The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center is accepting applications for their Conservation and Natural Resource Officer (CNRO) Certificate Program. This one-year, dual-certificate program combines the Lackawanna College Police Academy with a 16-credit, undergraduate level, environmental semester at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center in Covington Township, PA. The program is set to begin spring 2017.
The CNRO program will prepare students for entry-level Natural Resource Ranger and Interpreter positions in state, county, and municipal park systems. Students can also transfer their field biology courses into a two- or four-year environmental studies program. Lackawanna College Police Academy’s, 785.5-hour MPOETC Act 120 Police Academy training additionally qualifies students for Law Enforcement Ranger positions and positions within municipal police departments.
Upon graduation, students will receive a Police Academy certificate, a CNRO Certificate and a transcript showing completion of their undergraduate coursework.
Job placement is approximately 75 percent and according to CNN Money, “Half the park ranger positions in the Northeastern United States could become vacant in the next five years due to an aging population, including positions in inner cities where Rangers protect our national heritage.” Sources estimate that 15 to 20 park ranger positions in the Northeastern United States will be available to qualified candidates each year. The average annual starting salary for this position is $34,000.
The program begins with a spring semester of MPOETC Act 120 Police Academy which can be taken at the Scranton or Hazleton campus.
During the fall semester, students will take five field biology courses at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, which is located on 211-acres of diverse habitat in Covington Twp. The CNRO field biology curriculum focuses on the conservation and interpretation of our natural environment. It will cover the basic principles of conservation through specific courses designed to develop the student’s knowledge of Northeast United States flora and fauna and the recreational use of renewable and non-renewable resources. Students will experience both classroom and hands-on field training throughout in the following courses:
· Park Management & Environmental Interpretation
· Wildlife Management
· Dendrology & Wildflowers
· Field Ornithology
· Freshwater Ecosystems
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