Do you have an interest in shaping the environment of the future? Do you want to restore and protect the planet’s land and water resources? Then dig in and put your passion to work in the Environmental Assessment and Restoration program. This two-year program will put you at the forefront of environmental stewardship.
In this practical, hands-on program focused on soil and water, your classroom theory will be reinforced with hands-on application during labs and fieldtrips that take you out into your future office – the great outdoors. Through a mix of science, law and technology, you’ll learn how to restore the resources our world depends on and be part of the growing fields of remediation, reclamation and restoration.
Apply Now Grab and Go InformationCareer Opportunities
- Environmental Assessment Officer
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Environmental Technologist
- Environmental Investigator
- Pollution Prevention Officer
- Reclamation Technologist
- Soils Technologist
- Water Survey Technologist
- Water Quality Technologist
- Watershed Management Coordinator
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
8+ labs
dedicated to environmental assessment, research and learning
1st
The Environmental Assessment and Restoration program has been recognized as the first step in becoming a professional agrologist (P.Ag.) by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists
Transfer
into Lethbridge College’s Bachelor of Ecosystem Management program
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
Dates and Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
This program is available for International Students.
New applicants are accepted into the Environmental Assessment and Restoration two-year diploma program for the Fall term (September) only.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 12 Math (equivalent to Alberta’s Math 30-2 or a higher level Math)
- Grade 11 Biology
- Grade 11 Chemistry
Basic computer literacy in the use of the Internet, e-mail, word processing, and fundamental processes of spreadsheets is required for the student to be successful in this program. Students lacking these skills are strongly urged to complete a basic computer literacy course prior to entering this program.
Employers often require that students hold a valid Standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certificate and/or a CPR Certificate to be eligible for seasonal and/or permanent employment. Students are encouraged to obtain these certificates either prior to entering the program or during the first year.
Supplies for Field Studies
Students on field studies are expected to provide their own equipment and supplies. This may include:
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- adequate clothing for cold/wet weather
- binoculars
- CSA approved steel-toed safety boots or approved toe caps (second year)
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- safety glasses
- water bottle
Equipment and supplies may not be required in all courses or terms. Please consult the course outlines for specific equipment required before purchasing. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Other Required Supplies
Available from Lethbridge College Bookstore:
- 16x hand lens
- lab coat
- safety glasses
Available from sporting, hardware and office supply stores:
- 4 GB or higher USB memory stick
- 12 or more coloured pencils (pencil crayons)
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- chest waders (rubber soled)
- clipboard
- Nexus Type 115 or Silva Ranger compass (with declination adjustment screw)
- scientific calculator ($15-$30 range)
- soil bulk density sampler (optional)
For additional information concerning lab or field equipment, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma.
Interested students can obtain further information on these partnerships from the School of Environmental Sciences Chair. Students wishing to continue studies at other institutions must meet the entrance requirements of that institution.
Athabasca University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards the post-diploma Bachelor of Science (General Science) at Athabasca University.
Graduates are also eligible to receive 30 credits towards a post-diploma Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics), Bachelor of Science (Computer and Information Systems), or a Bachelor of Science (Human Science) at Athabasca University. Students may receive up to 30 additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Bachelor of Science post-diploma programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website.
Griffith University, Australia
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a cumulative GPA of 65% or higher, are eligible to receive transfer credit towards the completion of a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Griffith University. For more information, please contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website.
Lethbridge College
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma will be accepted directly into the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, who have completed the required Bridging Courses, may be eligible for acceptance into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement at Lethbridge College. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.7, are eligible for admission into the Bachelor of Technology program at NAIT. Graduates must meet the competitive admission and selection requirements of the Bachelor of Technology at the time of application. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information.
Royal Roads University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, are eligible to receive block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice or the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University - provided all entrance criteria for admissions to Royal Roads University are met and space remains available. Graduates may also be eligible to receive block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Royal Roads University, with the completion of one additional university level math course (calculus or linear algebra preferred) on arrival. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information.
University of Alberta
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Science (Land Reclamation major) at the University of Alberta. To receive the total allowable credits, applicants must present all diploma program requirements and meet the University of Alberta's entrance requirements. Please contact Academic Advising at the University of Alberta for further information.
