Diploma in Earth Resources Technician (Co-op)

at Fleming College - Frost Campus (Lindsay) Canada

Ecological Restoration is an emerging discipline that focuses on assisting the recovery of degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Become a leader in the Science of Hope. Make your stand in the green revolution by helping to restore our natural environment for present and future generations.

• The collaborative Ecological Restoration program developed by Trent University and Fleming College provides a bold and innovative solution to this challenge. The program:
  • Is interdisciplinary with a foundation of science-based curriculum.
  • Is broad-based so that you will develop an understanding of the big picture - and comprehend ecological principles that can be transferred to any ecosystem and adapted to any project.
  • Was designed to improve traditional college students' access to a university degree.
  • Is integrated to combine applied learning, field skills and experience with theoretical and scientific knowledge and principles from day one.
  • Provides opportunities for field camps, field courses and a capstone course.
  • Encourages and supports students who seek out internships and international opportunities.
  • Offers a unique combination of college and university cultures - the best of both worlds.

ADVANTAGES OF THE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION JOINT DIPLOMA/DEGREE
Through the collaboration between Trent and Fleming, faculty, teaching, field study courses, applied projects and resources are shared over the four years of the program.

• This integrated introduction to both academic cultures will prepare you for the transition from Fleming to Trent.
• The program is carefully designed so that you will truly understand the connections, relevance and fit between courses in the program of study.
• Both institutions are renowned for their environmental focus and commitment to providing support for students to achieve success.

You will begin this adventure by spending two years at Fleming College’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences in Lindsay. This School has a 40-year history of preparing graduates for employment in the environmental sector. Here, you will build on your science, math and communications skills while also practicing ecological restoration through field courses and project work. Please note, the Restoration Ecology overnight field camp takes place two weeks prior to start up of semester 3 and provides students with the opportunity to further develop hands-on skills in ecosystem restoration.

Your next two years will be at Trent University in Peterborough, home to one of the first environmental programs to be established in Canada. At Trent, you can choose to either build towards a specialization, or continue to balance theory and practice in a more broad-based degree program.

Since this is an innovative diploma/degree model that infuses elements of both the college and university experience throughout the four-year years, you will not obtain your college diploma at the completion of your two years at Fleming College. Instead, you will graduate at the end of four years with both your Ecological Restoration Technician college diploma and university degree in Ecological Restoration. (The distance between Fleming College's campus in Lindsay and Trent University in Peterborough is 45 kilometres, or about a 45-minute drive.)

2 years at Fleming College + 2 years at the University of New Brunswick = 1 unique opportunity to earn a college diploma and a university degree in just 4 years. Or graduate after two years with your diploma and get a head start on your career.

With the unique Urban Forestry Technician program you can make a difference, focusing on the conservation and sustainability of our urban forests and green spaces.
Urban forestry focuses on the care, protection, and maintenance of trees, forests and green spaces in towns and cities. It's caring for "the green in the gray."

As an urban forestry technician, you will require technical, applied skills, but you will also need the ability to work with people and communities. Your work will involve balancing, integrating, and linking the social, economic, environmental, and conservation-related issues associated with the urban forest and community spaces.

This unique 2 + 2 program blends applied and multidisciplinary skills to prepare for the demands of this emerging field. Professionals are needed who can communicate effectively with the public, understand and interpret legislation and policies, and have a broad perspective on planning and conservation. Upon graduation, you will be able to:

• Identify and appraise a wide range of species in the urban forest
• Maintain safe and healthy trees by applying principles of tree anatomy and physiology
• Recommend appropriate arboriculture practices
• Use a range of GIS tools and spatial technologies to collect, analyze and model the characteristics of urban forests
• Understand soil characteristics, watershed dynamics, and wildlife habitats that contribute to urban forest ecosystems
• Safely operate, maintain and troubleshoot equipment
• Demonstrate and advocate for an integrated approach to urban forestry management
• Interpret legislation, regulation and policies relating to urban forestry
• Plan, budget and implement business practices associated with the urban forestry practitioner
• Apply practices and principles of urban forest management in an ethical and professional manner.

You will complete three university-level courses (Communications, Math and Introductory Chemistry) during your diploma program at Fleming College, providing an opportunity to determine if pursuing a degree in this field at university is the right choice for you.

Love trees and want to help preserve our environment? With Fleming’s Arboriculture Co-op program, it’s possible to live in an urban setting and contribute to the environmental effort.

Program Highlights
As an Arboriculture graduate, you'll maintain and preserve trees and shrubs in the urban landscape and green spaces of our communities – providing cleaner air and much needed "green" relief from the concrete jungle.

