Parks, Recreation and Wildlife

Parks, Recreation, & Wildlife technicians are educated in the natural resources disciplines to meet the staffing needs of our region, state, and nation. Courses such as botany, ecology, and zoology provide students a strong foundation in traditional natural science subjects.  Practical applications and techniques in wildlife conservation, fisheries management, and outdoor recreation equip students with the hands-on knowledge and skills needed to work in the field.  Nature interpretation and wetlands management serve as capstone courses where material learned during the degree work is integrated.  Required internship(s) enhance the student’s experiences in their chosen career field.

Educational facilities include the College’s 80-acre Natural Resources Center, located adjacent to Dillon State Park. The Muskingum County area provides numerous outdoor laboratory sites, having one of the highest concentrations of state parks, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and forest management areas in the state.

The Parks, Recreation, & Wildlife program is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association.

Career opportunities include local, state, and federal positions with parks, wildlife, and conservation agencies.  Graduates are employed as wildlife, fisheries, conservation, or park technicians, naturalists, or wildlife, park, and watercraft officers.  Private organizations, such as zoos, arboretums, campgrounds, and landscape nurseries, also employ graduates. The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy at Zane State College is available for students seeking park or watercraft officer positions