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Ministry-approved title: Environmental Technician
As the impact of climate change continues to escalate, environmental technicians play a key role in helping conserve Canada’s ecosystem and protecting the health of communities from environmental contaminants.
You will:
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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The need to mitigate adverse environmental impacts caused by human activity is an urgent and ongoing issue. Environmental technicians play a key role in assisting environmental protection and sustainability efforts. They provide technical support and services – including identifying, evaluating, monitoring and controlling potential risks to the environment and public health – to environmental scientists, engineers, lawyers and other professionals.
The Environmental Technician Diploma program prepares students with the knowledge and skills for careers in the prevention, control and elimination of environmental hazards and remediation of contaminated sites.
In this program, students will explore scientific and engineering theory, principles and practices as well as examine chemistry, biology, sustainability, social responsibility, environmental legislation and project management.
Strong emphasis is placed on chemistry and the practical application of skills and students will collect, process, and test soil, air, and water samples, both in the field and laboratory, utilizing spectrometry, chromatography and various portable instruments for environmental analysis.
Graduates will be able to use scientific concepts and models to collect representative environmental samples and perform routine tests with the appropriate equipment and materials as well as provide technical support for the investigation, assessment, monitoring and controlling pollution levels in air, water and soil. They work within the parameters of relevant and current environmental protection legislation, codes, policies and procedures and can provide support in the use of environmental management systems and sustainability programs.
Graduates will be prepared to be entry-level environmental technicians and have the knowledge and skills for employment and career opportunities in environmental investigation and enforcement for government agencies; pollution abatement and clean-up for industries; operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities for municipalities; and technical support personnel for engineering and environmental consulting firms. The employment opportunities are varied and can include areas of business, industry and government and public organizations.
Graduates can register to become a certified technician through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), a self-governing body that is widely recognized by employers and professionals across Canada.
OACETT offers voluntary designations for Certified Technicians (CTech). Graduates of this program will have the required credential to register as a C.Tech with OACETT.
DC students in the EVTN program are also eligible to apply for a OACETT student membership.
The OACETT belongs to one of nine provinces that is nationally affiliated with Technology Professionals Canada (TPC) and Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). It follows TAC standards for technician and technologist certification and accreditation of post-secondary technician and technologist programs.
Graduates can register to become a certified Environmental Professional in Training (EPt) through EcoCanada, a nationally recognized professional environmental designation. EPt Designation is a multi-disciplinary environmental professional certification for specialists across all industries in Canada who are dedicated to the advancement of sustainable practice and responsible economic growth.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Domestic and international tuition for this program are yet to be determined as Durham College awaits tuition approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
More than 40 per cent of this program includes labs, where you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning that simulates the work environment.
Of the 21 courses taken throughout the program, 16 of them offer lab opportunities, including:
Programs graduates could consider for further education:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
While a laptop is not mandatory for this program, it may support your success in completing your studies.
A240, Gordon Willey Building, Oshawa
Our state-of-the-art Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory houses chromatography and spectroscopy instruments where students gain independent, hands-on experience by preparing samples and standards, operating the equipment themselves, and analyzing the resultant data.
Location: A206, Gordon Wiley Building, Oshawa
Our Containment Level 2 Microbiology Lab provides students with opportunities to learn and practice the skills required to culture, manipulate and identify microorganisms relevant to the food pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and environmental sectors. Our lab adheres to Canadian biosafety regulations and industry best practices, ensuring students develop the technical and safety competencies required for careers in these sectors.
Location: Durham College Campus, Oshawa
Explore our outdoor campus for a multitude of learning opportunities. The Oshawa Creek West arm provides opportunities for surface water monitoring. Groundwater monitoring wells on campus allow us to sample groundwater.
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