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Environmental Governance Co-op Program

The Environmental Governance co-op program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes and mechanisms of environmental governance. Through a combination of coursework in geography, political science, agricultural economics, and economics, students will gain a solid foundation in the principles of environmental governance and develop the skills and experiences needed to participate effectively in environmental governance in a variety of settings.

About the Program

Environmental governance refers to the processes through which societies make decisions that affect the environment. Governments play an important role in this, however, they alone cannot manage our most pressing environmental challenges like climate change, sea level rise, or invasive species. Thus, through environmental governance, we can coordinate governments, community organizations, and businesses to work collectively to affect positive environmental change.

Why Co-op?

As a co-op student, you will be able to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. The co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided to students, including a job search preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and targeted work term reports to help you develop relevant skills.

Course Sequencing

The program is structured over five years, with a combination of academic and work terms.

• Year One: Academic (Fall and Winter), Off (Summer)
• Year Two: Academic (Fall and Winter), Work (Summer)
• Year Three: Academic (Fall), Work (Winter), Academic (Summer)
• Year Four: Work (Fall and Winter), Off (Summer)
• Year Five: Academic (Fall and Winter),

Acquired Knowledge and Skills

Through the program, students will acquire a range of knowledge and skills, including:

Application

Collect and analyze geographical data and interpret its significance within the context of environmental governance.

Problem-Solving

Ability to apply inquiry, analysis, and problem-solving skills to analyze and address environmental governance issues in a real-world and professional setting.

Communication

Communicate geographical concepts and spatial data related to corporate sustainability, environmental law, environmental policy, and environmental social movements.

Sample Jobs

Graduates of the program may pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Economic Policy Co-op: assisting and supporting various projects, conducting economic research and analysis on program initiatives, preparing reports and presentations, and querying databases and manipulating data.
• Research Assistant: assisting in producing rigorous research and evidence-based insights on climate change policies for Canada, analyzing data, reviewing literature, and evaluating policies.
• Solid Waste Programs Assistant: corresponding with city staff, residents, community partners, and business and industry contacts on waste minimization and diversion efforts, supporting promotional and educational campaigns, conducting site visits and community outreach, and conducting waste industry research and surveys.
• Additional sample jobs include: Policy Analyst, Assistant Evaluator, Environmental Quality Guidelines Assistant, Junior Program Analyst, Data Technician, Environmental Consultant, Health and Safety Environmental Coordinator.

Employer Sectors

Recent co-op employers have included:

• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness (OMAFA)
• Imperial Oil
• University of Guelph

Salary Information

Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms, with rates of pay varying depending on factors such as industry, program of study, and work term level. A Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available, providing hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.