West Valley College Park Management Program

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West Valley College Park Management Program

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The Program meets the needs of three different groups of students. The typical career-oriented college student, the professional wishing a career change and the park professional. The latter enroll in our Program courses to enhance their skills, obtain in-service training and comply with changing professional standards. The Park Management Program awards an academic certificate in Park Management, and certificates for specialized training skills. West Valley College confers an Associates of Science Degree in Park Management. Our students are trained, mainly in the field, in the operations of local, state, and federal parks and forests. Their training includes learning to lead nature walks, provide first aid, participate in search and rescue operations, fight wildland fires, construct and maintain trails, perform park maintenance and construction, assess the environmental impact on the natural resources, GIS and GPS, and identify local plants and animals. Individuals who pursue this career have an opportunity to live in scenic areas. Additionally, the Department provides specialized custom course development and in-service training to over 15 agencies upon request. These courses include four-wheel driver safety and operations, power winch use, hazardous materials response, ranger safety and legal updates, technical rescue, geographic information systems, wildland fire suppression, and hazardous tree identification. Students typically work seasonally (summer break and some throughout the year) while attending the Park Management Program and continue to do so after gradation until hired full-time with an agency. Many students continue their formal education toward their bachelor's degree by attending four-year university. The Park Management Program has formal and informal articulation agreements with several California universities. These institutions include but are not limited to California State Universities at Humboldt, Chico, San Jose, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

10/03/2026

09/27/2026

Thanks so much to Dorsey Moore and the San Jose Conservation Corps for this special Community Partnership Award we were presented with on Friday. Much appreciation and may our partnership continue to serve many more students for years to come. Especially now that we will have a BS Degree to go after!

06/17/2026

We have worked so hard to see this day finally come!! We are happy to announce our new BS Degree proposal in Land Stewardship and Sustainability has finally been approved by the State!

Historic news: West Valley College is launching its first-ever bachelor's degree.

The new Bachelor of Science in Land Stewardship and Sustainability will create an affordable pathway to careers in conservation, sustainability, and public land management while allowing students to earn a four-year degree close to home.

Building on our nationally recognized Park Management Program, this milestone represents a new chapter for West Valley College and our commitment to expanding access to high-demand careers.

Read the full announcement at westvalley.edu/first-bachelors-degree

03/21/2026

It is with great sadness that Heidi and I share with you the passing
of Tom “Smitty” Smith. Smitty was one of our founding faculty for the Park
Management Program along with John Nicholas. Smitty was a mentor and friend
to many young up and coming park stewards. He was a great mentor and teacher for
current and past faculty here at West Valley College. He laid the foundation for a program
that is now 55 years old. We have been in contact with his family, and we will let you know
about future memorial plans. Currently, there is no plan, but the family has told us that
if you would like to make a donation in his name please make it to the Yosemite Conservancy. Smitty spent many summers working on horseback in the Yosemite Backcountry while teaching at West Valley College. So many of us owe a debt of gratitude to Smitty for guiding us through our careers in parks, public lands, and education.

We will miss you Smitty but your legacy lives on!

02/13/2026

Students in need - take down the dates!

Looking to get your Wilderness First Responder status recertified in the comfort of a beloved local State Park? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you! We’re hosting a Wilderness First Responder Recertification course right here at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, led by NOLS-certified vendor Ready SF, and we’d love for you to join us!

This program is a hybrid in-person and online recertification course for participants who have already graduated the initial WFR certification course. The in-person element will be held at Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Saturday 3/28 and Sunday 3/29. Tuition is $470 per person.

Sign up at https://www.nols.edu/courses/wm/ now or visit www.ReadySF.com for more information.

Image description: a colorful flyer with an illustrated forest background advertising the WFR training course at Big Basin Redwoods State Park on March 28th and 29th, 2026.

12/15/2025

Consider applying!

Designed by a student with a little help from AI - for the Art and Quote assignment. Nice work Yancy Chen!

11/14/2025

07/31/2025

Thanks to all of the Rangers of the World. You do incredible important work. For the current students and alumni that are carrying on this work and following this path we appreciate all of your hard work and wish you every success!

02/19/2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Please check out the survey below we are interested in finding out
if there is an interest out there in us pursuing a Climbing and Guiding Course and possible development of a Wilderness Guiding Certificate. Prior to putting this before our curriculum committee, we would like to know your thoughts!

Thanks, Heidi and Chris

Student Survey on Climbing and Guiding Course and Wilderness Guide Certificate

This is a survey for prospective students, as well as current and recent graduates of the Park Management/GIST/AVIA program at West Valley College. Please feel free to share with others to help us gain more feedback from interested students. Contact Heidi McFarland at [email protected]....

01/21/2025

Good Morning!

If you would like to get out in the field please join
Leticia Gallardo with the Biol 58: Field Ecology
California Deserts Course.

Chris

Address

14000 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA
95070

Website

https://www.westvalley.edu/academics/park-management/

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