annual professional development requirements on your own schedule. Sign up for one course or the entire certificate! | Program Site |
Vancouver Island University
Natural Resources Extension Program 1 – 3 day courses for natural resource professionals in the areas of environment, fisheries and wildlife. | Program Site |
The Resource Management Officer Technology Diploma Program This 2 year program is designed to prepare students for careers related to the protection and management of Canada’s fisheries, wildlife, and parks resources. | Program Site |
Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection 4 year degree program; builds on 2 year Resource Management Officer Technology diploma program | Program Site |
Forest Management
Urban forestry is a broad term that applies to trees and forests in the urban environment. An urban forest can be a park like Stanley park. It can require specialist service, such as advice or direction of a forest professional who would be engaged in the practice of professional forestry.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Diploma of Technology in Forest and Natural Areas Management The Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) program is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments. | Program Site |
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Urban Forestry The Urban Forestry undergraduate program is for students interested in areas such as urban ecology, sustainability planning, recreation, human well-being, forest sciences and management. The program will feature both local field courses in the Vancouver area, and international case studies based on UBC research and our professional networks in China, India, South America, Europe, across North America, and elsewhere | Program Site |
Forestry The Forestry undergraduate program is designed to provide a good foundation in the many aspects of forestry, ranging from management of stands and forests for a broad array of uses and purposes to the specific operational aspects of extracting timber. | Program Site |
Forest Sciences Unravel the mysteries of nature with the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forest Sciences degree. This degree is based on the principle that there is a multitude of values which forests provide us with such as wood fibre, drinking water, hunting and fishing and that our use of one part of the forest ecosystem can impact all the others | Program Site |
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor Certification The Wildlife Dangerous Tree Assessor Certificate Program consists of three modules that provide specialized training in proper assessment and procedures for resolving wildlife dangerous trees in specific forestry and industry-related operations. | Program Site |
Horticulture Programs
Horticulture is the culture of vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, turf grass, and ornamental plants. The settings for this culture may extend from the back yard grower to large commercial operations, such as green houses, orchards, vegetable farms, turfgrass operations, forestry seedling nurseries, garden centers, golf courses, municipal parks, landscaping, and landscape maintenance firms. –
Source: TRU
Camosun
Horticulture Technician 10 month program. Certificate is articulated with other horticulture colleges if you wish to further your education towards a diploma or a degree. | Program Site |
Hort Education BC (HEBC)
Training and Certification courses The industry training organization (ITO) that serves the ornamental horticulture industry in BC. The organization coordinates the skill needs of employers, workers and trainees in horticulture with training and education programs and services delivered by training providers. | Program Site |
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Horticulture Science Program Horticulture brings together people, plants and places. Horticulturists produce fruits, flowers and plants; design, install and maintain parks and gardens; and manage sports fields and golf courses. Horticulture at KPU combines scientific principles, aesthetic values, sound business practices and community awareness to produce and manage plants and landscapes | Program Site |
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Horticulture Training Program The UBC Botanical Garden Horticulture Training Program (HTP) is the only full-time horticulture training program in Metro Vancouver north of the Fraser River. Experiential learning will be emphasized through onsite practical training and outdoor classroom activities. With a schedule that includes three days on-site at the world-class UBC Botanical Garden and flexibility to complete technical learning tasks at home, students will be able to balance the demands of school, home, and work while receiving a rich and immersive horticultural education | Program Site |
North Island College
Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship Training Gain highly sought after landscape maintenance and design skills while you work toward your Interprovincial (Red Seal) certification. NIC works closely with industry professionals to ensure you receive the best and most current training to prepare you for work at landscaping companies, municipal parks, garden centres and horticulture businesses. Sponsorship is available through HortEducation.ca for Level 1 so you can register as an apprentice. | Program Site |
Okanagan College
Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program The landscape industry has seen increased consumer demand for professional landscape services. This 120-hour program provides the core skills required for employment in this growing industry, as well as upgrading for those currently involved with the various phases of landscape horticulture. | Program Site |
Pacific Horticultural College (PHC)
Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is a garden and private training centre for horticultural education in Victoria, BC. Pacific Horticultural College (PHC) program is under the umbrealla of the HCP. Horticulture program is 10 months. Part Time Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship training is also offered. | Program Site |
Courses and Workshops Member fee and Non-member fees apply. | Program Site |
Thompson Rivers University
Horticulture Certificate Program 35 week program. People working in the horticulture industry should have a strong interest in plants and like the hands on aspect of the work. Depending on the scope of work, many of the positions within the industry involve working outside in a variety of weather conditions. | Program Site |
University of Fraser Valley
Horticulture Crop Production and Protection School of Agriculture | Program Site |
Agriculture Technology Diploma 2 year diploma program | Program Site |
Landscape Architecture Programs
Landscape architecture takes a holistic view of the design, planning, management, and stewardship of the land. Landscape architects often work as members of a multidisciplinary team, for example with planners, ecologists, and engineers, on projects that can range from designing residential yards and parks to constructing wetlands to treating polluted runoff from former industrial sites. Landscape architects use art and science to create a balance between the needs and wants of people and the limitations of the environment.
