CAREER PROGRAMS:
Park Management
Program Options
- Associate of Science Degree
- Certificate of Achievement
- Geographic Information Science (G.I.S.) - Certificate of Achievement
Program Information
The Park Management Program is a two-year curriculum designed to prepare people for jobs in parks, forests, and open space districts. Our graduates are working throughout the United States, employed as rangers, game officers, maintenance supervisors, naturalists, wildland fire fighters, and park managers. Our faculty has field experience working with the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, California State Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and local park agencies.
Our students are trained, mainly in the field, in the operations of local, state, and federal parks and forests. Their training includes learning to lead nature walks, provide emergency first aid, participate in search and rescue operations, fight wildland fires, construct and maintain trails, perform park maintenance and construction, assess the environmental impact on the natural resources, GIS and GPS, and identify local plants and animals. Individuals who purse this career have an opportunity to live in scenic areas.
The Park Management faculty assists students in obtaining employment in active field positions. Many students go directly from graduation to working in parks and forests. Others transfer to four-year universities. We have special transfer agreements with select universities, including San Jose State.
Career Paths
- Local Park Agencies
- State Park Departments
- National Park Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- United States Forest Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Department Chair
Kim Aufhauser
408.741.2403
email: kim_aufhauser@westvalley.edu
Program Requirements
CHECK IT OUT!
Park Management Department web site.
Questions about Career Programs? Call 408.741.2098
e-mail: Career Programs Center: cathy_aimonetti@wvmccd.cc.ca.us
or stop by AAS 35
REVISED July 22, 2008
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