The Environmental Occupations program prepares students for employment and advancement in the exciting and ever-expanding fields of natural resource conservation, environmental education, park maintenance, outdoor recreation, and ranger services. Students graduate with the edge necessary to compete for entry-level jobs or for entering a two or four-year college.

• Operating a tractor

• Reading and interpretation of maps

• Guiding nature and museum tours

• Using tree-climbing equipment

• Using wildlife management skills

• Using a chainsaw safely

• Conducting prescribed burns

• Trimming a tree correctly

• Performing water testing

• Earning trapper certification

• Cutting and splitting firewood

• Being environmentally aware

• Identifying waterfowl

• Operating a skid loader

• Making maple syrup

• Constructing museum exhibits 

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This program occupies a 181 acre environmental education center for student use and training. This land laboratory includes two ponds, a woodland stream, wetlands, prairie, miles of trails, 80 acres of mature woods, and state of the art instructional facilities. This bounty of natural resources enriches each student's learning experience. 

All students of the Environmental Occupations program are also members of the Upper Valley Career Center FFA program as part of their career-technical education.

"Environmental Occupations is the foundation for everything in my park/forestry career. The training has helped me obtain my arborist certification as well as my current position as city forester." 

Jeremy Drake, Superintendent

Troy City Parks, Forestry Department

Upper Valley Career Center Environmental Occupations graduates are currently working across the state in the following places and careers:

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