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CAREERS FOR GRADUATES

There are many different career options available for Environment graduates.  Below is a sample of types of positions that Environment graduates have gone on to. 

Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.

  • Environmental Epidemiologist*
  • Ecologist*
  • Environmental Auditor
  • Environmental Health Officer*
  • Water Quality Inspector
  • Environmental Quality Analyst
  • Environmental Risk Assessor
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator*
  • Environmental Consultant*
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Chemist
  • Air Quality Specialist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Urban Planner
  • Park Naturalist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Environmental Activist/Lobbyist
  • Fundraiser, Environmental Org's. *
  • GIS Analyst*
  • Remediation Specialist
  • Environmental Marketing Specialist*
  • Public Relations Specialist*
  • Recycling Manager
  • Hazardous Waste Material Manager
  • Waste and Water Resource Specialist
  • Eco-tourism Planner
  • Environmental Engineer*
  • Teacher/Professor*
  • Forester*
  • Botanist*
  • Environmental Reporter
  • Editor, Science Magazine*
Note: career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre. Those marked with an asterisk(*) can be viewed using Career Cruising, a Cdn. electronic career guide available in the Centre

WHO EMPLOYS ENVIRONMENT GRADUATES?

In Mississauga:

  • AstraZeneca
  • City of Mississauga
  • Cognis Canada Corporation
  • Glaxo Wellcome Canada
  • Golder Associates Ltd.
  • Hanson Brick
  • Maxxam Analytics Inc.
  • Novartis Consumer Health Canada Inc.
  • Pelmorex Inc.
  • PPG Canada Inc.
  • Purolator Courier Ltd.
  • Samuel Son & Co. Limited
  • and many others...

In Toronto:

  • ACE INA Insurance
  • AG Simpson Company Limited
  • Bayer Inc.
  • CCL Industries Inc.
  • CH2M Hill Canada Ltd.
  • City of Toronto
  • Environics Research Group Ltd.
  • ESL Korea
  • Genpharm Inc.
  • Giffels Associate Limited
  • Hydro One Inc.
  • Imperial Oil Ltd.
  • and many others...

SKILLS DEVELOPED BY ENVIRONMENT MAJORS

Research Skills:
  • Collect and preserve field organisms
  • Dissecting preserved specimens
  • Conduct journal research
  • Read and comprehend scientific journals
  • Evaluate the validity of research articles, scientific websites, etc.
  • Utilize logical reasoning to interpret results/data derived from scientific experimentation
Technical Skills :
  • Use computer programs including excel and PowerPoint to manipulate and display data
  • Accurately follow laboratory protocols with attention to detail
  • Maintain laboratory equipment
  • Comply with quality control procedures while conducting experiments
  • Demonstrate an understanding of safety regulations

Quantitative Skills:

  • Analyzing data for trends
  • Applying statistical packages to data to test for significance

Written Communication Skills:

  • Document observations from experiments
  • Organize research ideas and information into comprehensive reports
  • Support scientific findings by writing literature reviews of journal articles
  • Create graphs to visually represent data
Oral Communication Skills:
  • Use various visual aids including overhead projectors, computers and posters to conduct oral presentations on research findings
  • Interact professionally with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, technicians, students and professors
  • Adapt vocabulary to suite a wide variety of audiences including the general public and senior scientists
Organizational Skills:
  • Managed time effectively to balance demands of work, academic and social life
  • Successfully managed multiple priorities during peak times during the academic year
SAMPLE JOB LISTINGS FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS/RECENT GRADUATES

Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates.  To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation.  Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.

Junior Environmental Professional - O’Connor Associates Environmental Inc
  Environmental Policy Analyst - Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development
  GIS Specialist - Credit Valley Conservation Authority
  Park Interpreter - Parks Canada
  Environmental Consultant - Soil-Eng Limited
  Environmental Advisor - Energy Probe Research Foundation
  Project Supervisors - Canada World Youth
  Renewable Energy Program Coordinator - Falls Brook Centre
  Junior Emissions Technician - Bodycote Materials Testing
  Water Treatment Associate - Nex Canada Inc.
  Regional Nuclear Waste Dialogue Coordinator - Assembly of First Nations
  Project Ecologist - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
  Research Technician - Credit Valley Conservation
  Naturalization Crew Leader - Credit Valley Conservation Authority
  Junior Regulatory Analyst - CANTOX Health Sciences International
HOW TO GET EXPERIENCE

Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want.  Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online.

