Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician | Ridgetown Campus
Why choose a 2-year Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician?
As the demand for sustainable practices grows, so does the need for skilled professionals in environmental protection. At Ridgetown Campus, our two-year associate diploma program offers hands-on learning, where you’ll explore topics like conservation, water and wastewater treatment, and resource management.
Tailor your environmental learning.
Learn how daily activities impact the environment and discover the latest research for protecting our ecosystems. Customize your studies by selecting electives that align with your goals, ensuring you gain the skills needed to make a difference. For a full list of courses and curriculum details, please refer to the Associate Diploma Calendar.
Co-op option.
Complete a paid summer work term to build your professional network, with support from a preparatory course and a Co-op Coordinator. Learn more about co-op at Ridgetown Campus.
Access unique facilities on and off campus.
Apply your knowledge in real-world settings, including off-campus facilities like the Ridgetown Wastewater Treatment Facility or the on-campus anaerobic digester.
What people are saying about the Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician program
"The hands-on learning at Ridgetown Campus and the friendly atmosphere have been highlights of my experience, especially in courses like Environmental Monitoring. My goal is to pursue a career as a remediation specialist, working to clean up contaminated sites and protect our environment."
" I will be conducting water quality monitoring at multiple stations along the Thames River, working with farmers to implement BMPs on their land to reduce nutrient loads into Lake Erie as well as conducting an outreach and education program to raise awareness about water quality issues. I could not have done it without taking the Environmental Management program at Ridgetown Campus."
Benefits of having an Associate Diploma in Environmental Technician
- 91% employment rate within 6 months post-graduation
- This strong employment rate reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the environmental field. Graduates often find rewarding careers as Water Treatment Plant Operators, Conservation Research Technicians, or Agriculture Environmental Advisors.
- Prepare for Industry Exams
- Graduates are prepared and eligible to write key exams, including the MECP’s Operator in Training Certificate, OACETT’s Professional Practice (PPE) exam, and the Entry-Level for Drinking Water Operators exam.
- Transfer Pathway: Diploma to BBRM Degree
- Graduates of this program can be given multiple course credits toward the Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management program at the University of Guelph, reducing your bachelor's program by 1 to 2 years. Learn more about transfer pathways.
Are you ready to improve life?
Discover Ridgetown
The Ridgetown Campus is part of U of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College. We are leaders in applied agricultural, animal science, and environmental research, and in life-long learning initiatives that are practical and relevant to society.