Programs & Courses
Environmental Reclamation Technician
DIPLOMA
About the Program
Environmental reclamation is the returning of lands disturbed from mining, oil and gas activities, transportation, or logging back into either economically productive or natural habitats. As an environmental reclamation technician, you will provide the expertise and support to carry out the reclamation and re-vegetation of these disturbed lands.
Our two-year diploma program was designed by employers to include specific training essential for this career while focusing on the unique environmental conditions of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. You will develop your skills and knowledge in
- surveying and mapping,
- water and soil studies,
- botany and plant taxonomy,
- agronomy,
- weed control,
- environmental assessment and monitoring,
- environmental law,
- legislation and
- reclamation technologies.
Course related field trips and fieldwork may take place on weekends or may require overnight travel. Participation in all activities related to field trips and fieldwork is mandatory.
On-the-job duties may include coordination of field activities for monitoring and sample collection, data analysis, development of reclamation plans, carrying out environmental assessments, researching the history of well-sites, completion of documents and reports, supervision or implementation of weed management measures, or providing technical support for erosion and sediment control.
Development of practical skills and applied training will take place during the programs Capstone Project in the final term.
The environmental field is rapidly expanding and the demand for individuals with the required knowledge, skills and practical experience is increasing. Even during slowdowns in the oil and gas industry, the employment outlook for reclamation professionals remains strong.
Degree Pathways
Start your education at MHC and transfer to University of Lethbridge or University of Saskatchewan to complete a degree!
Introducing Micro-credentials at MHC
Micro-credentials are short, flexible, quality-assured courses that provide learners skills and competencies that are valued by industry and employers. They may be complementary to traditional credentials such as certificates, diplomas and degrees or stand alone.
Interested in the environment? You may be interested in our new Permaculture Design micro-credential!
Alumni Spotlight:
Passion for environment inspires pathway in education
Admission Requirements
High School
High school diploma
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 (minimum 60%)
A minimum of 55% in
- Biology 20
-
Chemistry 30 or Science 30
-
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
Mature Route
Minimum of
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 (minimum 60%)
A minimum of 55% in
-
Biology 20
-
Chemistry 30 or Science 30
-
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
Computer competency requirement
Many of the courses in this program require a level of familiarity and competency with Microsoft Office suite of computer software.You are advised to enrol in MICO 191 before beginning this program if your computer skills are limited.
Co-requisite Certification and Safety Training
- H2S, Standard First Aid Level A.
- Additional Safety certification/training is highly recommended: ATV Safety, Authorized Assistant Pesticide Applicator
- NOTE: Students must have current certification for each of these safety certificates prior to completion of the program. For students to participate in field trips/activities to active oil & gas leases they must have completed both H2S and PST certifications within the first six weeks of the program. Costs of certifications ranges from $50 to $350; you are responsible for these costs.
Professional Certification
Graduates of the Environmental Reclamation Technician program are eligible to apply to the Canadian Environmental Certification Board (CECAB) for designation as EPIT (Environmental Practitioner in Training). Graduates are also eligible to apply to the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) under the designation of Registered Technician Agrologists (RTAg). Students should note provincial legislation in Alberta and Saskatchewan requires that to work as a professional and be able to sign off reclamation certificates individuals must be registered either as RTAg, PAg, PBIOL, RPF or FIT, or PEng.
Environmental Reclamation Technician Diploma after Degree option
Bachelor of Science students, or transfer students with advance standing through completion of a related diploma are accepted into the program in September of each year. Students will potentially be able to receive credit for up to 50% of the Environmental Reclamation program course requirements as a result of transfer credits from their degree. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission.
Course List
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester
| BOTA 205 |
Introduction to Botany |
| EREC 100 | Introduction to Environmental Science Concepts |
| EREC 120 | Petroleum Industry Fundamentals |
| EREC 140 |
Environmental Chemistry |
| GEOG 201 | The Physical Environment |
| Winter Semester | |
| EREC 160 |
Integrated Vegetation Management |
| EREC 230 | Water Fundamentals |
| EVSC 238 |
Introduction to Geographic Information Science |
| STAT 251 | Introduction to Applied Statistics |
| TCOM 110 | Technical Communications |
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|
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SECOND YEAR |
|
| Fall Semester | |
| BIOL 254 | Plant Taxonomy |
| BIOL 255 | Ecology |
| EREC 210 | Agrology and Agro-Ecology for Environmental Technologists |
| EREC 220 | Environmental Sampling and Monitoring |
| SOSC 213 | Soil Resources |
| Winter Semester | |
| EREC 240 | Environmental Assessment |
| EREC 260 | Land Reclamation and Revegetation |
| EREC 263 | Land Reclamation Legislation |
| EREC 285 | Capstone Project |
| GEOG 332 | Map and Air Photo Interpretation |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are in demand. As a graduate you may find field-based or office-based work with private or government agencies involved with environmental monitoring, site mediation and reclamation, resource reclamation, well decommissioning, or environmental impact and audit studies.What is your education going to cost?
Our TUITION and FEES page provides a total cost estimate for your program including books and supplies and related expenses.
Looking for ways to help fund your education?
There are lots of options like student loans, scholarships, bursaries and emergency funding available.
Check out our FINANCIAL AID page for more information.
Many programs offered at Medicine Hat College qualify for transfer credits to other institutions. In some cases, you must transfer to another institution to complete your program and gain your credential.
The ACADEMIC CALENDAR has official information on transfer options for each program.
Please consult the calendar or meet with an academic advisor for more information.
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As a student, there may be times when you require support. Our SERVICES page provides you with links to a number of campus supports including academic success, counselling and care, health and wellness, and many other resources.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?
Enhance your education, share in cultural diversity and embrace new experiences. Visit the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM section to find out more.
Course related field trips and fieldwork may take place on weekends or may require overnight travel. Participation in all activities related to field trips and fieldwork is mandatory.