This multi-faceted, two-year program, is delivered in the middle of northwestern Ontario’s beautiful Boreal Forest. It will train you to effectively manage natural and man-made environments, and how to communicate and work cooperatively with those from other sectors and disciplines. You will explore environmental issues, as well as learn hands-on tools for assessing, protecting and restoring ecosystems. The curriculum for this program was developed in consultation with representatives from industry and agencies, and is based on current practices, our own experience in the field, as well as anticipated needs and technological advances.
The need for technically competent personnel is expected to grow considerably in the coming years. The knowledge and skills learned in this program will give you the expertise to compete for environmental career opportunities locally, provincially, nationally and globally.
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The careful management of our lands, waters, forests and other resources is a vital responsibility of which we are becoming increasingly aware. All of us, in more ways than we often recognize, have a direct influence on the well-being of Northwestern Ontario, our country and our planet. The preservation of the vast physical wealth of our region and earth is of great importance today if our children and grandchildren are to inherit its wonders tomorrow. As we become conscious of our own impact upon the natural environment, we begin to take the first steps on the path towards sustainable lifestyles, communities and economies.
Employment Opportunities:
As a graduate of the Environmental Technician program, you may find employment with consulting companies, the forest industry, mining companies, analytical laboratories, hydro-electric generating companies, water and waste water treatment facilities, government agencies, health and safety organizations, outdoor educational centres and nongovernmental environmental organizations. Employment entry level can be typically as an Environmental Technician, Laboratory Technician, Water and Air Quality Technician, Occupational Health & Safety Officer, or Environmental Abatement Officer.
Career Categories include positions such as Laboratory Technician, Water and Air Quality Technician, Environmental Technician, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Environmental Abatement Officer, Operator-Water and Wastewater Treatment, Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator, Permit-To-Take-Water Coordinator, Fisheries Technician, Superintendent Environment, Sustainability Manager (Environment and Public Relations), Drinking Water Inspector, Contaminated Site Assessment and Remediation Officer, Hazardous Waste Coordinator, Solid Waste Technician, Topographical Assessment Technician, or Environmental Management Systems Consultant.
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Our graduates will have the expertise to confidently and competently compete for environmental career opportunities locally, provincially, nationally and globally .
Students in the Community - Co-op Work Placements and Employment Opportunities
Students have the option of registering for a 16-week co-op placement in the summer either between first and second year or at the end of second year. The College has a co-op coordinator who facilitates placement with an employer in the environmental or ecosystem management sector. The co-op experience provides participants with valuable on-the-job training and networking opportunities as well as summer employment. Students may be required to relocate for the summer to complete an appropriate placement. Some placements may require living in the field or at an industrial site for extended periods. Occasionally students take an unpaid placement to gain experience and contacts with a particular employer.
Opportunities with the following organizations have been available:
- Environment Canada
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment
- Placerdome Inc
- Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)
- City of Thunder Bay
- ALS Laboratories
Admission Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels.
- or successful completion of Mature Student Assessment
- or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).
Additional Courses Required: Grade 12 College or University Preparation English.
Additional Courses Recommended: Grade 11 or 12 College or University preparation Chemistry & Biology
If you do not meet the entrance requirements, or if you want to earn some credits toward the Environmental Technician Diploma while exploring your career options in Technology, we encourage you to apply for the Pre-Technology program.
Please Note: The Environmental Technician program starts with a two-week field school at the beginning of both of the fall semesters. Students must be prepared for long days outside during field school.
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You will be assessed to determine your mathematics and communications placement. If you are identified as needing extra time to complete the first year math, you will be placed in MA 115 and MA 215, to be taken over the first two semesters, rather than MA 131. If you require extra time to complete the introductory communications requirement, you will take a communications course with a few more contact hours a week instead of CS 007.
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The Environmental Technician program is clustered with the Forest Ecosystem Management Technician program. It is possible to complete both of these two-year diplomas in three years, if the co-op option is completed, either at the end of the first or second year of the program.
1450 Nakina Drive, P.O. Box 398, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7C 4W1 [ 
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