Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture (Co-op Optional)

at Fleming College - Frost Campus (Lindsay) Canada

The Advanced Water Systems Operation and Management program will prepare graduates to work in water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater treatment, related work in industry, as well as inspection or enforcement.

Program Highlights
The operation and management of water and wastewater treatment systems to safeguard against water-borne diseases, and ensure a healthy environment in an efficient and sustainable manner are paramount in both public and private sector industries. The provision of potable water and the effective treatment of the municipal and industrial wastewater streams are growing fields in the environmental sector. The Ontario government has passed into law rigorous training requirements for water and wastewater treatment operators, in response to recommendations made in the Walkerton Commission of Inquiry reports. Under the Safe Water Drinking Act, operators require training and certification to run these systems safely. This one-year Graduate Certificate program in Advanced Water Systems Operations and Management will provide you with:

• The opportunity to do real, hands-on manipulation of equipment and data collection, learning about water systems operation in our labs and wet-work facilities.
• Faculty expertise to guide you in understanding government regulations on the treatment of water and wastewater in this highly regulated and changing industry.
• The knowledge needed to pass the Ministry of Environment Licensing and Certification exams for Water and Wastewater Operators.
• Project management skills, essential to your success in this field.
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills required to respond to emergency or non-routine situations as an operator or supervisor in this challenging field.
• Health and Safety knowledge and awareness training to assist graduates in a safe working career and progression into management roles.
• The knowledge and practical expertise to assist and lead organizations and government agencies in the provision of drinking water and the treatment of wastewater.

The Ecosystem Management Technology program builds on the expertise developed from the two year Technician program. You will also gain applied experience while working with community and resource agencies that are dedicated to long term ecosystem health.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The third year of Fleming's Ecosystem Management Technology program begins with a mandatory four-day field camp in a remote wilderness setting. This experience offers both personal challenge and the opportunity to build effective working relationships with your classmates - essential preparation for the year ahead.

If you are looking for a challenge, are passionate about the environment and want to be a leader, then this program is for you.
Students participate in the unique placement program - Credit for Product - spending one day per week working with a team on a project for an external agency.
Students in the Ecosystem Management Technology program also host an annual EcoHealth conference. The class invites the public, local area residents, community groups and businesses to attend, participate and learn.
If you are interested in continuing your education once you complete the Ecosystem Management Technology program, the university transfer agreements in place with a number of universities are first rate. Alternatively, if you are a university student looking for a program to complement your degree and provide you with a more applied approach to learning, then this program will meet your needs.
Students will attend the Annual National Council for Science and the Environment Conference in Washington D.C. A current passport for this activity is required.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• The Ecosystem Management Technologist program is the only one of its kind at an Ontario community college.
• As a discipline, Ecosystem Management is on the leading edge of resource conservation in the 21st century - the future is now.
• The School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences at the Frost Campus encourages small class sizes and access to state-of-the-art technology.
• Dedicated, award-winning faculty provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region.
• Our transfer agreements with universities enable graduates to further their studies and obtain a degree.
• Program graduates are eligible to apply for a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at Trent or York University and complete it with an additional two years of study at these partner institutions (this would normally take seven years to complete instead of five).
• An agreement with Cape Breton University enables program graduates to obtain their Bachelor of Science (Environment) with approximately one year of study.

Aquaculture involves a range of activities, related principally to farming marine and freshwater fish and seafood. The salmon industry accounts for the majority of aquaculture operations in Canada.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
This compressed, one-year program is the only Aquaculture program offered as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Ontario. Food aquaculture operations encompass a wide variety of species and culture techniques. In addition to food production, aquaculture activities include production of fish for conservation, and production for ornamental species. The global demand for aquaculture products is growing, along with demands for stewardship, sustainability and food safety and security. This unique program combines:

• Significant hands-on operational experience
• Numerous field trips to experience aspects of the aquaculture industry such as trout farming and conservation stocking
• Business training so that graduates can both promote the industry and understand the diverse challenges facing aquaculture enterprises

During first semester, students will address aquaculture fundamentals. Much of the program will take place in the campus hatchery facilities, which include an Atlantic salmon hatchery and a muskellunge hatchery.
The focus in second semester is on operational and business practices, and internship planning.

