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.

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Career Opportunities

  • Environmental Assessment Officer
  • Environmental Compliance Officer
  • Environmental Technologist
  • Environmental Investigator
  • Pollution Prevention Officer
  • Reclamation Technologist
  • Soils Technologist
  • Water Survey Technologist                                                                
  • Watershed Management Coordinator
  • Water Quality Technologist

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.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
International Status with Study Permit
Fall 2024
Open
Waitlisting
Waitlisting

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, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.

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.

Graduation Requirements

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma.

Transfers

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.

Griffith University, Australia

Graduates of Lethbridge College’s Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma program are eligible to transfer credit towards the completion of a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Griffith University, in Australia. All students are provided with an approved course completion pathway at time of offer of admission into a Griffith program. For more information, please visit www.griffith.edu.au/credit 

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. 

Royal Roads University

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma program are eligible for full block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice or the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University. Graduates may also receive full block transfer to 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.

University of Alberta

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma program receive up to 60 credits towards the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Land Reclamation major program at the University of Alberta. In order to receive the total allowable credits, applicants must present all diploma program requirements and meet the University of Alberta's entrance requirements. 

University of Lethbridge

Graduates of Lethbridge College’s Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma program with a minimum 2.75 GPA are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) program. 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 and visit www.uleth.ca

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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

View all courses
CourseTitleCredits
Year 1
Term I
BIO-1167Botany 13
BIO-1168Zoology 13
RRM-1197Spatial Information Techniques 13
RRM-2253Soil Resources 13
STS-1155Descriptive Statistics3
 Credits15
Term II
BIO-1170Plant Systematics 13
BIO-1172Ecology 13
ENG-1150Composition3
GEO-1166Physical Geology 13
RRM-2252Water Resources 13
 Credits15
Year 2
Term I
CHM-1155Chemistry I3
GEO-1165Geographic Information Systems3
LAW-1150Introduction to Environmental Law3
RRM-2256Rangeland Management 13
RRM-2264Forest Management 13
 Credits15
Term II
CHM-2255Chemistry II3
ENV-2280Contaminant Management 13
ENV-2290Site Reclamation 13
RRM-2295Hydrogeology 13
SOL-2250Soil Fertility3
 Credits15
 Total Credits60

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 will be expected to complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses as part of the requirement to complete the program. Courses such as bear safety, firearms safety, pleasure craft operator’s card and boat operations will occur as part of field trip season activities. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses. Prior valid training possessed by students will be considered for recognition.

View course timetables

Tuition and Fees

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$4,875.00
$1,723.00
$1,200.00
Year 2
$5,355.00
$1,643.00
$800.00
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$14,475.00
$1,723.00
$1,200.00
Year 2
$15,491.00
$1,643.00
$800.00
Notes

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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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:

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