Habitat Restoration Technician Program

Description

NRTG’s Habitat Restoration Technician Program (HRTP) is a five-week program that 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. 

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

Please be advised that at present, this program does not provide transferable credits recognized by accredited bodies and post-secondary institutions. 

Program Outcomes

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

1. Explain the core principles and goals of ecological restoration.
2. Examine legal and cultural considerations in ecological restoration.  
3. Apply the ecological restoration framework (assessment, project planning, implementation, and monitoring) across Canadian habitats.  
4. Examine how changing environmental factors and technological advancements affect restoration practices.  
5. Evaluate the success of restoration activities through monitoring and assessment strategies. 

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. 

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 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 contact us well in advance of your preferred start date to ensure instructor availability and allow us time for preparation.  

The HRTP is also offered in a modular format, allowing you to register for individual sections of the program on our schedule page. Completion of these sections contributes towards HRTP certification.

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 to explore customized training programs designed to achieve your goals.