Turn your passion for the environment into a career

Program code ENVR

Duration 3 Years

Credential Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Co-op

Program Delivery Full-time

Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

In this program, you gain the advanced skills required to enter the workforce as an environmental practitioner with the ability to use environmental sampling, monitoring and testing equipment, as well as information technology tools. You gain experience in preparing and interpreting data using various analytical methods. You become familiar with the principles of ecosystem-based management for sustainability and develop the ability to manage environmental projects from planning through to implementation and maintenance. Through applied knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements, you are able to contribute to risk assessment and environmental systems management. The experience and knowledge you gain focuses on the need for designing and implementing systems to prevent, control and clean-up environmental contaminants. You are provided an opportunity to apply your skills through partnerships in the community, and you gain hands-on experience through field work opportunities and prepare for entry into a range of positions as you undertake industry-related certifications.

If this doesn’t sound quite right for you, why not take a look at the Environmental Technician program? It’s a two-year option that gets you into the workforce faster and still provides substantial co-op opportunities.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2024	Barrie

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a co-op work term component where you’ll gain experience in a workplace related to your field of study.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

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Still exploring your study options?

What are the admission requirements for the Environmental Technology program?

Environmental Technology 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/

Pathways

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 course (for instance, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) strongly recommended to support this science-based program.

This program prepares students for various certifications/designations required for environmental careers including:

Water and wastewater treatment operator certification– students complete Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator curriculum and exam. Students are also provided the opportunity to write the MOECP Operator in Training Exam.
Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) designation – In addition to meeting the educational requirements, the program prepares students to write the professional practice exam through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), as well as assists students in preparing a technical report to submit to OACETT upon successful graduation.

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) in order to support a wider job search and facilitate more co-op employment opportunities. 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.

What career paths can I take in environmental technology?

Your Environmental Technology diploma gives you many career opportunities

The field of environmental technology is diverse and rapidly evolving to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Given the diversity in program skills and knowledge, a number of career options can be pursued upon graduation. Traditionally, graduates have found employment in the environmental field working for small and large corporations. Potential employers include environmental consulting firms, government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal), and environmental services departments in a variety of organizations.

Experiential learning opportunities

Innovative research projects

Students in the Environmental Technology diploma program cap off their studies by completing innovative applied research projects like these over the summer.

The Environmental Technology diploma program allowed me to start on an interdisciplinary career path. I gained a wealth of knowledge through well-educated faculty, great facilities and many hands-on learning experiences. Georgian trained me how to strategically tackle large dynamic environmental issues. After graduation, I decided to continue my environmental studies completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management through an articulation agreement between Georgian and Royal Roads University.—Kyle Mitchell, Georgian graduate and Manager of Water Resources at City of Orillia (Read more about Kyle’s journey)

Accreditation

Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada)

This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), formerly Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE),

This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Georgian’s commitment to quality in co-op education.

Industry support

City of Barrie

For more than 20 years, Georgian has enjoyed a partnership with the City of Barrie within the areas of storm water management, water and wastewater operations, solid waste management, engineering and environmental services.

The City of Barrie supports the college’s advisory committee, special projects and co-operative education work terms.

Many of our graduates have secured full-time employment with the City of Barrie as a result of this successful partnership.

Comco Canada Inc.

Comco Canada Inc. has proudly supported Georgian’s Environmental Technician and Technology programs for several years.

Co-op students and graduates have gained working experience in spill response, soil and water remediation, environmental site assessments, water quality assessment, air quality analysis, and environmental compliance.

Experience with and exposure to petroleum systems provides insights to the sources of potential environmental problems, and how to properly design and install petroleum systems to avoid these problems.

Honda of Canada Mfg.

Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) is one of the largest employers in Simcoe County, with 4,200 associates. Established in Alliston in 1986, it’s a premier manufacturing facility best known for producing the Honda Civic and CR-V.

Georgian’s $1.8-million multi-faceted partnership with HCM supports leading-edge equipment, innovative research and development, collaborative program support and newly-established scholarships for Georgian students.

HCM is a proud employer of 250 Georgian alumni in diverse roles, and provides valuable co-op work experiences to students each semester through its Technical Development Program (TDP). HCM also provides a suite of awards and scholarships to help students reach their goals, each valued up to $2,500.

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)

Georgian’s Environmental Technician and Environmental Technology programs are proud to have a long working relationship with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). LSRCA commits to furthering Georgian’s curriculum through representation on our program advisory committee, as well as assistance in seminars, networking events and field experience.

Our students gain hands-on experience through co-op work term opportunities with LSRCA. Students contribute to applied research, environmental science, as well as monitoring LSRCA projects and programs focused on key issues like low-impact development (LID) and invasive species impacts.

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA)

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has a long-standing history supporting Georgian’s Environmental Technician and Environmental Technology programs. Subject matter experts from NVCA have shared their knowledge as guest speakers, participated in networking events, and represented NVCA on our program advisory committee.

NVCA representatives regularly facilitate fieldwork and hands-on-learning opportunities for various courses within our programs. Our students have benefited from co-op work terms and graduate employment opportunities in a variety of departments at the NVCA.

