Program Overview

Environmental Technician (ETM)

Co-op Option (ETMC)

Program Overview

The Environmental Technician program is a two-year diploma program that prepares students for a range of entry-level positions in the environmental field. The program offers a 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.

Program Details

• Campus: Newnham
• Delivery: Hybrid
• Duration: 4 Semesters (2 Years)
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• School: School of Environmental & Civil Engineering Technology

About the Program

The Environmental Technician program teaches students about the natural and built environment and how to tackle complex environmental problems. Students develop practical skills around monitoring, sampling, canoeing, species and plant identification, as well as mapping for a variety of environmental projects. The program also covers ecosystem management, soil and groundwater quality, health and safety, indoor air, erosion mitigation, legislative requirements, and geospatial techniques.

Important Information

• It is strongly recommended that students have a valid driver’s license, as most employers require a G class licence for co-op positions.
• A laptop is required for the program, with recommended technical specifications including:
  • Windows 10 Operating System
  • Intel i7 or equivalent processor
  • 16 GB of RAM (32 GB of RAM is recommended)
  • 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive (SSD) (512 GB SSD is recommended)
  • High-end graphics video card (consider a dedicated video card with at least 2 GB of video memory)
  • 13 inch or larger screen
  • Three USB 3.0 ports

Skills

Throughout the program, students develop the following skills:

• 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

Work Experience

The program offers an optional co-op work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in the field of study. Students interested in completing a co-op work term should apply to the Environmental Technician (Co-op) (ETMC) program.

Program Availability

• Canadian Applicants
• International Applicants

Career Options

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• Field technician
• Ecology technician
• Remediation/restoration technician
• Water/wastewater operator
• Water resources technician
• Environmental consultant
• Water quality analyst
• Environmental compliance officer
• Erosion management technician
• Environmental management auditor
• Geospatial technician/analyst
• Project co-ordinator

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

• Degree Pathways: Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway, allowing students to continue their studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.
• Experiential Learning: The program offers an optional co-op to help students hone essential skills for the workplace.
• Career Support: Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking, and more.
• The Service Hub: The Service Hub is a one-stop source of information about everything from registering and paying fees to student services and life on campus.