Environmental Technician (ETM)

Are you passionate about the land, air and water? If you are looking to start a career within the diverse and everchanging environmental industry, this two-year diploma program will teach you about the natural and built environment and how to tackle complex environmental problems. You will develop practical skills around monitoring, sampling, canoeing, species and plant identification, as well as mapping for a variety of environmental projects. As you move through the program, you will build your knowledge of ecosystem management, soil and groundwater quality, health and safety, indoor air, erosion mitigation, legislative requirements and geospatial techniques. 

Each semester includes a substantial field component on the vast natural landscape of our King Campus located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Lake St. George Field Centre in Richmond Hill, and Newnham Campus. 

This two-year diploma program prepares you for a range of entry-level positions in the environmental field. The program also offers the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) approved Entry-Level Course (ELC) curriculum and exam for Drinking Water Operators in the water and wastewater industry.  

It is strongly recommended that you have a valid driver’s license, as most employers require a G class licence for co-op positions.

Throughout this program you will develop the following skill:

• Collect representative environmental samples and perform routine tests
• Use scientific concepts and models when contributing to the prevention, control and elimination of environmental hazards and remediation of contaminated sites
• Analyze water, soil and air samples address related-environmental problems
• Follow standard procedures for conducting environmental sampling projects
• Promote and maintain sustainable practices
• Perform work responsibilities adhering to standards of professional conduct
• Complete assigned tasks in adherence to occupational health and safety standards
• Follow established protocols in support of environmental management systems
• Provide ongoing support for project management
• Communicate technical information
• Develop and present strategies for ongoing personal and professional development

Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional co-op work term(s) in a formal work environment. In most cases the work term(s) is a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters.  In programs with limited co-op opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility.  Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional co-op stream regardless of success in securing a work position.