Environmental Technician

Preserve ecosystems for the future - explore a career in the environmental sciences!

  • Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
  • Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2025

No

Schedule

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Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Diploma (42 Weeks)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Environmental and Applied Sciences

School

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley

Campus

Pembroke

Work Integrated Learning

The two-year Environmental Technician program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, offers theoretical and extensive practical education in all areas of environmental sciences.

You explore the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physical science and engineering as you learn to collect, measure and analyze variables commonly considered in environmental studies. Gain field and laboratory experience in soil, water and air testing as you develop a basic knowledge of:...(read more)

Overview

Preserve ecosystems for the future - explore a career in the environmental sciences!

The two-year Environmental Technician program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, offers theoretical and extensive practical education in all areas of environmental sciences.

You explore the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physical science and engineering as you learn to collect, measure and analyze variables commonly considered in environmental studies. Gain field and laboratory experience in soil, water and air testing as you develop a basic knowledge of:

  • freshwater environment systems
  • soils and land forms
  • the chemistry of pollutants
  • ecological processes

Use the appropriate tools and equipment needed in biology, hydrology, ecological field sampling and analytical chemistry.

This program includes applied research projects that allow you to apply skills and theory to real environmental issues, all while supporting important community initiatives, such as:

  • water quality monitoring and implementation of agricultural best management practices in the Muskrat Lake watershed
  • environmental assessment analysis and reporting for a real local municipal project
  • soil testing, weather/climate monitoring, contaminated site assessment, and wildlife and vegetation sampling

Upon graduation, you are ready to help meet the current and growing need for skilled entry-level practitioners within the environmental sciences sector. Graduates may find entry-level employment in roles such as:

  • remediation technician
  • field sampling technician
  • geographical information systems (GIS) technician
  • contaminated site assessor
  • environmental assessor
  • water and wastewater facility operator
  • environmental consultant

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Seek an active, outdoor, hands-on learning environment.
  • Are eager to measure, monitor, protect and improve the environment.
  • Want to become familiar with both field and laboratory methods used broadly in the environmental sector.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find entry-level employment in the compliance and promotion sectors, as remediation technicians, in the areas of water and wastewater treatment operations, as contaminated site assessment technicians or working within the consulting industry as environmental practitioners.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Collect representative environmental samples and perform routine tests, using current and relevant tools.
  2. Use scientific concepts and models when contributing to the prevention, control and elimination of environmental hazards and remediation of contaminated sites.
  3. Assist with analysis of water/soil/air samples and with the resolution of environmental problems through the application of scientific and engineering principles.
  4. Follow standard procedures for conducting environmental sampling projects including the use of appropriate equipment and materials.
  5. Promote and maintain sustainable practices by applying the elements of ecosystem-based management.
  6. Carry out work responsibilities adhering to standards of professional conduct and principles of professional ethics.
  7. Complete assigned tasks in adherence to occupational health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements.
  8. Follow established protocols in support of environmental management systems.
  9. Provide ongoing support for project management.
  10. Communicate technical information accurately and effectively in oral, written, visual and electronic forms.
  11. Develop and present strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technician.
  12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro  

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program-related expenses include:

Textbooks and supplies cost approximately $300-$400 during the program and can be purchased at the campus store. Additionally, required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) costs approximately $300-$400, and additional certifications and licenses are required, which cost approximately $350 throughout the program. Expenses are subject to change.

Students should arrive with a CSA approved hard hat, CSA approved work boots, a Fox 40 whistle, a high visibility vest and chest waders.

Due to the nature of your program, you are required to participate in learning that takes place throughout the diverse forests of the Ottawa Valley including trips to the Petawawa Research Forest, a nationally recognized centre of excellence for forestry and environmental research. Students are expected to make their own way to sites within the City of Pembroke. However, for more distant, off campus locations, where parking is unsafe, unavailable, or limited, bus transportation is required. For your purchase convenience, an Environmental Technician student term bus pass is available for purchase in the Campus Proud shop at the following rates (based on required use): Fall $210, Winter $50, Spring $197.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
  • Biology Grade 11 or 12 is strongly recommended
  • Chemistry Grade 11 or 12 is strongly recommended.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20 OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.

A current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate is preferred prior to registration. Otherwise, the student must obtain the certificate within the first two months of the first level. Students must also obtain WHMIS certification within the first two months of the first level.

Application Information

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN
Program Code 1212X04FPM

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available. applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Additional Information

Program Resources

Please note that students attend classes for three consecutive semesters, starting in the Fall (Sept) and graduating at the end of Summer (August).

Contact

Kristi Beatty

Program Coordinator

beattyk@algonquincollege.com

613-735-4700, ext. 2721

View Bio

Kristi Beatty

Program Coordinator

beattyk@algonquincollege.com

613-735-4700, ext. 2721

Kristi was raised in the small rural town of Campbellford, ON. Living across from Ferris Provincial Park, she quickly found her love of nature, roaming the forests and learning about wildlife. A deep passion for animals leads to countless hours spent tagging along with local veterinarians and outdoor enthusiasts, learning about animal care and treatment, camping, canoeing, and bush-craft.

This early experience lead Kristi to Trent University, where she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a major in Ecology. She is currently enrolled in courses on Avian health and welfare, and Equine nutrition, and has her sights set on obtaining a masters degree in an environmental field.

Since graduating, Kristi has held diverse positions in the environmental industry, including working for Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. She has over 16 years of experience as a Biologist and Project Manager and is on the Executive of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter. Her current position with Ontario Resource Management Group has included projects ranging from small habitat protection plans, through to multi-million dollar hydroelectric facilities. She has worked with individual landowners, private companies, Provincial and Federal government agencies, First Nations, NGOs, and large corporate developers. Kristi has extensive experience in the identification of flora and fauna, Species at Risk surveys and permit applications, Ecological Land Classification analyses, Ontario Wetland Evaluations, Aggregate Resources Act planning and assessment, and Wildlife habitat management and mitigation.

Kristi joined Algonquin College in 2012 as a professor of Ecology for the Environmental Technician program. Currently, she also teaches Environmental Chemistry, as well as Wildlife ID for Naturalists in the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program, and Ecological Land Classification training for the Forestry Technician and Urban Forestry – Arboriculture programs. As someone currently employed in the Environmental industry, Kristi knows the field and lab skills and training that new graduates need to be successful. She willingly passes on her knowledge to her students, and is always open to spirited discussions on environmental and ecological issues!

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