- Diploma in Earth Resources Technician Co-op
- 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
-
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.
Hands-on learning from industry-experienced faculty is a major part of this program. Fleming College recently reopened the geology wing after a $4.5 million upgrade of our program teaching labs and field equipment, as part of the development of a GeoCentre at the Frost Campus.
MEET OUR FACULTY
- Joanna Hodge
-
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
-
COMMON FIRST SEMESTER
Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options - and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.
Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.
WORK EXPERIENCE
You will participate in a mandatory, paid 6 month co-op following semester 2. The co-op will take place from May to mid October, and provide an opportunity to enhance your learning experience, skills and abilities, as well as the opportunity to earn income.
Please note: In addition to paying tuition and fees while studying at Frost Campus, students will pay a co-op fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op.
IS THIS YOU?
You have to love working in the outdoors if you want to succeed and be happy in this career. Other than that, you should possess or be willing to work on acquiring these skills during the program:
- the ability to work within a group/team
- computer literacy
- self-discipline
- good organizational skills
- time management skills
- math skills/logical thinking
- analytical/creative thinking skills
- good oral/written communication skills
-
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled graduates to meet growth in the geotechnical, environmental and mining exploration sectors. At our most recent on-campus job fairs, companies that recruited our graduates included Ground Truth Exploration, Golder Associates, Crone Geophysics, GHD, Stantec, Aecon, Amec Foster Wheeler, Brigus Gold and many others. Some were hiring for multiple positions. Sample job titles include:
- geotechnical technician
- environmental technician
- process control/quality control technician
- hydrogeologic technician
- lab and field technician
- engineering technician/technologist
- geophysicist operator
- mining or mineral exploration technician
-
Your job duties could include terrain evaluation, soil, water and bedrock description and evaluation, groundwater and surface water pollution studies, engineering inspection for structures, remote sensing for earth resources, exploration for water, aggregates, minerals and site assessments. You could work for employers such as consulting engineering firms, aggregate production companies, mineral exploration companies, mineral processing labs, groundwater consultants, environmental planners, government agencies, and other corporations.
St. Mary's University,Calgary
Memorial University
Columbia College
University of Quebec in Mon...
York University
Ecole de Technologie Superi...
