Diploma in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Canada

The Environmental Monitoring & Assessment program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate the effects of human actions on air, water, soil and vegetation, and the ability to apply best practices in environmental management and remediation.

You will gain hands-on experience in environmental sampling, analysis and assessment techniques, developing expertise in quality assurance and quality control processes. You will learn to monitor environmental quality, manage waste effectively and apply strategies for land reclamation and remediation. Advanced lab skills and fieldwork provide practical training, ensuring you are ready to measure pollutants, assess environmental risks and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, site assessment, remediation and laboratory analysis. They may work with government agencies, private industry, or non-profit organizations, conducting environmental site assessments, analyzing samples for contaminants, or managing projects to restore and protect natural habitats. By addressing land and water reclamation challenges and contributing to environmental research, graduates play a crucial role in safeguarding ecosystems and promoting sustainability in diverse sectors.

What you will learn

During the first semester, you'll acquire skills and knowledge in the general sciences of biology and chemistry, communications, ethics, botany, zoology, genetics and lab techniques and calculations.

You'll then be trained in the following areas:

Field skills

• perform field analysis of soil, vegetation and water quality
• monitor air pollutants
• collect environmental samples from air, water, soil, plants and waste for lab analysis
• conduct environmental site assessments – ESA (Phase I - III)
• maintain and calibrate field equipment for environmental sampling

Additional Skills

• design and manage group-based projects
• measure effects of pollutants on the environment by studying toxicology
• use current solid and hazardous waste treatment technologies and monitoring systems
• use legislation and standards related to environmental issues
• employ pollution prevention and pollution control technologies
• use quality assurance and quality control principles to obtain accurate data
• generate and keep detailed log books
• compile and manage data using Microsoft Office software
• write reports, perform literature reviews, and prepare and give presentations

Laboratory Skills

• perform wet chemical and instrumental analyses of water, wastewater, soil, waste and air samples for biological, physical and chemical parameters
• prepare reagents and primary calibration standards