- Students applying to Environment and Horticulture programs are often required to tolerate physical activity such as walking over uneven terrain, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment.
- These expectations are reflected in our coursework, and applicants of this program should be highly motivated and have an appropriate level of fitness when entering this program.
About this program
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Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
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Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Code: 0736 P0736
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Delivery Length: 2 Years
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Who are you?
- I am a domestic applicant. *
- I am an international applicant.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
- Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
- Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
- For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
- Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
- Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.
* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.
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Register for an Info SessionOverview
Are you scientifically-inclined with good problem solving skills and a passion for the environment?
Consider a technical career that emphasizes collection, documentation and analysis of water, air and soil samples in the context of local watersheds and relevant policies and regulations. As an Environmental Technician, you enjoy the variety of working both outdoors and in lab settings, and you have the flexibility and skills to work in industry, government or conservation; monitoring and treating waste streams, documenting ecosystem processes, and conducting environmental site assessments.
Highlights
The 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake is the only college in Canada located in a UNESCO Biosphere Region - the Niagara Escarpment. Niagara College’s unique location within the Biosphere offers Environmental Technician students a significant competitive edge by providing a natural laboratory for hands-on environmental learning with direct access to the most diverse ecosystem (Carolinian Life Zone) in all of North America.
Students get to apply their academic knowledge during a paid 350 hours co-operative work term, offering real-world exposure and industry networking, which improves employment opportunities.
The Water Treatment Systems course prepares students for the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification. Note: The Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification exam is not included in this course and is obtained through an online certification exam.
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks Drinking Water Operators Entry Level Course (ELC) is included in the curriculum of the Water Treatment Systems course where students prepare for and write the ELC certification exam.
Courses including GIS Applications and Fundamentals of Surveying emphasize the use of modern tools such as QGIS software and advanced surveying equipment, ensuring students are prepared for technology-driven industries.
Graduates with relevant experience can pursue additional professional credentials and designations through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and Canadian Environmental Practitioners in Training (CEPIT).
Graduates can pursue a Niagara College graduate certificate in Ecosystem Restoration or Environmental Management and Assessment, or follow educational pathways to partner institutions that grant credit for the Environmental Technician diploma towards a University degree.
Our Niagara-on-the-Lake campus is the first postsecondary institution in Canada to be recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Career Opportunities
- Analytical chemistry technician
- Drinking water/wastewater treatment operator
- Environmental communications and outreach coordinator
- Sampling logistics and data management
- Site assessment consultant
- Watershed monitoring technician
Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM1133 | Writing Strategies | 3 |
| ENVR1119 | Environmental Biology | 3 |
| ENVR1129 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
| ENVR1207 | Environmental Sampling and Analysis | 4 |
| MATH1133 | Mathematics | 3 |
| SOCL1430 | Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM1430 | Technical Communications | 3 |
| ENVR1108 | Environmental Ecology | 3 |
| ENVR1190 | Data Management | 3 |
| ENVR1265 | Laboratory Techniques and Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| ENVR1266 | Soil Science | 3 |
| MATH1229 | Applied Mathematics | 3 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
||
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COOP1100 | Co-op Work Term | 0 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR1293 | Environmental Resource Issues and Environment Site Assessments | 3 |
| ENVR1335 | Fundamentals of Surveying | 3 |
| ENVR1336 | Microbiology and Toxicology | 3 |
| ENVR1338 | Hydrology and Water Quality | 3 |
| ENVR1339 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| ENVR1437 | Environmental Monitoring | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR1100 | Environmental Laws and Regulations | 3 |
| ENVR1441 | Environmental Project | 2 |
| ENVR1446 | Advanced Sampling and Analysis | 3 |
| ENVR1447 | Air Monitoring and Air Quality | 3 |
| ENVR1456 | Water Treatment Systems | 3 |
| GISC1420 | GIS Applications | 3 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
||
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
Collect representative environmental samples, perform routine tests, and interpret results while adhering to standard methods.
Monitor activities that are potentially harmful to the environment and assist in their resolution.
