Program Description Water is a life source that millions of species depend on for survival. As a water quality technician, you will work towards keeping water safe for consumption and for its return to the environment through proven treatment methods. Distribution and collection methods will also be examined. As part of this program, you will complete the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) entry-level Drinking Water course and may also challenge the four MOECC operator-in-training exams (water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection) for an additional fee. This program also offers you the opportunity to add to your skills and knowledge with real-life work experience gained through either a field placement or a co-operative education (co-op) experience. Public health depends on the superior management of water quality and a team of professionals is required to ensure safe water for residents of Ontario. The Water Quality Technician program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to work in water and wastewater treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and environmental monitoring. You will receive the specific education required to develop the skills needed to meet the demands of municipalities with water and wastewater treatment systems, water-use industries and environmental monitoring agencies. Classes will be delivered at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses, depending on the semester and year. This enables students to utilize various applicable lab resources. Students will be notified in advance when they register for classes. You will focus on: Engineering concepts Environmental quality Professional responsibility relating to co-workers, the public and regulators The impact that water quality has on human health Targeted skills development includes:
Chemistry and mathematics related to water quality, treatment and analysis Conflict management, problem solving and effective communications Emerging pathogen risks and public health concepts Hydrology Knowledge development in the areas of operation of water and wastewater systems Microbiology System design concepts and blue print reading Sampling, laboratory techniques and data interpretation Please note: You will be required to purchase green tag safety boots in order to participate in many laboratory settings.
Career options:
Maintenance operator Compliance officer Water quality technician Technical support Wastewater collection operator Customer service, construction coordinator Asset management inspector Lead sampling group technician Process and compliance technician Works technician Utilities technician
