Desert Ecologist Certificate of Achievement

The Desert Ecologist Certificate prepares students for jobs as docents, volunteers, or paid employees working with a variety of local, state, federal and tribal agencies.  Students successfully completing this certificate may find entry-level positions in various natural resources specializations, such as:

• Zookeeper or Museum worker
• Ecological Consultant
• State or National Park Ranger
• Lab Technician
• Ecosystem Manager
• Environmental Educator
• Ecotourism Industry

The Desert Ecologist Certificate is intended to prepare students to directly enter the conservation field in various capacities.  Students who achieve this certificate will become familiar with a broad range of ecological topics that are applicable anywhere but are also pertinent to the local desert environment.  There are no prerequisite skills or limitations on enrollment required for this certificate.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand and explain the problems facing wildlife and ecosystem managers.
2. Recognize and interpret wildlife violations and prepare reports.
3. Describe, identify using a taxonomic key, and sketch local wildlife species.
4. Apply GIS technology to solve conservation challenges.
5. Utilize a GPS device for navigation in a wilderness setting.
6. Gain an in-depth understanding of career opportunities in the field of natural resources.
7. Write a research paper dealing with the subject of ecosystem management.

Program Requirements