Join the Green Team!
The UTM Green Team is a group of students who care about the environment and volunteer or are employed by the U of T Mississauga Sustainability Coordinator. All paid positions are part of the Work-Study Program. There are a variety of positions for students in all academic programs and for all interests, from making posters, chalking slogans, planting trees or to running campaigns or project support for Green Team staff.

Past Green Team positions have included:

  • Web Site Coordinator & Data Manager
  • Ink Jet Coordinator
  • Sustainable Campus Research Assistant
  • Campus Environmental Audit Assistant
  • Alternative Transportation Coordinator
  • …and many more!
Summer/Part-time Internships
  • Stewardship Assistant
    Mississauga Garden Council
  • Fisheries Habitat Technician
    Credit Valley Conservation
  • Energy Auditor
    Clean Air Foundation
  • Trainee Student
    Inco Ltd. Environmental Control Group
  • Enviro-Webmaster
    EcoSource Mississauga
  • Coordinator/Liaison Officer
    Earth Day Canada
  • Science Educator
    Ontario Science Centre
Work Study Volunteer

Previous postings have included:

  • Database Designer & Analyst
  • Environment Health Policy Research
  • Environment Assessment and Research
  • Web Site Coordinator & Data Manager
  • Waste Management Policy Analyst
  • UTM Recycling Coordinator
  • Environment Education Research/Liaison
  • Sustainable Campus Research Assistant
  • Program Assistant
    Citizen’s Environment Watch
  • Learning Module Coordinator
    Evergreen
  • Copy Writer/Editor
    Citizens Environment Watch Program
  • Writer/Researcher
    Earth Day Canada
  • Pride Week Recycling Volunteers EnerACT
Extern Job Shadowing Program  

Previous Placements:

  • Environmental Planner, Toronto Conservation Authority
 
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Joining on campus clubs and professional associations are a great way of gaining industry information and demonstrating your enthusiasm and dedication to your field of interest. On campus clubs include: Erindale Environmental Association (EEA), the Lets Talk Science Partnership Program and the Outdoors Club.

Professional Associations:

The Ontario Environment Industry Association
A not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the economic health of environmental businesses. Student members are provided with a forum through which to network with future employers.

Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario

Environmental Education Ontario

Ontario Society for Environmental Education


Don't forget about U of T Mississauga alumni!


Browse through our alumni profiles to learn about their experiences, thoughts and advice. You can also check out Alumni Career Connections, where you have the potential to contact an alum in your field of interest and learn more about your options.
Here are a few alumni you may be interested in reading about:


Environment-related Programs at U of T Mississauga:

Environmental Science (B.Sc., Specialist, Major & Minor)
The Environmental Science programs offer an opportunity to study the interdisciplinary sciences that are required to understand complex environmental problems. The overarching focus is the relationship among biota, land, water and air. Courses deal with topics such as the structure and function of natural and managed ecosystems, and water quality and quantity issues. READ MORE ›

Environmental Management (B.A., Specialist, Major & Minor)
The Environmental Management programs focus on environmental issues and public policy. Beginning with an introduction to the political and socioeconomic framework of environmental management, students have the opportunity to develop specialized skills in resource management, environmental assessment, and the policy aspects of environmental change. READ MORE ›

RESOURCES
Career Centre Library Resources: Web Links:
  • EnviroEmployment Guidebook
  • Canadian Environmental Directory
  • Canadian Graduate Programs in Environmental Studies 2003/4
  • Ontario Environmental Industries: Hazardous Waste Management Companies
  • Career Cruising
  • Career Information Binders
  • The Canadian Student Employment Guide: Environment Degree
  • Clinical Laboratory Science Careers
  • Careers for Animal Lovers and Other Zoological Types
  • Careers for Nature Lovers and Other Outdoor Types
  • Eco Canada
    Current environmental job postings including junior/entry-level jobs and job located in the GTA. In addition to viewing job postings, you can create an on-line resume, view employer profiles and learn about additional training.

  • CanadianEnvironmental.com
    Visit Canadian Environmental.com to view job postings in the environmental industry. This website also contains links to industry information and environmental events occurring across Canada.
Career Centre Panel Packages:
The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca

What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check out our Events calendar for upcoming career related events.

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