Assist with the collection and analysis of biophysical information, including habitat assessments, to suggest restoration opportunities.
Suggest and engage in sustainable activities that promote stewardship of the environment by adhering to Environmental Best Management Practices.
Comply with applicable standards of professional conduct and principles of ethics in all aspects of one’s work.
Adhere to occupational/environmental health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements in all aspects of one’s work.
Use established processes and protocols of environmental management systems to contribute to operational efficiency.
Perform tasks to meet expectations and timelines stated in the project plan to ensure successful completion of project.
Document, maintain, and present technical information in various formats according to the purpose and audience.
Develop and implement strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technician.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
- English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
- Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
- Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:
These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.
- Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
- A full G class driver's license is recommended
Selection and Ranking
Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.
Learn more about admission decisions.
Program Requirements
Transportation
- Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
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Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:
- A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
- Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
- An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
- Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.
Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.
Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)
The technology requirements indicate there is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products. Can I still take my program if I have a Macbook or Chromebook?
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 11 computer for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and most internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10/11, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) at Niagara College is Brightspace, and while students can access Brightspace through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks or Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Back to TopAvailability
Legendfor intake status table
Open
Accepting applications
Waitlisted
Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list
Closed
Not accepting applications
Suspended
No longer offered this term
Pathways
Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Environmental Technician program below.
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From NC toTrent University — Bachelor of Science - Environmental and Resource Science Ontario Canada
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From NC toGriffith University — Bachelor of Environmental Science Australia
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From NC toRoyal Roads University — Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice Canada
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From NC toRoyal Roads University — Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice Canada
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From NC toRoyal Roads University — Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Canada
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From NC toThompson Rivers University — Bachelor of Technology Canada
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From NC toThompson Rivers University — Bachelor of Technology - Trades and Technology Leadership Canada
For detailed information about these pathway options visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
Did you know?
Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.
Tuition
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year: 2024-2025
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $2,803.50
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,377.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$68.56
|
|
Level one Total
|
$2,803.50
|
Level two $2,404.94
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,047.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level two Total
|
$2,404.94
|
Level three Co-op/Work Term
Co-op/work terms have no tuition cost, however the co-op fee(s) in previous terms covers administration of this term.
Year 1 Total: $5,208.44
Year 2
Level four $2,453.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,095.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$2,453.44
|
Level five $2,123.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$765.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level five Total
|
$2,123.44
|
Year 2 Total: $4,576.88
Estimated Program Total:
$9,785.32
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.
Explore Scholarships & BursariesAdvanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesThe below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.
Year: 2024-2025
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $9,846.01
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,575.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$2,202.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$68.56
|
|
Level one Total
|
$9,846.01
|
Level two $8,817.45
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,575.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,242.45
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level two Total
|
$8,817.45
|
Level three Co-op/Work Term
Co-op/work terms have no tuition cost, however the co-op fee(s) in previous terms covers administration of this term.
Year 1 Total: $18,663.46
Year 2
Level four $9,495.95
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,575.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,920.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$9,495.95
|
Level five $8,535.95
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,575.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$960.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level five Total
|
$8,535.95
|
Year 2 Total: $18,031.90
Estimated Program Total:
$36,695.36
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
Access over $200,000 in scholarships and awards.
Explore & ApplyAdvanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesCosts and Dates
General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.
What is your tuition estimate?
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
Co-op
A program with a co-op (co-operative education) component means that the curriculum combines an in-class education along with hands-on experience of working a job in the program's field of study.
During co-op work terms students are able to link what they learned in the classroom in a real workplace. Understanding the skills they've developed academically helps create a more meaningful college experience, and means they are better prepared for their career after graduation.
For Students
- Co-op terms are paid. Earn while you learn!
- Practice the skills you’ve learned in the classroom.
- Gain experience in your field of study before you graduate.
- Develop references and connections.
- Hone your skills with feedback from your employer.
For Employers
- Low cost with tax credits and other funding available.
- Hire for peak season, staff coverage, special projects, etc.
- Help prepare students with career-related work experience.
- Minimal training required.
- Proven recruiting strategy for future staff.
