Hydrologic Technician

In addition to pursuing an associate degree at Feather River College, students can pursue certificates, which can be attained instead of or along with the major. These certificates are designed with seasonal employment in mind. The biological science, forestry, and hydrologic technician certificates were designed to ensure completers have the coursework required to be eligible for employment at the GS-4 level within the US Forest Service.

The Hydrologic Technician Certificate, in particular, is designed to provide students with the education and experience to qualify them for a job as a Hydrology Technician for the US Forest Service. In these and related positions, students will work with hydrologists, biologists, and ecologist, to monitor and manage stream environments.

Student Learning Outcomes

·        Demonstrate knowledge of hydrology and stream ecology

·        Demonstrate knowledge about stream and riparian protection and restoration

·        Achieve preparation for employment as a hydrology technician at the GS-4 level for the USFS and in other related positions  

This certificate is designed with seasonal employment opportunities in mind. The requirements for this certificate are designed to ensure that completers meet the qualifications to gain employment as a GS-4 Hydrology Technician for the USFS. Likewise, completion of this degree should prepare students for similar employment opportunities as seasonal technicians for other employers, including local, state, and federal agencies, private resource or environmental companies, and non-profits.

Recently Feather River College has developed a very successful, paid internship program,where students pursuing certificates and associate’s degrees at FRC work for scientists and natural resource managers on the Plumas National Forest for the summer season. This program allows students who have been working to complete this certificate a wonderful opportunity to gain related, environmental employment, which can act as a stepping stone to secure future work in this field.

According to the Program Endorsement Brief created for the Environmental Program at Feather River College by the North/Far North Center for Excellence in 2018, employment in the natural resource sector is typically provided by public sector agencies involved in natural resource protection and public lands management. Our certificate program is designed with that knowledge in mind. 

This certificate can be gained along with or instead of associate degrees at Feather River College. Past students have gained this certificate as stand-alone certificate,along with an associate degree in Environmental Studies, and as they complete course-work necessary to pursue related environmental degrees at four-year programs, even if they do not plan to complete as associate degree at FRC.

All the required courses for this certificate are elective courses for the Environmental Studies A.S. degree, so students can use their original work towards a certificate to continue to work towards a degree, if they so choose. Many students arrive planning to gain only a certificate and decide to continue to pursue the associate degree once they enter the program.

Select Courses to complete a minimum of 15 units: