Associate Diploma Environmental Management/Technician Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
The Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician program combines the technical knowledge and practical skills training required to succeed in a career in municipal/industrial operations (water/wastewater, etc.) or in areas of conservation and agricultural stewardship. The program balances classroom education in environmental science and law with practical techniques learned in both indoor working labs and outdoor field studies. Students can choose to complete the provincial MECP certification examinations (OIT - Water, Wastewater; Entry Level Drinking Water Operator) as well as industry certification examinations (OACETT) during their studies.
University of Guelph Advantage
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension. In this two-year program students learn about sustainable practices through an on-site anaerobic digester and farm operations. Students gain the tangible skills to work in two distinct areas: municipal/industrial or rural/agricultural environmental protection and management. The program provides students with a strong foundation in environmental management principles and practices, including topics such as sustainability, ecology, environmental law, and risk assessment.
The co-op work term is scheduled after the second academic semester, providing a foundation on which to build the work experience.
Student Strengths
Knowledge
Broad-base knowledge and understanding of environmental issues facing society today.
Deep Understanding
Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills through teamwork to analyze the current industry issues and how to solve them.
Application
Combine applied and practical experiences with lectures and labs.
Communication
Strong oral and written communication experience
Environmental Technician Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| TWO | Academic | Academic |
Environmental Technician Course Sequencing
Fall
- Introduction To Cooperative Education
- Communications & Software Applications I
- Environmental Science And Issues
- Mathematics For Environmental Operators
- Water Resource Management
- Environmental Monitoring
- Introduction to Applied Microbiology
Winter
- Communications & Software Applications II
- Environmental Law And Ethics
- Occupational Health And Safety
- Soil and Water Use In Agreosystems
- 2 Restricted Electives
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- Spills and Contamination Site Remediation
- Ecology
- Introduction to GIS
- Business Practices And Compliance
- 2 Electives Or Restricted Electives
Winter
- Human Resource Management
- Data Analysis And Statistics
- Environmental Project
- 3 Electives Or Restricted Electives
Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.