Source: Eco Canada
University of British Columbia Master of Landscape Architecture School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Three year full time program. | Program Site |
University of British Columbia Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Two year full time program. | Program Site |
Landscape Technician
Landscape and horticultural technicians and specialists survey and assess landscapes; draw sketches and build models of landscape designs; construct and maintain gardens, parks, golf courses and other landscaped environments; advise clients on issues related to horticulture; breed, cultivate and study plants and treat injured and diseased trees and plants.
Source: WorkBC
Burnaby Community & Continuing Education Residential Landscape Technician Diploma Part-time diploma program. Also offered in Surrey in partnership with Douglas College. Upon completion you will be prepared to write the Landscape Industry Cerfied Technician and Provincial Trades Qualification Exam. | Program Site |
Parks Programming – Nature Based Tourism Management
University of Northern British Columbia Bachelor of Arts in Nature-Based Tourism Management Tourism has become the largest industry and employer in the world. One of the most important and fastest growing sectors in tourism is nature-based tourism, which comprises attractions, activities and experiences involving interaction with natural and cultural resources (e.g., ecotourism, adventure tourism, indigenous tourism). For more information about Outdoor Recreation and Tourism jobs: http://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/career-centre/degreeoutdoorrecreationtourismmanagement.pdf | Program Site |
Turf Management Diploma Program
This is specialized park maintenance work involving the inspection and the coordination of maintenance for sports field, natural grass or artificial turf areas and hard surface repairs in parks and other public areas.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Turf Management Diploma Program Turf managers often manage the largest green spaces in our communities and are therefore stewards of our community’s environmental quality. The turf industry strongly supports student activities and achievement through student memberships, awards, and hosting field trips. Students are involved in the ongoing development of the turf management field lab. Many graduates seek employment in the golf industry, but opportunities exist in a broad range of related businesses or public sector jobs. | Program Site |
Training and Certification Programs
Already working in the parks sector? Check out the many certification and training courses and programs you can take to advance your career.
BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA)
Playground Safety Awareness Course The BCRPA offers a one-day Playground Safety Awareness Course for those participants who need an introduction or refresher on playground safety and the Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) Children’s Playspaces and Equipment Standards. | Program Site |
Parks Professional Pathways The BCRPA offers two days of educational opportunities for parks and grounds professionals. There is a Horticulture Day and a Maintenance Day, each with education sessions, keynote speakers, and a trade show. | Program Site |
British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA)
Becoming a BCSLA Member The BCSLA website outlines the educational requirements to becoming a member of the BCSLA. | Program Site |
Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI)
Canadian Certified Playground Inspector Certification Theory and Practical playground safety training courses include Playground Inspector Certification Courses and Recertification Exam and Managing Safe Playspaces Course (non-certification). | Program Site |
Garden Design Group
Garden Design Group is an association of professional garden designers who practice in Western Canada. Join and you will gain access to a network, hear latest news, collaborate with other designers, share techniques, attend lectures and events and more. | Program Site |
Hort Education BC (HEBC)
HortEducation BC The industry training organization (ITO) that serves the ornamental horticulture industry in BC. The organization coordinates the skill needs of employers, workers and trainees in horticulture with training and education programs and services delivered by training providers. | Program Site |
Industry Training Authority (ITA)
Arborist Technician An “Arborist Technician” is a person who undertakes to prune and perform other work on trees from the ground. In their work Arborist Technicians identify plants, select rigging gear, and have knowledge of how to fall, limb and buck trees, assist climbers, chip brush, cut wood and clean-up sites after tree care operations | Program Site |
Climbing Arborist Certification A “Climbing Arborist “is a certified tradesperson who cares for and maintains trees and other woody shrubs. Climbing Arborists perform tasks such as tree risk assessments, pruning and removal of trees. In their work they use both climbing and aerial lift devices, rope and rope-tools for rigging. They also identify and remediate mechanical injuries, damage, other abiotic tree disorders, and common root and crown disorders. | Program Site |
Field Arborist Certification A “Field Arborist” is a certified tradesperson who prunes and performs other work of Climbing Arborists on trees from a ground and aerial situation, including climbing and aerial bucket work. In addition, Field Arborists develop and implement Integrated Pest Management and Plant Health Care plans, develop tree preservation strategies, inspect sites and trees for damage and hazards, perform job estimating, tree inventories, and tree appraisals. They also prepare reports in the technical areas described above and perform supervisory duties. | Program Site |
Utility Arborist “Utility Arborist” means a person who undertakes any work required to prune or clear vegetation in proximity* to energized electrical equipment, structures and conductors or who in the course of utility line clearing operations, prunes, falls or removes trees which could come into contact with energized power lines. (*Proximity is defined as a distance of three meters or less from a primary conductor with a voltage of 750 volts or greater.) | Program Site |
International Northwest Parks & Recreation Association
Annual Pacific Northwest Resource Management School This organization is primarily Parks Maintenance and Operations oriented with emphasis on Maintenance Administration, Facility Maintenance and Field Operations. The INPRA sponsors yearly Training Institutes and The Pacific Northwest Administrator’s Academy and the Pacific Northwest Resource Managment Schools. | Program Site |
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)- Pacific Northwest Chapter
ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Certified Tree Worker Specialist The ISA Arbotist Certification Program is a voluntary effort among professionals in the tree care industry. | Program Site |
Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC)
Irrigation Certification Programs The IIABC offers a variety of certifications including: Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT), Certified Irrigation Designer (CID), Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC), Certified Irrigation Scheduler (CIS). Non-members may take training without certification. | Program Site |
Ministry of Environment Integrated Pest Management
Pesticide Applicator Certification The Ministry of Environment Integrated Pest Management webpage provides information on Pesticide applicator and dispenser training. Training can be obtained through self study materials and/or courses offered by independent trainers or online through OpenSchool BC. | Program Site |
National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA)
Directors School The NRPA Directors School is an exclusive professional development opportunity designed to prepare new and potential directors of park and recreation agencies for the challenges of leading and managing effectively | Program Site |
Red Seal Program
Red Seal Examination The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program represents a standard of excellence for industry and provides mobility across Canada for skilled tradespeople. Successfully completing an interprovincial Red Seal exam ensures recognition of certification throughout Canada without further examination. The Red Seal Program is the interprovincial standard of excellence in the skilled trades. | Program Site |
Trades Training BC
Information Portal A consortium of 14 public post-secondary educational institutions created to promote trades training in BC. Trades TrainingBC.ca provides information about apprenticeship training (students are already sponsored by an employer in the trade and training combines paid work-based training and technical training in classroom or shop setting), foundation training programs (trainees who would like to work in the trade but not employed in or sponsored by an employer in that trade), vocational and youth programs. | Program Site |
Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA)
Pesticide Recertification Webinars The WCTA promotes Pesticide Recertification Webinars offered through PD Solutions, an educational company that delivers live, on-line webinars and webcasts related to the professional use of pesticides. | Program Site |
Work Safe BC
Occupational First Aid Certification Occupational first aid attendants hold a valid certificate: Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Certain training agencies throughout BC are authorized to teach first aid training programs and certify attendants. A list of these agencies is found on the website. | Program Site |