Environmental Technician

Program: ENTN
Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Delivery: Full-time + Part-time
Work Integrated Learning: 1 Co-op Work Term
Length: 4 Semesters, plus 1 work term
Duration: 2 Years
Effective: Fall 2024
Location: Barrie

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 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;
  12. employ various information technology tools to assemble and use environmental data effectively.

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 2024
  • Sem 2: Winter 2025
  • Work Term: Summer 2025
  • Sem 3: Fall 2025
  • Sem 4: Winter 2026

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):

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 1Hours
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
 Hours294
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
 Hours280
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
 Hours280
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
 Hours308
 Total Hours1162
Plan of Study Grid
Co-op Work TermHours
COOP 1023 Environmental Work Term 1 (occurs after Semester 2) 560
 Hours560
 Total Hours560

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.

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