Natural Resources Occupations

Instructor: Larry Miller

Course Description

The Natural Resources Occupations Program is a two year experience designed to prepare students to enter the workforce or continue their education at a post secondary institution.  During their two years, students learn to operate and maintain a diverse array of equipment.  These machines include:  bulldozer, backhoe, skidder, skid steer, dump truck, motor grader, as well as chain saws and a variety of surveying instruments.  Students also gain knowledge and experience in the areas of forest management, wildlife management, water resources, and outdoor recreation. Skidding, road building, water and drainage systems are all incorporated in this program.

a man cutting a tree

A goal of this program is to expose students to some of the vast opportunities available and to help them develop a plan for their future.  A key step in developing the plan is the week-long work experience.  During that time, students go to work to experience first hand what a specific career might entail.  These experiences often lead to employment after graduation.

The Natural Resources Occupations program is very diverse and interesting, providing students with many new skills and opportunities.  Because of the equipment and conditions, we are very safety oriented.  Students are expected to learn and practice safe operations in all aspects. This is a necessary requirement of the program.

Career Opportunities

Students in the Natural Resources Occupations Program will also gain an awareness of the many career opportunities within the Environmental studies heading including, but not limited to:

  • Environmental positions

  • Equipment Operators

  • Forestry Management Consultants

  • Surveyors

  • Loggers

  • Wildlife technicians

A vivid rainbow arches over a construction site with a bulldozer and pickup truck

Units of Study

Using both the out-of-doors and the classroom for learning, Natural Resource  Occupations students will study:

  • Safety/First Aid

  • Heavy Equipment Operation

  • Surveying

  • Forestry

  • Wood Lot Management

  • Wildlife Management

  • Dendrology

Certifications

Students in the Natural Resources Occupations Program may receive Certifications in:

  • First Aid, CPR, AED

  • OSHA 10

  • Forklift Truck Operator

  • Commercial Drivers License Class B

  • Trained Logger Certifications Level 1

  • NOCTI

Articulation Agreements

Students in the Natural Resources Occupations Program may receive college credits through:

  • Paul Smiths College

  • SUNY Delhi

  • Hocking College


A maintenance workshop with a yellow construction vehicle, tools, and equipment.

Scholarships

Students in the Natural Resources Occupation may be eligible for the following scholarships:

  • Clark Scholarship

  • Wightman’s Lumber Award

  • Otsego County Highway Supt. Award

  • Robert Bartlett Award

  • National Technical Honor Society

  • College for Every Student

  • BOCESTA

FFA

FFA is a national student organization that helps develop leadership skills and provides a variety of opportunities beyond the classroom.