Environmental Technician

Description

In the Environmental Technician program, you gain the experience and skills required to enter the workforce as an entry-level practitioner who has the ability to use environmental sampling, monitoring and testing equipment, and information technology tools. You become familiar with standard operating procedures for conducting environmental projects. As you progress through this program, you build applied knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislative requirements, environmental management systems, and the basic principles of ecosystem-based management for sustainability. With a focus on experiential learning, you gain hands-on experience through fieldwork opportunities and prepare for entry into a range of positions as you undertake industry-related certifications.

Career Opportunities

Given the diversity in program skills and knowledge, there are a number of career options in the environmental field working for small and large corporations. Potential employers include environmental consulting firms; government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal); environmental services departments in a variety of organizations; and water, wastewater and waste management firms.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. collect representative environmental samples, perform routine tests, and interpret results while adhering to standard methods;
2. monitor activities that are potentially harmful to the environment and assist in their resolution; 
3. assist with the collection and analysis of biophysical information, including habitat assessments, to suggest restoration opportunities;
4. suggest and engage in sustainable activities that promote stewardship of the environment by adhering to Environmental Best Management Practices;
5. comply with applicable standards of professional conduct and principles of ethics in all aspects of one’s work;
6. adhere to occupational/environmental health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements in all aspects of one’s work; 
7. use established processes and protocols of environmental management systems to contribute to operational efficiency;
8. perform tasks to meet expectations and timelines stated in the project plan to ensure successful completion of project;
9. document, maintain, and present technical information in various formats according to the purpose and audience;
10. develop and implement strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technician. 

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes.  Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Georgian College holds membership with, and endeavours to follow, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Co-op is facilitated as a supported, competitive job search process. Students are required to complete a Co-op and Career Preparation course scheduled prior to their first co-op work term. Students engage in an active co-op job search that includes applying to positions posted by Co-op Consultants, and personal networking.  Co-op work terms are scheduled according to a formal sequence that alternates academic and co-op semesters as shown in the program progression below.

Programs may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s license, strong communication skills, industry specific certifications, and ability to travel. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be unable to complete the program progression as shown below. Please refer to Georgian College Academic Regulations for details.   

International co-op work terms are supported and encouraged, when aligned with program requirements.

Further information on co-op services can be found at www.GeorgianCollege.ca/co-op

External Recognition

This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada).

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Work Term: Summer 2026
• Sem 3: Fall 2026
• Sem 4: Winter 2027

Articulation

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Additional Information

Grade 11 or 12 science courses (for instance, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) are strongly recommended to support students in this science-based program.

This program prepares students for various certifications/designations required by the water and wastewater treatment industry including the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP):

• Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator curriculum and exam (in course exam)
• Operator in Training (OIT) exam (additional fees apply – see https://owwco.ca/getting-your-certificate-or-licence-for-the-first-time/)

Having an automotive driver’s licence prior to applying to co-op work term positions, which usually occur during semester two, is strongly recommended. Many employers require a full G licence to drive a company vehicle from worksite to worksite and will prefer applicants who have it.

A laptop is strongly recommended (Windows compatible recommended). Online access and/or student trial license opportunities are available for most required software.

Appropriate clothing for fieldwork is required. This includes green patch safety boots/shoes.

Graduation Requirements

22 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Co-op Work Term

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
COMP 1059	Computer Technology for Environmental Applications	42
ENVR 1005	Workplace Safety and Employment Readiness	42
ENVR 1006	Earth Science	42
ENVR 1009	Foundations of Environmental Science	42
MATH 1035	Applied Environmental Mathematics	42
PHYS 1004	Physical Systems in the Environment	42
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	294
Semester 2
Program Courses
BIOL 1008	Biological Systems	42
CHEM 1016	Introduction to Applied Environmental Chemistry	56
ENVR 1004	Geospatial Technology	56
ENVR 1007	Water Treatment	42
STAT 2006	Applied Statistics for Environmental Applications	42
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	280
Semester 3
Program Courses
CHEM 2002	Applied Organic Chemistry	42
ENVR 2012	Ecosystems and Environmental Sampling	42
ENVR 2013	Limnology and Watershed Management	42
ENVR 2014	Environmental Management Systems and Audits	28
ENVR 2017	Soil Properties	42
SURV 2002	Environmental Surveying	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	280
Semester 4
Program Courses
ENVR 2004	Waste Management Strategies	42
ENVR 2018	Environmental Assessment and Contaminants in the Environment	56
ENVR 2019	Environmental CAD	42
ENVR 2020	Wastewater Treatment	42
LAWS 2010	Environmental Law and Policy	42
General Education Courses
Select 2 courses from the general education list during registration.		84
	Hours	308
	Total Hours	1162

Plan of Study Grid

Co-op Work Term		Hours
COOP 1023	Environmental Work Term 1 (occurs after Semester 2)	560
	Hours	560
	Total Hours	560

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of two years (as stated above) may take a maximum of four years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.