Graduates of our Earth Resources Technician program are often the employees of choice for major companies in the growing and wide-ranging earth resources and geotechnical sector.
Program Highlights
As an Earth Resources Technician, you can expect to be in demand. Career opportunities are diverse, ranging from the analysis of soil and rock, to groundwater assessment, from mineral exploration, to civil engineering and environmental consulting.
The mandatory, paid 6 month co-op placement gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn, and make valuable connections within the industry.
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
- Fleming College has been offering geology programs for over 30 years and has acquired a well-established reputation
- 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
- You have the opportunity to do significant experiential learning right here on campus - including soil, water and core testing
- For every hour you spend in lecture, you'll spend two hours working at a hands-on project.
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.
Work Experience
You will participate in a mandatory, paid 6 month co-op placement following semester 2. The co-op will take place from May to mid October, and provide an opportunity to enhance your learning experience, skills and abilities, as well as the opportunity to earn income.
Please note: In addition to paying tuition and fees for two semesters of study, students will pay a co-op fee (approximately $468.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.
Is this You?
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
- 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. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
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 post-graduate programs. Other students pursue a second diploma in Resources Drilling and Blasting or Environmental Technician.
Additional Costs
Plan on spending about $1,500 in the first year and $525 in the second year for books, supplies and camp fees.
Transfer Agreements
- Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
- University of New Brunswick
For more information see the Pathways to University page.
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on our website and in our publications. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.