Environmental Technician (Fast Track)

Program Overview

The Environmental Technician (Fast Track) program at St. Lawrence College is a 1-year diploma program that equips students with the skills and knowledge for employment in the environmental sector. The program covers various areas, including water and air quality, waste management, occupational health and safety, and environmental assessment. Graduates find career opportunities in environmental consulting firms, water and wastewater treatment plants, government ministries, and research institutes. The program offers a fast-track format, international student eligibility, and a work placement opportunity.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Environmental Technician (Fast Track)

is a 1-year, 3-semester, full-time Ontario College Diploma program offered by St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, Canada.

Objectives:

• Develop the essential skills required for employment in the environmental sector and in all facets of the green economy.
• Provide a well-rounded background for employment in a wide range of sectors by providing courses in water and air quality, waste management, occupational health and safety, and environmental assessment.
• Offer students the opportunity to learn and work with leading research scientists on various environmental issues through a partnership with the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences.

Description:

The program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in various environmental technician roles. Students gain expertise in various areas, including:

• Environmental monitoring and sampling
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Air quality assessment and management
• Waste management and recycling
• Environmental legislation and regulations
• Occupational health and safety in the environmental sector
• Data analysis and reporting

Outline:

Semester 1:

• ENVI 16: Fresh Water Ecology 1 (Physical and chemical processes, aquatic organisms, data analysis)
• ENVI 17: Site Characterization (Soil characteristics, hydrogeology, site assessment, data collection)
• ENVI 35: Environmental Analysis 1 (Chemical and physical analysis techniques, quality assurance, laboratory practices)
• ENVI 37: Environmental Legislation (Canadian environmental laws, regulations, and compliance)
• ENVI 38: Health and Safety for Environmental Technicians (Exposure, risk assessment, occupational health and safety regulations, WHMIS)
• MATH 12: Statistics Experimental Design (Sampling design, data analysis, statistical software)
• ENVI 14: Ecological Sampling Techniques (Standardized protocols for biological sampling, data collection)
• ENVI 24: Ecotoxicology (Toxicity testing methods, environmental impact, data analysis)
• ENVI 26: Microbiology (Microorganisms, identification, physiology, laboratory techniques)
• ENVI 29: Fresh Water Ecology 2 (Biological processes in freshwater systems, aquatic organisms)
• ENVI 32: Air Quality (Air pollution sources, impacts, legislation, monitoring techniques)
• ENVI 36: Environmental Analysis 2 (Water and air quality analysis, sampling techniques)
• ENVI 39: Solid Waste Management (Municipal, agricultural, and hazardous waste management, regulations, waste audit)
• ENVI 40: Water Treatment and Distribution (Drinking water treatment, Ontario Entry Level Drinking Operator course, certification)

Semester 3:

• ENVI 25: Work Placement (4-week unpaid full-time placement in an environmental technician-related workplace)

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the course and may include:

• Assignments
• Laboratory reports
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Presentations
• Participation
• Work placement evaluation

Teaching:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Fieldwork
• Guest speakers
• Case studies
• Online learning platforms
Faculty members are experienced professionals in the environmental field, with expertise in their respective areas.

Careers:

Graduates of the Environmental Technician program find career opportunities in various sectors, including:

• Environmental consulting firms
• Water and wastewater treatment plants
• Government ministries
• Industry and private companies
• Testing laboratories
• Research institutes
• Conservation authorities
Potential job titles include:
• Environmental technician
• Water and wastewater treatment operator
• Environmental consultant
• Field technician
• Laboratory technician
• Health and safety officer
• Environmental planner
• Research assistant

Other:

• The program is offered in a fast-track format, allowing students to complete their studies in just 1 year.
• The program is open to international students.
• St. Lawrence College partners with the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, providing students with access to research facilities and opportunities to work with leading scientists.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a 4-week unpaid work placement to gain practical experience in the field.
• The program prepares students for the Ontario Entry Level Drinking Water Operator certification exam.