Associate Diploma Environmental Management/Technician Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
The Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician program combines the technical knowledge and practical skills training required to succeed in a career in municipal/industrial operations (water/wastewater, etc.) or in areas of conservation and agricultural stewardship. The program balances classroom education in environmental science and law with practical techniques learned in both indoor working labs and outdoor field studies. Students can choose to complete the provincial MECP certification examinations (OIT - Water, Wastewater; Entry Level Drinking Water Operator) as well as industry certification examinations (OACETT) during their studies.
University of Guelph Advantage
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension. In this two-year program students learn about sustainable practices through an on-site anaerobic digester and farm operations. Students gain the tangible skills to work in two distinct areas: municipal/industrial or rural/agricultural environmental protection and management. The program provides students with a strong foundation in environmental management principles and practices, including topics such as sustainability, ecology, environmental law, and risk assessment.
The co-op work term is scheduled after the second academic semester, providing a foundation on which to build the work experience.
Student Strengths
Knowledge
Broad-base knowledge and understanding of environmental issues facing society today.
Deep Understanding
Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills through teamwork to analyze the current industry issues and how to solve them.
Application
Combine applied and practical experiences with lectures and labs.
Communication
Strong oral and written communication experience
Environmental Technician Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| TWO | Academic | Academic |
Environmental Technician Course Sequencing
Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
- Introduction To Co-operative Education
- Communications & Software Applications I
- Environmental Science And Issues
- Mathematics For Environmental Operators
- Introduction to Water Quality and Resource Management
- Soil and Water Use in Agroecosystems
- Introduction to Applied Microbiology
Winter
- Spills and Contaminated Site
- Workplace Logislation and Safety
- Data Analysis and Statistics
- Water Treatment
- 1 Restricted Elective from List
Fall
- Introduction To Co-operative Education
- Communications & Software Applications I
- Environmental Science And Issues
- Mathematics For Environmental Operators
- Introduction to Water Quality and Resource Management
- Soil and Water Use in Agroecosystems
- Introduction to Applied Microbiology
Winter
- Communications & Software Applications II
- Spills and Contaminated Site
- Workplace Legislation and Safety
- Data Analysis and Statistics
- Water Treatment
- 1 Restricted Elective from List
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- Environmental Monitoring and Sampling Techniques
- Ecology
- Introduction to GIS
- 2 Restricted Electives from List
Winter
- Law, Ethics and Environmental Compliance
- Land Use Planning
- Environmental Project Management
- Solid Waste Recycling and Composting
- 2 Restricted Electives from List
- 1 Elective
Students are required to take 4 courses from the following:
- Sewage and Waste Water Treatment
- HVAC nad Water System Automation
- Applied Plant Science
- Advanced Math and Water Chemistry
- Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship
- Arboriculture
- Plant Identification
- Rest Identification - Entomology, Pathology and Weeds
- Entry-Level Drinking Water Operations