CO-OP EXPERIENCE
Final semester is an 8-week, off-site, paid co-op experience, enabling students to specialize in their area of interest.
Please note: In addition to paying tuition and fees for 2 semesters of study, students pay a co-op fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.

The Sustainable Agriculture program is designed for new farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods.

Program Highlight
Throughout the Sustainable Agriculture program you will:

• Learn from experienced farmers and practitioners in class, on farm field days, and during panel discussions.
• Develop your own business case and farm plan.
• Focus on the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and small farm operations and viability.
• Enjoy a highly interactive learning environment.

Co-op Experience
The 16-week, on-farm, co-op experience over the summer creates opportunities for specialization. Previous co-ops have included national and international farm locations as well as work with urban food advocacy groups and farmers.

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.

Participate in more hands-on fish and wildlife field experiences and related work placements with a third year of study in the Fish and Wildlife Technology program.

Expand your career horizons. Through building on what you've learned in the Fish and Wildlife Technician program, and adding more in-depth studies into the science of fish and wildlife management, you'll be prepared for even greater career success in the field.

You'll take part in more hands-on field experiences and related work placements, training in advanced laboratory techniques, data compilation and analysis, and report writing. An exciting, four-weeks of field placement provides you with the opportunity to further explore your career options - and make valuable employment contacts. Two, week-long field camps in the fall and winter will round out your more intensive experience and extensive skill set.

• Fleming is the only college in Ontario offering a third year specialization in Fish and Wildlife Technology.
• Program graduates are eligible for advanced standing into Trent University's Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology or Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Studies and can complete their Honours degree with just two years of study at Trent.
• Program graduates are eligible for advanced standing entry to Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies and can complete this degree with two years of study.

Why Choose Fleming
The Fish and Wildlife Technology program benefits from the expertise and enthusiasm of faculty with extensive real-life experience in the field, and from hands-on, experiential learning. We also help you secure your future, as many governmental and private employers are looking for graduates from this program. Our contacts are a valuable resource in your career development.

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.

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

Be a part of the solution - as an Ecosystem Management Technician, you contribute to the health of ecosystems, minimizing the negative impact we have on the environment. Through careful consideration of the needs of society and the environment, you'll help governments, conservation groups, and wildlife organizations do environmentally sustainable planning for the future.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Fleming's Ecosystem Management Technician program highlights a holistic approach to the management of human activity within ecosystems. We will prepare you for an exciting career that can take you where YOU want to go, either in your home community, in a wilderness environment, or across the globe. You will study ecosystem composition, structure and function in wilderness, rural, and urban landscapes, and acquire a broad range of technical skills, as well as the flexibility to adapt to changing job requirements. Throughout this program, you will:

• Learn the principles of experimental design and research, and how to apply them to a project of your own
• Participate in the monitoring and assessment of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, conduct resource inventories and environmental sampling, and develop plans for the management of public and private landscapes
• Conduct field research in partnership with a variety of organizations and analyze data generated by this work
• Learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to analyze ecosystems at a variety of scales.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• Ecosystem Management is on the leading edge of resource conservation in the 21st century - the future is now.
• The School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at the Frost Campus encourages small class sizes and provides state-of-the-art technology.
• Dedicated, award-winning faculty provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region.
• While you learn about ecosystem science and the current techniques of sustainable resources management, you will also develop essential skills in communications, human relations, facilitation, problem solving, dispute resolution, and cultural awareness.
• This combination of skills and knowledge is transferrable on a global scale.

PATHWAY PROGRAM
If you do not meet the admission requirements for Ecosystem Management Technician, consider the General Arts and Science - Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option. This pathway program may provide the requirements you need for admission while you earn credit for first semester of Ecosystem Management Technician.

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.