Environmental Technician
Ontario College Diploma
5 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Environmental Studies
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Program Duration
3 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Darryl Edwards
Program Coordinator / Professor
darryl.edwards@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Monitor and protect the health of the environment
Work outdoors and make a difference by gaining the skills to monitor the environment. You’ll train to monitor important aspects of the environment – air, water, soil, ecology – with a focus on ecosystems impacted by the mining industry. Learn from professors active in the field while getting the knowledge, reporting, and hands-on skills you need to address environmental issues and support environmental site and impact assessments.
Our graduates can be found working at top environmental and engineering consulting firms such as Golder and Associates, Wood/AMEC and Blumetric, government ministries, as well as in smaller firms and non-governmental organizations.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Unique focus on environmental monitoring (air, water, soil, ecology) with an emphasis on ecosystems impacted by the mining industry
- Learn skills to support environmental site and impact assessments
- Opportunities to earn certifications related to the environmental field
- Prepares you to write the Water Operator-in-Training (OIT) exam
- Hands-on work experience with four-week placement in semester three
- Housed in Glencore Centre for Innovation, a green building that is LEED gold-certified
Admissions
Admission requirements
Applicants must be graduates of an Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in an environmental, mining, engineering, or science-related field or equivalent.
OR
Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the college to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreProgram delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Spring 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EMI 7100 | Air Quality Assessment 1 | 3 |
| EMI 7105 | Hydrology & Water Quality Assess 1 | 3 |
| EMI 7125 | Experimental Design & Data Analysis | 3 |
| EMI 7235 | Ecological Monitoring 1 | 3 |
| EMI 7120 | GIS Applications | 3 |
| EMI 7205 | Water Remediation Techniques 1 | 3 |
| EMI 7135 | Industrial Impact Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| EMI 7200 | Environmental Impact Assess & Model | 3 |
| EMI 7225 | Air Pollution Abatement 1 | 3 |
| GIS 7000 | Geomatics | 3 |
| TEC 7001 | Site Assessment and Reporting | 3 |
| ECO 7000 | Hydrology II 1 | 3 |
| ECO 7240 | Ecological Monitoring II 1 | 3 |
| EMI 7101 | Environmental Toxicology 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| EMI 7500 | Work Placement | 4 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
- 1
-
Course with Lab component.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
Glencore – In this Environmental Field Technician placement duties varied but included groundwater and surface water sampling, ambient air monitoring, lab work, and data management.
Englobe – During this Environmental Engineering placement, students provided assistance to the Team Leader and team in their day-to-day operations in the following areas:
- Performed Phased Environmental Site Assessments, including historical research, site inspections, and soil and groundwater sampling programs
- Conducted surveys for asbestos and other designated substances
- Monitored air quality
- Prepared field notes, data analysis, and evaluation
- Participated in technical report and proposal writing
- Performed a variety of tasks to support engineering analyses, report production, and designs
- Prepared basic calculations and scheduled project deliverables.
Field of Study
School of Environmental Studies
At Cambrian, green is not just a colour — it’s a commitment. Our School of Environmental Studies lays the groundwork for a career dedicated to the health of the environment. Learn first hand from professors active in the field while gaining the hands-on skills you need to practice biodiversity conservation and promote ecosystem sustainability. You’ll be part of a team that shapes a future where environmental responsibility is the norm.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 10 operating system
- Processor: i5 Intel i5 or equivalent processor
- Graphics: High-end graphics video card (consider a dedicated video card with 1 GB of video memory)
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Storage space: 250 GB HD
Please note, that industry-standard software that you will access as part of your program will not be compatible with every device. These minimum technology requirements will allow you to access the software, but will not provide the optimal user experience. It is recommended you use a computer with stronger capabilities. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended Storage for Assistive Technology: 8 GB of available Hard Drive of Solid State Drive Space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended Audio: Speakers or Headphones for Text-to-Speech and Microphone for Speech Input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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