Program Overview

Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician Co-op Program

The Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician (DET) program applies technical and practical skills training. Students tailor their learning to an area of interest: conservation and natural resources; water and wastewater treatment; or municipal/industrial/agricultural. The program is designed to address the critical shortage of trained and qualified sewage and/or water plant operators, and to train and certify personnel to assist growers in addressing nutrient management and source water protection regulations that affect many farms and rural residents across Ontario.

About the Program

The program is offered at the Ridgetown Campus and prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in conservation and natural resources, water and wastewater treatment, or the municipal/industrial/agricultural sector.

Why Co-op?

As a co-op student, you will gain firsthand work experience, build professional networks, and develop interpersonal skills that are essential for pursuing a career in environmental management. You will also get paid while earning your diploma. The co-op program provides exceptional support, including a co-op preparatory course, a personal connection with Co-op Coordinators, and access to senior student mentors.

Course Sequencing

The program follows a specific course sequencing:

• YEAR ONE: Academic (Fall), Academic (Winter), Work (Summer)
• YEAR TWO: Academic (Fall), Academic (Winter)

Acquired Knowledge & Skills

The program provides students with:

Knowledge

Broad-base knowledge and understanding of environmental issues facing society today, including foundational knowledge in environmental monitoring, water resource management, nutrient management, and wastewater treatment and operations.

Deep Understanding

Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills through teamwork to analyze current industry issues and how to solve them.

Application

Combination of applied and practical experiences with lectures and labs.

Communication

Strong oral and written communication experience, including the ability to apply communication in business practices and sales management.

Sample Jobs

Some sample jobs for co-op students include:

• Waste Management Student: Assist with container station operations, inspect loads, clean and maintain the Waste Management Site, answer customer inquiries, and ensure compliance with site regulations and policies.
• Watershed Monitoring Technician: Responsible for watershed monitoring data collection and agricultural stewardship program assistance, including tasks such as calibrating tipping bucket rain gauges, measuring stream flows, and collecting surface water quality samples.
• Seasonal Irrigation Technician: Assist with irrigation, use computer systems to monitor and adjust crop environmental conditions, accurately carry out measurement of seedling growth, and enter data into spreadsheets.

Sample Employers

Some sample employers include:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Arbutus Grove Nursery
• Bayer CropScience Canada
• Black Creek Research
• Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
• Government of Ontario
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
• Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness (OMAFA)
• Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Region of Waterloo

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.