Prof Tech Profile #4: Natural Resources

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Natural Resources Program, and features a brief Q and A with esteemed faculty member Dick Hopkins (Dick was also named the 2008 Forester of the Year by the Society of American Foresters, which you can read more about by clicking here). 

Hi Dick.  Thanks for joining us on the blog.  To start, what type of person is a good fit for the Natural Resources Program at GRCC?

DICK:  The characteristics of many of the incoming students in Natural Resources include: interest in learning about the science of nature; those who enjoy hiking uphill in the woods and in the rain; those who are fascinated with fire; those who want to work outdoors and think the day begins before sunrise; those who are hands-on and visual learners; those interested in forest ecology; those interested in fish, birds, insects, and wildlife; those interested in using renewable resources; those interested in forest engineering and equipment; and those who want to plant new seedlings in the ground.

What jobs does a degree in Natural Resources prepare students for?

DICK:  Forest technician, biological science technician, scientific technician, forest contract supervisor, owner or consultant of a natural resources contracting company, forest fire crew supervisor, forest engineering assistant, forest inventory technician, geographic information systems (GIS) technician in natural resources, assistant park ranger, trail maintenance supervisor, fish hatchery technician, streams technician, or reforestation supervisor.

How can prospective students learn more about the Natural Resources Program at GRCC, and how can they learn more about the field in general?

DICK:  To learn about the program at GRCC, visit the Natural Resources webpage at http://www.naturalresourceseducation.com/.  To learn more about the field in general, visit the Society of American Foresters webpage at http://www.safnet.org/.

Funding Tip!  All four Workforce Education funding streams - Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, BFET, and WorkFirst - support the Natural Resources Program at GRCC.   

Prof Tech Profile #3: Early Childhood Education

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Early Childhood Education Program at GRCC, and features a brief Q and A with esteemed faculty member Diana Holz.

Thanks for joining us on the blog, Diana.  In your opinion, what type of person is a good fit for the ECE Program at GRCC?

DIANA:  First and foremost, individuals entering the field of early childhood education must truly like to be around children!  To be successful, ECE must also be organized with a keen eye for detail.  In addition, the field of education also requires the ability to multi-task, problem-solve, and relate well to others.  Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness are key to one's success.  Good physical and mental healther are imperative, too.  Finally, individuals entering the field should be aware that the program requires a significant amount of reading, writing, observation, and research.

What jobs does a degree in ECE prepare students for?

DIANA:  Students prepare to work in childcare centers, Head Start programs, Montessori preschools, public and private school environments for K-5, as well as human services organizations serving children and families.  Some graduates open their own centers or family care programs.

This last question has two parts: one, how can prospective students learn more about the ECE program at GRCC? and two, how can they learn more about the field in general?

DIANA:  Interested individuals can learn more about the program at GRCC by stopping by the ECE office on campus in SMT 235, or by emailing the Program Director (me) at dholz@greenriver.edu.  An excellent way to learn more about the field of ECE is to enroll in the online class entitled, ECE 101: Intro To Early Childhood Education.  Although the class is online, there are organized field trips available that enable the student to see various types of programs.

Funding Tip!  All four Workforce Education funding streams - Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, BFET, and WorkFirst - support the ECE program at GRCC.