Skip to content

Habitat Restoration Technician Program

Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.

Description

NRTG’s Habitat Restoration Technician Program (HRTP) provides participants with practical, in-demand skills for restoring aquatic, terrestrial, and riparian habitats across Canada. The program begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of ecological restoration, followed by applied training in restoration strategies across diverse ecosystems, including streams, lakes, wetlands, riparian zones, and upland areas. Participants will develop skills in identifying environmental impacts and applying restoration strategies in the field. They will also become familiar with the techniques, approaches, and best practices used in habitat restoration projects throughout Canada. 

15-Day HRTP Certification

The 15-days HRTP is offered in a flexible, modular online format, enabling participants to register for individual sections through our schedule page. This structure allows learners to build foundational knowledge while selecting modules that align with their interests, career goals, and schedules. 

To complete the 15-Day HRTP certification, participants will complete: 

  • Foundations of Ecological Restoration (5 days), 
  • Introduction to Aquatic Restoration or Introduction to Terrestrial/Riparian Restoration (1 day), and 
  • Three elective modules of your choice (3 days each) 

5-Week HRTP Certification

The 5-week HRTP is designed for organizations or communities seeking dedicated private delivery.  

Offered either as an in-person or in a hybrid (in-person/online) format, this program provides additional time for participants to explore course content in greater depth and to focus on topics most relevant to local priorities and ecosystems. The program is delivered at a time that best supports your schedule. 

Graduates of the HRTP will be prepared for roles supporting habitat restoration initiatives with Indigenous communities, environmental consulting firms, governments, and conservation organizations.  

This course is approved for 10 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) under the Society for Ecological Restoration’s (SER) Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) Program. Participants are responsible for uploading their certificates at ser.submittable.com to receive CECs.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to: 

  1. Explain the foundational principles, ecological processes, and objectives that guide ecological restoration across diverse Canadian ecosystems. 
  2. Analyze how governance, policy, ethical considerations, and Indigenous and community knowledge systems shape ecological restoration practices and outcomes.  
  3. Apply the ecological restoration framework to develop integrated strategies for terrestrial, aquatic, and riparian habitats.  
  4. Examine how environmental change, land use pressures, and technologies influence restoration design, implementation, and adaptive management.  
  5. Evaluate restoration success using ecological indicators, monitoring data, and collaborative approaches that promote long-term ecological resilience. 

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of field practices (e.g., plant identification, wildlife signs, experience around running water) and ecosystem functions is recommended. If you do not have this background, you may consider first taking NRTG’s Environmental Field Skills Program or Land Guardian Program.

Who attends?

This program is ideal for individuals seeking to participate in aquatic, terrestrial, and/or riparian restoration in their area. Participants may include: 

  • Indigenous partners, land guardians, and watchmen 
  • Environmental or natural resource workers and technicians 
  • Industry partners involved in habitat management 
  • Individuals with prior experience or interest ecological restoration and land stewardship who are looking to enhance their skills or career opportunities 

How do I attend?

The 15-Day HRTP is offered in an online modular format, allowing you to register for individual sections of the program on our schedule page. Completion of each section contributes towards HRTP certification. 

The 5-Week HRTP is offered by contract to organizations or communities as a private delivery, either in-person or in a hybrid (in-person/online) format. Communities and organizations will need to have a minimum of 10 participants and provide an in-community classroom venue. This delivery is conducted by NRTG instructors who travel to the community to deliver the five-week program.   

To schedule a private delivery, please complete our Discovery Form in advance of your preferred start date to ensure instructor availability and allow us time for preparation. 

What should I bring or supply? 

An equipment list and suggested suppliers will be provided to your client coordinator in advance of the delivery date. 

Customize Your Program

The HRTP is fully customizable to meet your organization or community’s unique goals. We offer tailored content that addresses local environmental concerns, such as land use change, invasive species, erosion, or contamination. Flexible scheduling is available to accommodate seasonal or culturally important activities. Programs can also be structured as week-long sessions each season or as an intensive five-week delivery. Contact us with any questions and we will be happy to assist you.

Related Training