Introduction to Natural Resources & Ecology Systems
This course serves as the introductory-level course for the Natural Resources Career Pathway. Students will explore environmental science, conservation management, and the study of natural resources to develop the knowledge and skills required for employment in occupations and careers related to ecology, forestry, and wildlife and natural resources management. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Notes
Class Size Regulation
The Virginia Administrative Code regulates the class size for this course. For additional information, see 8VAC20-120-150, "Maximum class size," or contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education at cte@doe.virginia.gov.
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Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
- Agricultural Business Fundamentals I (36 Weeks)
- Agricultural Production Technology (36 Weeks)
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (18 Weeks)
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (36 Weeks)
- Biological Applications in Agriculture (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (36 Weeks)
- Community Forestry and Tree Management (36 Weeks)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (18 Weeks)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (36 Weeks)
- Fisheries & Wildlife Management (36 Weeks)
- Forestry Management (36 Weeks)
- Foundations of Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources (36 Weeks)
- Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Systems Management (36 Weeks)
- Sustainability and Renewable Technologies (36 Weeks)
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
- College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA+)
- Ecology Conservation & Management Certification Examination
- FAA Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certification Examination
- Forest Products and Processing Assessment
- National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 195011 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | Yes |
| 372021 | Pest Control Workers | No |
| 474041 | Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | No |
| 499021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Yes |
| 518031 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | Yes |
| 172051 | Civil Engineers | No |
| 173022 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | No |
| 172081 | Environmental Engineers | No |
| 192041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | No |
| 194042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | No |
| 194071 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | No |
| 173027 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Yes |
| 119121 | Natural Sciences Managers | No |
| 194021 | Biological Technicians | No |
| 451011 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | No |
| 373013 | Tree Trimmers and Pruners | No |
| 452091 | Agricultural Equipment Operators | Yes |
| 493011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | No |
| 493042 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | Yes |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Environmental Service Systems |
|
| Natural Resources Systems |
|
| Plant Systems |
|
| Power, Structural, & Technical Systems |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology |
|
| Science & Mathematics |
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