Students

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

What kinds of work term opportunities may be available?

Many excellent work experience opportunities exist for Environmental Science students with environmental industry employers. Work experience employer partners have included a variety of large, medium and small energy companies, municipal, provincial and federal government, non-government organizations, environmental engineering, environmental field services, laboratories and research facilities within industry segments of air, water, waste, reclamation and occupational hygiene. While many work term opportunities are located in the Calgary area, students should be prepared to travel to remote field assignments and/ or relocate throughout Alberta or Canada to secure a quality work experience.

Environmental Science work experience students have held positions such as: Laboratory Technician, Environmental Health and Safety Technologist, Junior Transfer Station Technical Coordinator, Environmental Student, Environmental Specialist, Model Forest Project Assistant, Conservation Intern, Aquaculture Technician, Recycling Ambassador, Materials Testing Technician, Air Quality Technician, Water System Operator, Field Technician and Project Coordinator.

How do I prepare for my work experience?

Work Experience Preparation - Professional Development (PD) is a series of work experience preparation seminars held each academic year as a component of the ENVS 1111 class scheduled each Fall semester. These seminars prepare students to:

  • Create a professional cover letter and resume. Develop job interview strategies and skills. Participate in job interviews with confidence. Understand and develop effective networking and self-marketing skills. Understand the world of work in a particular career field. Develop professional workplace attitudes and behaviors. Learn from an employer's assessment of capabilities and skills. Communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
  • Have a professional sense of social responsibility, "due diligence" and understand the relationships between society and industrial development

Note: Regular attendance in ENVS 1111, active participation in your PD classes and successful completion of all assignments are mandatory elements of work experience. You will not be eligible to go out on a work experience work term until you have completed and met requirements as set by your faculty and work experience coordinator.

What about expenses?

By starting to plan now, you can be financially prepared for your work term(s). Expenses will include:

  • Work experience course fees - please consult the 2019/20 Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information.
  • Safety training and equipment - prior to the start of your first work term, you will be completing non-credit industry safety training and certifications as part of ENVS 1111 course requirements. Safety training courses will include: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), H2S Alive, and First Aid with CPR. Students should budget for the purchase of work clothing and safety equipment: CSA-certified steel-toed boots, safety goggles, work gloves, ear plugs, etc. (estimated $200 to $300).
  • Transportation - in most circumstances, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the work site.
  • Relocation - be prepared to relocate! Varying relocation expenses will be incurred when completing a work term in a city or field location outside of Calgary. Please note that for fieldwork, employers may assist with or provide travel/some living costs (i.e., meal allowance or per diem), paid overtime and some of your relocation expenses. You should expect and budget for travel costs, moving expenses and possibly paying rent in a different location for the four months of your work experience.