Environmental Technology ENT

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

The list below does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Math & Science Strong math skills needed: students who do not have the required level of comfort and ability with math may want to consider Fanshawe’s Pre-Technology Program High school courses in Physics and Chemistry would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English (professionally written reports). High school courses in Business and Technical Communication or Communications Technology would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite, email, Internet). Heavy use of student portal system, students need to check email and posts several times a day. High school courses in Computer Engineering Technology would be beneficial preparation for this program.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Love working outdoors
• High degree of intellectual curiosity
• Detail oriented and analytical
• Tactful
• Resourceful, innovative and creative
• Ability to see the big picture
• Enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, analyzing data and finding innovative solutions to problems, and directing the work of others
• Able to critically analyze information and make logical, timely decisions
• Able to communicate effectively in writing and in person
• Able to work independently as well as work effectively with others

Useful background experience for this program would be

A passion for science and laboratory work.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Environmental Technologist; Water Resources Modeler; Inspector on construction projects, subdivisions and environmental protection and enhancement initiatives; Watershed Technician; Ministry of Environment area manager; Manager of Environmental Services (private consulting firm); Environmental Officer; Special Environmental "Compliance Sector" team member; Groundwater Technician; Industrial and municipal water/wastewater plant operator; Landfill Site Technologist; Land Restoration Technologist; Soil/terrain Specialist; or Water Quality Technician

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Primarily work in offices when analyzing data, researching policies and regulations, compiling audit results and preparing presentations
• Working in a laboratory setting analyzing samples
• Visiting manufacturing plants to conduct interviews and gather data and assess operations outdoors
• Inspecting industrial sites and meeting with clients may involve travel away from the office

Places you may find yourself employed include …

Provincial and federal regulatory agencies;  environmental, engineering, planning consulting firms; pollution measurement and control services; public and private research enterprises; municipalities; utilities; telecommunication firms;  or a Conservation Authority.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Conduct field and laboratory tests
• Operate, maintain and calibrate equipment for field tests and surveys
• Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for study
• Grow cultures under controlled conditions
• Collect field data
• Maintain quality control and assurance
• Analyze data and report results
• Conduct biological, microbiological, chemical and biochemical tests
• Conduct plant and animal inventory surveys to gather information on plant and animal distribution and abundance
• Set up and maintain specific or general laboratory areas
• Prepare reagents, perform analyses and maintain equipment in laboratories
• Collect information for industry (for example: regarding land use or reclamation)

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Professional Practice Exam
• Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB)
• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
• Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
• ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization)
• Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may choose to complete a university degree using one of Fanshawe’s articulation agreements.

What is the difference between a technician and a technologist?

Check out this chart the from OACETT website.

Last Modified: January 15, 2024