Certificate Program

Water Resources Analyst Certificate

The purpose of the Water Resources Analyst Certificate is to certify students as having proficiency in occupation skills in water resources interpretation, assessment, inventory, and management - skills required for planning, resource management, and related positions with employers such as township and county planning agencies, county zoning departments, soil and water conservation agencies, state departments of natural resources, planning and engineering firms, lake-owners associations, and governmental lake districts.

Minimum Course Requirement

a. One course in limnology, wetland ecology, or water resources with a minimum of 90 contact hours.

b. One course in aquatic biology, stream and watershed ecology, marine invertebrates or marine biology, with a minimum of 90 contact hours.

c. One course in analytical or environmental chemistry with a minimum of 90 contact hours.

d. One of the following: 303, 304, 305, 324, 326, 427, 457 with a minimum of 90 contact hours.

Minimum Occupational Techniques Requirement
This requirement is met through coursework and proficiency tests administered by the faculty of the Institute.

a. Sampling and Measurement Techniques
Must demonstrate proficiency in aquatic resources sampling techniques including use of grab samplers, plankton nets, seines, conductivity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen meters, transparency and light apparatus, and electronic thermometer.

b. Field Techniques
Must demonstrate proficiency in use of topographic and bathymetric maps, nautical charts, aerial photographs, digital imagery, and geographical positioning systems (GPS) for orientation and other purposes under field conditions. Must demonstrate proficiency in management, transport, and safety techniques for use of boats and canoes.

c. Laboratory Techniques
Must demonstrate proficiency in standard methods of water resources analysis including microscopy, titrimetric methods, spectrometric methods, gravimetric methods, and bacterial analysis. Must demonstrate competence in laboratory management and safety procedures, including methods of treatment, storage, and disposal of chemical and hazardous wastes. Must demonstrate proficiency in aquaria and captive aquatic organism management.

d. Literature and Information Techniques
Must demonstrate proficiency in the use of EPA Standard Methods and the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater as published by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Pollution Control Federation, including thorough knowledge of its General Introduction.

e. Computing and Information Processing Techniques
Must demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers in ecological and geographic and geo-referenced data management and analysis, spreadsheet modeling, and word-processing.

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