• The program offers theoretical knowledge for all aspects of urban tree care, as well as such practical skills as safe tree climbing techniques, aerial rescue, pruning techniques, tree removal, power line clearing, and the operation and maintenance of relevant equipment.
• You will be able to identify approximately 140 species of trees and shrubs in both summer and winter conditions, and to diagnose and remedy major pests, disease, and tree disorders using the latest integrated management options to promote plant health.
• In 2nd semester, you can take the Arborist and Utility Arborist exemption exams, to qualify you for the in-school portion of these MAESD apprenticeships (there is no additional cost to you for your first attempt at writing these tests).

Work Experience

• From start to finish, the Arboriculture program is hands-on - you'll be spending a lot of time working with trees and shrubs outside in addition to your time in the classroom.
• There is a mandatory paid co-op semester from May to September.

Learn advanced environmental principles and applications in the Environmental Technology program, in preparation for a career monitoring and improving the natural environment.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Build on your expertise as an Environmental Technician through an additional year of study, and develop even more competence in preventing environmental problems, resolving environmental issues, and providing education to the public.

Your hands-on environmental training will be an excellent complement to your in-class courses. In the Environmental Technology program, you will learn advanced environmental principles and applications. You'll also complete a two-week work placement where you will gain valuable work experience - and employment contacts that can become invaluable when you start looking for a job. In addition, high level skills in field ecology and specialized wetland evaluation training are delivered, to further increase your career prospects.

WORK EXPERIENCE
You'll have plenty of hands-on experience through the use of our specialized facilities, and you will work with others as a team during the field school off-campus, as well as participate in a multitude of class field trips to both outdoor settings and industrial/municipal facilities. Textbooks are not enough when it comes to preparing capable technologists for the field. Your two-week placement will put your skills to the test.

Graduates of our Earth Resources Technician program are often the employees of choice for major companies in the growing and wide-ranging earth resources and geotechnical sector.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Are you interested in being paid to travel? Or working in your community? Are you seeking a hands-on career? Then geoscience is for you. Fleming College is the only college that offers a BLEND OF GEOLOGY, MINERAL EXPLORATION, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES IN ONE PROGRAM. It is this unique mix of integrated courses in minerals, geophysics, geotechnical and environmental assessment that gives you a well-rounded and comprehensive skill set valued by employers.

As an Earth Resources Technician, you can expect to be in demand. Graduates of the ERT program pursue a variety of careers in applied geology and have one of the highest post-graduation employment rates in their field of study of any Fleming College program. Career opportunities include soil and rock analysis, land use management, groundwater assessment, mineral exploration, cleaning up contaminated sites, and other site investigations. You will learn how to win co-op work opportunities and will complete a six-month paid Co-op work term in an applied geology role. Our co-op students gain confidence in their abilities during their work term, and often secure full-time employment with their co-op employers. You will also study computing, sampling and safety planning, and communications - essentials for any earth resources professional and very important for the future developments in your career. Should you choose to continue your studies after graduation, we have several options. For more information please see the University Transfer Agreements at the end of this document.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• Fleming College has been offering geology programs for over 30 years and has acquired a well-established reputation
• If you wish to continue studies at University there are two fast track options that can lead to Professional Geoscientist Status; Acadia University, Nova Scotia in Geology, and Trent University, Ontario, in Environmental Geoscience, both of which offer the opportunity to complete your B.Sc. degree with a further two years of study
• This program is extremely well supported by alumni - who donate equipment, samples, AND help new grads find meaningful work in the field - or hire them
• Many of your faculty have worked as geologists or in a related field - and share their experience and expertise enthusiastically with their students
• You have the opportunity to do significant experiential learning right here on campus - including soil, water and core testing

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout your Heavy Equipment Techniques program, you will study the overhaul, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Upon completion, you will have a comprehensive background in mechanical studies, preventative maintenance, safe shop practices, and equipment management systems.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING
Studying Heavy Equipment skills at Fleming College pays off in several ways:

We are known for our up-to-date equipment, quality programs, high industry placement rate, and skilled, knowledgeable instructors.
Excellent relationships with the industry mean jobs - linking students to potential employment opportunities upon graduation.
Heavy Equipment Techniques students will have the opportunity to write 3 Levels of the Heavy Equipment Technician Exemption Common Core tests. Successful completion of the three examinations (70% minimum) will satisfy all in-school apprenticeship requirements for completion of a 421A Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprenticeship, two levels of the 425A Agricultural Equipment Technician and 282E Powered Lift Truck Technician apprenticeships, and one level of the 310T Truck and Coach Technician apprenticeship.

The Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist is the "wizard" who provides technical expertise to produce effective and useful plans and project reports through the applied use of technology.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
GIS Application Specialists help various agencies and government do effective planning to manage all aspects of the environment and community life. For example, you might work on natural resources, agriculture, or community health projects. You'll be collecting information, and then distilling it to be put into a form that specialists and technicians can use.

• In this post-graduate, intensive GIS program you will use current, high-end technology tools to collect, store, manipulate, analyze, interpret, and communicate geographic information within a variety of disciplines.
• Fleming's leadership in this field has been recognized by industry, government and business through their support in establishing the Geomatics Institute at Fleming.
• These outstanding partnerships offer students access to the latest computer hardware, software, data resources and field technology used in the industry today, as well as unprecedented learning and employment opportunities.
• You will have plenty of opportunities to practice your skills in a work-like setting, with a student to computer ratio of one-to-one.

The two-semester Blasting Techniques Ontario College Certificate is the only program of its kind in Canada. This is a highly practical, hands-on program, in a rapidly growing industry.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Fascinated by the explosives industry? Do you like to work outdoors, and in challenging environments? If so, you may be interested in exploring a career as a blaster. With our well-developed connections with industry and our specialized resources and drilling compound, students get the hands-on training necessary for their career in blasting.

• Blasters fill blast holes with explosives and detonate them to dislodge coal, ore, rock, or aggregate, or to demolish structures.
• Blasters are employed by construction, mining, and drilling and blasting companies, as well as in the special effects industry.
• You will focus on three types of explosive cuts, and incorporate a wide range of skills in science, mathematics, and communications.
• Courses include explosives, blasthole drilling, blasting theory, blast design, geology, safety and accident prevention, and environmental issues.

You will spend much of your time in labs, field classes and field assignments, and refining your skills in our state-of-the-art drilling and blasting training centre.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• Fleming's Blasting Techniques certificate has several advantages upon completion:
• You will have common core training as a Surface Miner as required by the Ministry of Labour to enter most blasting sites.
• Upon graduation, you will have the option of certifying with the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) in Quarrying, Basic Construction Blasting, and the Fundamentals of Blasting (Level One).
• Another option upon graduation is to expand your career and job opportunities by continuing at Fleming College in the Resources Drilling Technician diploma program, with direct entry into the program's second semester (subject to availability).

Are you passionate about the environment, with a strong belief in sustainable practices? In this unique, post-graduate program you will learn to develop and implement innovative waste management plans and strategies based on new and emerging technologies and concepts.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Waste is one of the leading problems of our time – increasing waste volumes, increasing severity of impact and costs of waste management and the challenge of managing waste in developing countries and emerging markets are causing a dramatic shift in waste management practices within Ontario and world-wide. Countries around the globe are moving towards a circular economy and waste has to be dealt with in new, innovative ways rather than simply sending it to landfill. The new Waste-Free Ontario Act makes producers responsible for their waste management. Failure to take action in managing waste has economic, environmental, social as well as health and safety implications, including toxic discharge leading to pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions, increased frequency of illnesses, and the loss of valuable resources.

The Sustainable Waste Management program is being offered exclusively at the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences - it is the only college program in Ontario that is focused on building advanced knowledge and skills in sustainable waste management.

• The training will lead graduates to meaningful careers. You will be well-versed in the relevant legislation and existing as well as emerging technologies, with the skills to effect changes in how business and industry manage their waste and how to move them beyond the three R’s of waste management.
• The program focusses on solid waste management, but does include courses that address hazardous waste management.

Are you motivated to contribute to a more sustainable future? Add a valuable skill set in planning to your degree or advanced diploma. Environmental planning focuses on sustainability in development projects for urban and regional land use.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Land use, environmental planning, and integrated resource management are fields that are becoming increasingly complex, as population growth and urban and rural development threaten the natural environment and natural heritage systems. New provincial and municipal environmental protection legislation and guidelines to control this development require public input at all phases of the planning process, as well as knowledge of and adherence to these acts and policies.

With your background in environmental sciences, environmental studies, engineering, or a related science degree in biology, ecology, geography or sustainability, you can add this Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Applied Planning - Environmental. Gain a competitive advantage with this high demand, marketable skill set.

Throughout this intense, two-semester program you will obtain:

• Planning theory, practice, methods and ethics, with hands-on planning experience on real-world projects
• The ability to understand the implications of planning, relative to environmental sustainability, while balancing social and economic issues
• GIS applications skills and 3D computer applications for planning
• Planning skills for natural heritage, with a focus on Indigenous communities and perspectives
• Communications skills using planning language and concepts to participate in public meetings and presentations
• Knowledge of provincial environmental land use policies, acts, and associated municipal planning regulations and processes

Case studies will introduce you to the challenges found in this field, while practical projects enable you to apply your new skills and explore solutions.

Our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences is highly respected for applied training in the environmental sector, GIS expertise and training, experience with natural heritage projects, and strong partnerships, including work with Indigenous communities. The Applied Planning - Environmental program will benefit from these synergies. As a student, you will benefit too from our network of contacts and strong reputation, both during the program, and upon graduation when it comes to your job search.