Environmental Technician (Co-op) at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

The Environmental Technician program is a two-year diploma course designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in environmental sciences. Delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, this program covers essential disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physical science, and engineering. Students will learn to collect, measure, and analyze environmental variables while gaining hands-on experience in soil, water, and air testing. The program emphasizes real-world applications through applied research projects that address pressing environmental issues, ultimately preparing graduates for entry-level positions in the growing environmental sector.

Program structure

The Environmental Technician program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in environmental sciences over a 42-week period. Key features of the program include:

Program Length: 42 weeks, delivered in a compressed format.
Applied Research Projects: Students engage in projects that tackle real environmental challenges.
Field and Laboratory Experience: Hands-on training in soil, water, and air testing.
Work Integrated Learning: Opportunities to collaborate with community partners on environmental initiatives.
Co-op Option: Students may have the opportunity to participate in co-op placements to gain practical experience.

This program is designed to ensure that students are career-ready upon graduation, equipped with the latest industry-specific knowledge and skills.

Featured Experiences

The Environmental Technician program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Co-op Placements: Opportunities to work with organizations such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Field Experience: Students gain hands-on experience in various environmental settings, including soil testing and water quality monitoring.
Applied Research Projects: Engage in projects that support community initiatives, such as environmental assessments and agricultural best management practices.
Community Initiatives: Participation in local projects that address environmental issues, such as wildlife and vegetation sampling.
Use of Industry Tools: Training in the use of tools and equipment necessary for environmental analysis and field sampling.

Career Options

Graduates of the Environmental Technician program can pursue a variety of entry-level positions in the environmental sector. Potential career options include:

Remediation Technician: Responsible for cleaning up contaminated sites and restoring them to safe conditions.
Field Sampling Technician: Conducts field tests and collects samples for environmental analysis.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Technician: Utilizes GIS technology to analyze spatial data related to environmental projects.
Contaminated Site Assessor: Evaluates sites for contamination and recommends remediation strategies.
Environmental Assessor: Conducts assessments to determine the environmental impact of projects and activities.
Water and Wastewater Facility Operator: Manages operations at facilities that treat water and wastewater.
Environmental Consultant: Provides expert advice on environmental regulations and best practices to organizations.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Academic Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
Biology Grade 11 or 12 is strongly recommended.
Chemistry Grade 11 or 12 is strongly recommended.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International Students:

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

A current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate is preferred prior to registration. Otherwise, the student must obtain the certificate within the first two months of the first level. Students must also obtain WHMIS certification within the first two months of the first level.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Environmental Technician (Co-op) program, the following language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS - International English Language Testing Service (Academic) with an overall band of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
TOEFL - Internet-based (iBT) with an overall score of 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component:
- Reading: 20
- Listening: 20
- Speaking: 20
- Writing: 20
Duolingo English Test (DET) with an overall score of 120, with a minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!