Toronto Hydro

Toronto Hydro plays an important role in Ontario’s electricity sector, servicing approximately 785,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Canada’s largest city. The company has 1,270 employees and is dedicated to investing in its people and in the future by giving back to the community.

Partnering with Georgian since 2012, Toronto Hydro proudly supports enhancements to the student learning environment through funding for new state-of-the-art equipment. A proud co-op employer, the company has offered co-op work terms to more than 171 Georgian students since 2017, often leading to full-time employment after graduation.

Toronto Hydro offers a suite of 10 awards to support Georgian students with achieving their educational goals, as well as expanded opportunities around corporate training, research, and employee engagement.

Lakehead-Georgian program

Earn a diploma and degree in just four years!

Georgian College and Lakehead University partner to offer students interested in environmental studies a unique opportunity.

In four years, you can earn an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science – Environmental Sustainability (Specialization in Ecosystem Management) degree from Lakehead with an Environmental Technician diploma from Georgian College.

Completing both programs on their own would take an additional two years. Do them together to get more qualifications and break into the job market faster!

Explore the Lakehead-Georgian program

What courses are included in the Environmental Technology diploma program?

Course overview

34 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
3 Co-op Work Terms

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Environmental Technology program outline.

COMP 1059 – Computer Technology for Environmental Applications
ENVR 1005 – Workplace Safety and Employment Readiness
ENVR 1006 – Earth Science
ENVR 1009 – Foundations of Environmental Science
MATH 1035 – Applied Environmental Mathematics
PHYS 1004 – Physical Systems in the Environment
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Environmental Technology and Environmental Technician programs look very similar. Can I change programs once enrolled?

Yes. The Environmental Technician (ENTN) program is the first two years of the Environmental Technology (ENVR) program. You can transfer from one program to the other and are encouraged to discuss academic planning with your program co-ordinator.

If you would like to transfer from the two-year ENTN program to the three-year ENVR program, we recommend you do so prior to the end of semester three in order to stay in sequence for co-op work terms.

To help you decide which program is right for you, review our ENTN and ENVR program fit resource.

Does this program include fieldwork?

The Environmental Technician (ENTN) and Environmental Technology (ENVR) programs at Georgian include many experiential learning opportunities.

Hands-on components include fieldwork, field trips, science-based labs and computer-based labs. The inclusion of hands-on components vary by course and by semester. With lab or fieldwork comes the associated theory and results analysis to understand and interpret what is explored in the hands-on component.

For more information, please see our ENVR/ENTN program fit resource.

What types of co-op experiences can I expect in this program?

The Environmental Technician program includes one co-op work term. The Environmental Technology program includes three co-op work terms.

Co-op consultants for these programs work with industry representatives to secure a variety of environmental positions.

Positions are mainly located within Simcoe County and surrounding regions, though Georgian students have worked worldwide.

Many opportunities are available in municipal services (e.g. water utilities, wastewater treatment, storm water management, solid waste operations, engineering), as well as environmental management, environmental conservation, and construction or aggregate sectors.

Can I further my studies and earn a degree once I complete this program?

The Environmental Technician and Environmental Technology programs have excellent pathway opportunities to earn a degree locally, nationally or internationally.

The type of degree and curriculum focus varies by offering institution. We encourage you to review options based on your interests.

Check out the Credit Transfer Centre website for more details, and contact your program co-ordinator with specific questions.

My career goal is to become a conservation officer. Will this program prepare me for this career?

The Environmental Technician and Environmental Technology programs focus on developing an in-depth knowledge of the natural environment. This knowledge is important learning for a conservation officer. These programs may be eligible to meet the admission requirements for further studies in a conservation and environmental law enforcement program.

I want to work with fish and wildlife upon graduation. Does this program include courses about fish and wildlife?

The Environmental Technician and Environmental Technology programs focus on the natural environment including water, soil and air, as well as the industrial aspects of monitoring and regulating the environment. These programs do not examine specifics about fish and wildlife.

What is the MECP water curriculum?

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) regulates drinking water systems and wastewater facilities management within the province of Ontario. Operators of drinking water systems or wastewater facilities are required to be certified. Details on the various levels of certification for various systems can be found with the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office.

Within the Environmental Technician and Environmental Technology programs at Georgian, you will have the opportunity to complete the Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator Course (ELC), which is a mandatory course for those working in drinking water operations.

You are also encouraged to write the Operator-in-Training (OIT)certification tests during the first six months of the program to support co-op work term applications. Georgian is here to support you with this process.

Why is a full driver’s licence recommended for this program?

Many co-op work terms and graduate employment opportunities require a valid driver’s licence as part of the position requirements. Some opportunities are not located within municipalities or public transportation may not be available. Others require employees to drive company vehicles to get to various locations, which requires a valid driver’s licence.

Can I take this program part-time?

Georgian’s Environmental Technician program is available on a part-time basis. There is a recommended sequence of courses, averaging three to four courses per semester over a period of four years.

If you wish to complete the Environmental Technology program part-time, you can request a program change. We encourage you to consider full-time studies, if possible.