Environmental technicians provide an important service to society by helping protect and sustain the long-term health of our ecosystems. This two-year diploma program will prepare students for technical work in the environmental sector.
Students will gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to offer professional advice on a wide range of subjects, including: environmental management and associated challenges and opportunities, environmental impact assessment; hazardous and non-hazardous waste management; waste reduction and reuse strategies; air, soil, and water pollution prevention and monitoring; wildlife monitoring, soils and ecosite descriptions, compliance auditing; and contaminated site investigation and remediation.
This skill set is based on an integrated, hands-on training program that gives graduates a good working knowledge of physical and life sciences, including general biology, ecology, physics, and statistics.
The program includes hands-on training in both laboratory and field settings. This includes a residential field school in the 3rd term of the program.
Students will also have the option of taking part in a co-operative work term.
NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.
This program includes an optional co-op placement of 480 hours.
To support your learning experience, this program is offered in the following format:
In person
Classes are held in a classroom with face-to-face instruction and regularly scheduled meeting times.
Successful completion of the program prepares graduates for employment at the technology level within consulting firms, government, and industry, with excellent potential for upward mobility as job experience grows.
A majority of graduates will enter the workforce as environmental technicians/technologists or environmental scientists at consulting firms servicing the environmental industry or government agencies. In this capacity, graduates can expect to work as a field technician, collecting field data, assisting in environmental assessment and monitoring, and assisting in technical report writing.
A list of potential job titles in the environmental field include:
Environmental Technician graduates may also choose to be self-employed and work as contractors or sub-consultants. Contractors and sub-consultants work in a variety of capacities, contracting their services to large industrial clients, agricultural producers, government agencies, and consulting firms.
The program will undertake an accreditation process that may allow graduates to apply for professional designation depending on their career goals and professional experience.
This program prepares you to step confidently into your field while providing the flexibility to continue your education. Credits you earn may be transferable toward additional diplomas, degrees, or certifications—helping you advance your career and increase your earning potential.
This program qualifies for a study permit, and a post-graduate work permit in Canada. Learn more about obtaining your study permit, and how to apply for a post-graduate work permit along with other important immigration information.
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We appreciate your interest in NorQuest’s Program name! However, this program is not open to international students at this time. For a full list of programs available to international students, please visit the Programs and Courses page.
If you’re not sure which program is perfect for you, NorQuest’s International Student Recruiters can help. Contact international.recruitment@norquest.ca or book a meeting.