University of Lethbridge
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, are eligible for admission into the post-diploma Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) at the University of Lethbridge. Admitted students will be third-year degree level students in the university's Faculty of Arts and Science in all respects. For more information, please see an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website.
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Delivery Formats
The Environmental Assessment and Restoration program is delivered through an on-campus format.
Hyflex with In-Person Labs
This program is offered both online and on campus in a synchronous format (learning occurs at the same time) that allows lectures to be delivered in-person or through a hyflex approach as needed. All labs take place in-person on campus in Lethbridge.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1167 | Botany 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1168 | Zoology 1 | 3 |
| RRM-1197 | Spatial Information Techniques 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2253 | Soil Resources 1 | 3 |
| STS-1155 | Descriptive Statistics | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO-1170 | Plant Systematics 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1172 | Ecology 1 | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| GEO-1166 | Physical Geology 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2252 | Water Resources 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CHM-1155 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| GEO-1165 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| LAW-1150 | Introduction to Environmental Law | 3 |
| RRM-2256 | Rangeland Management 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2264 | Forest Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CHM-2255 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| ENV-2280 | Contaminant Management 1 | 3 |
| ENV-2290 | Site Reclamation 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2295 | Hydrogeology 1 | 3 |
| SOL-2250 | Soil Fertility | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
1 Indicates course with a field study component.
Special note about field studies: Students are off-campus completing field studies during most of September and April. Due to scheduling conflicts, it is extremely difficult to take Year 1 and Year 2 courses simultaneously.
Students are advised to complete all Year 1 courses before proceeding to Year 2, and all Year 2 courses before enrolling in Year 3 courses (for related post-diploma certificate or degree programs). In the Fall term, field studies are scheduled in September, while in the Winter term, field studies are scheduled in April. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies are mandatory.
Students may complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses to enhance their employability. Courses such as firearms safety, ATV operation, chain saw operation, loading and backing trailers, and basic first aid may be offered by third-party businesses. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses.
Tuition and Fees
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$4,929.00
|
$1,952.50
|
$1,300.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,409.00
|
$1,862.50
|
$800.00
|
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$14,709.00
|
$1,952.50
|
$1,300.00
|
| Year 2
|
$15,729.90
|
$1,862.50
|
$800.00
|
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.
Supplies for Field Studies
Students on field studies are expected to provide their own equipment and supplies. This may include:
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- adequate clothing for cold/wet weather
- backpack for gear
- binoculars
- CSA approved steel-toed safety boots or approved toe caps (second year)
- field equipment vest (recommended)
- food
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- sunscreen
- safety glasses
- warm sleeping bag
- water bottle
- work gloves
Equipment and supplies may not be required in all courses or terms. Please consult the course outlines for specific equipment required before purchasing. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Other Required Supplies
Available from Lethbridge College Bookstore:
- 16x hand lens
- dissection kit
- lab coat
- metric triangular scale with 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20 and 1:50 graduations
- safety glasses
- “write-in-the-rain” field notebook/surveyors book
Available from sporting, hardware and office supply stores:
- 4 GB or higher USB memory stick
- 12 or more coloured pencils (pencil crayons)
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- binoculars (8X40 or 10X50 magnification)
- chest waders (rubber soled)
- clipboard
- Nexus Type 115 or Silva Ranger compass (with declination adjustment screw)
- scientific calculator ($15-$30 range)
For additional information concerning lab or field equipment, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
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This program belongs to the
Centre for Technology, Environment & Design
Featured Graduates
Nicole Bach
"[The Environmental Assessment and Restoration program] was such a natural fit, with approachable instructors, a busy workload, frequent field trips studying what we’d learned, and a close and supportive group of students. It opened doors to a career I could love.”
Joshua Day Chief
“One of our weakest points as a business early on was the technical and science background. So I went into the [Environmental Assessment and Restoration] program really focused on the water side of things, but little did I know how much plant and soil science would come into play.”
Sharon (Luney) Smit
“The program at Lethbridge College has offered a lot of opportunities for me to work for the provincial and federal governments as well as private industry. I started with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and worked in an arctic research station (Fresh Water Institute) in Winnipeg. I’ve worked for the Department of Natural Resources and the Canadian Wildlife Service. I’ve also worked as a private consultant to environmental consulting companies. For the last 10 years, I have worked for environmental analytical labs.”
Scholarships
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships: