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Earth Resources Technician (formerly Geology Technician)

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Lindsay

Accepting applications

ERT

Brian Gerry

Ontario College Diploma

January 12, 2009

$1,485.50 per semester *
* Tuition and fees subject to change.

Program Information
Program Curriculum
Course Descriptions

The name of this program is changing to Earth Resources Technician.

Prepare for a career that achieves the best uses of earth and water resources.

Program Highlights

Expect to be in demand. From the analysis of soil and rock to groundwater assessment, from mineral exploration, to civil engineering and environmental consulting - this Fleming College program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Graduates of our program are often the employees of choice for major companies in the growing and diverse earth resources and geotechnical sector.

A strong geotechnical foundation is the bedrock of this program. Fleming College is the only college that offers such depth in geotechnical studies. But it is our unique mix of integrated courses in minerals, geophysics, geotechnical and environmental assessment that gives you a well-rounded and comprehensive skill set to meet the challenges of this field. Employers value this combination and tell us they can't find it elsewhere.

In this two-year diploma program, you'll also study such supportive skills as computing, human relations, and communications - essentials for any earth resources professional. You will learn hands-on in this program, using our up-to-date geological equipment and computer technology. In fact, some companies that hire our grads use our facilities for their employee training. You won't just learn in the classroom - you will learn in field camps, laboratory settings and on the campus landscape. Plus, you'll get the chance to practice your skills in a one-week fall field camp in second year.

Why Choose Fleming?

Since Fleming College has been offering geology programs for over 30 years we've acquired a well-established reputation. In fact, 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. For every hour you spend in lecture, you'll spend two hours working at a hands-on project. You have the opportunity to do all of your 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 you find 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.

What it Takes to Succeed

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:

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

There's a shortage of skilled graduates to meet the growth in the geotechnical and mining exploration sectors. At our most recent on-campus job fairs, companies that recruited our graduates included Aqua Terre Solutions Inc., Crone Geophysics and Exploration Ltd., DGI Geoscience, Gartner Lee Ltd., Golder Associates, MultiVIEW Locates Inc., Naylor Engineering, and Trow Associates Inc. 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
geotechnical project engineer
geophysicist operator

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. With growth in the construction industry throughout Ontario, and in minerals exploration throughout Alberta and the north, employment prospects are high. Or, you might consider working abroad. Many graduates have experienced rapid advancement in their careers within a short period of time, partly because of the real shortage of people with the necessary education and training.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Selection Process

Related Programs

Many of our grads continue with their studies to increase their specialization. You might want to consider taking the Geographical Information Systems - Application Specialist or Cartographic Specialist programs. Other students explore a second diploma in Drilling and Blasting or Environmental Technology.

Additional Costs

Plan on spending about $1,500 in the first year and $525 in the second year for books, supplies and camp fees.

University Transfer Agreements

Course

Hours

Semester 1

Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences

45.00

Communicating Technical Information

45.00

Ecology and Environment

60.00

Ecosystem Skills

60.00

Environmental Leadership

45.00

Geospatial Techniques

45.00

Optional Courses:

Communications Plus

15.00

Semester 2

Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology

30.00

Introductory Chemistry

45.00

Introductory Computing

45.00

Mathematics

45.00

Soil Studies

45.00

Technical Reporting

45.00

General Education Elective

Semester 3

Air Photo Interpretation

45.00

Environmental Issues: The Human Factor

45.00

Fall Field Camp

40.00

Geo-Environmental Site Investigations

45.00

Geochemical Environmental Analysis

45.00

Geomatics in Surveying

45.00

Principles of Hydrogeology

60.00

Surficial Geology

45.00

Semester 4

Computer Aided Drafting

45.00

45.00

45.00

45.00

45.00

Stability of Earth and Structures

45.00

Statistics

45.00

General Education Elective

Semester 1

Environmental Leadership

Course Number: NATR008

This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. A dynamic, interactive case study approach will be used to examine issues arising from environmental disputes and conflicts, and to develop an understanding of ecological sustainability.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00