Environmental Technician

Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes: 
Fall Start (September): 0387

Make a Difference for Tomorrow

Are you interested in learning how to responsibly develop our resource-based economy while protecting our forests, waterways, and land?

Through Confederation College’s Environmental Technician two-year diploma program, you will learn to effectively manage natural and man-made environments. This program will explore environmental issues and provide hands-on tools for assessing, protecting and restoring ecosystems. Best of all, you’ll learn in one of the greatest natural labs available: the Boreal Forest, a rich and diverse forest ecosystem that stretches around the Northern Hemisphere. Courses cover a wide variety of related topics including plant identification, natural resource measurements, soils & geomorphology, ecology, waste management, groundwater, surface water and water & waste water treatment.

Depave Paradise: From Grey to Green

Top Highlights

• Courses developed in consultation with industry and government familiar with northern Ontario and based on current cutting-edge practices
• Program includes two optional co-ops after the second and fourth semesters that give you work experience in the field 
• Balance of class work, field study and placements for a well-rounded education
• Ontario's Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator Certificate possible, upon graduation
• Transfer credits to other related college and university programs through our Articulation Agreements

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. collect representative environmental samples and perform routine tests, using current and relevant tools.
2. use scientific concepts and models when contributing to the prevention, control and elimination of environmental hazards and remediation of contaminated sites.
3. assist with analysis of water/soil/air samples and with the resolution of environmental problems through the application of scientific and engineering principles.
4. follow standard procedures for conducting environmental sampling projects including the use of appropriate equipment and materials.
5. promote and maintain sustainable practices by applying the elements of ecosystem-based management.
6. carry out work responsibilities adhering to standards of professional conduct and principles of professional ethics.
7. complete assigned tasks in adherence to occupational health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements.
8. follow established protocols in support of environmental management systems.
9. provide ongoing support for project management.
10. communicate technical information accurately and effectively in oral, written, visual and electronic forms.
11. develop and present strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technician.

Experiential Learning

• Optional Co-op,
• Field Work.

Graduates pursue many different types of work in the Environmental sector. Some graduates choose to work in laboratory settings, some choose to work primarily out in the field and some choose jobs that include a combination of both. While there is a heavy emphasis on water resources in the program, you will also gain extensive experience working with terrestrial ecosystems and be introduced to the environmental aspect of industrial settings. Many graduates have found work with consulting firms that offer a wide variety of experiences, including the Mining sector. Most students graduate with the Ontario Entry-Level Drinking Water Certification; many also obtain the (Water Treatment) Operator-in-Training Certificate.

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