Be ready to get your feet wet and shape the environment of the future.
Our natural world is precious, and you know that. Take steps towards protecting our planet in this practical program that focuses on ensuring our natural ecosystems grow strong and resilient. Work in and out of the classroom and learn about scientific, legal and technological skills that can help the great outdoors see another day.
Dual Diploma Option
Students pursuing Environmental Assessment and Restoration or Renewable Resource Management diplomas share a common first year of courses. The common first year enables Environmental Assessment and Restoration students to take two extra semesters (one additional year) of courses to earn a second diploma in Renewable Resource Management from the School of Environmental Sciences at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Environmental Assessment and Restoration at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
At Lethbridge Polytechnic, you’ll learn key theoretical and practical skills that will aid in your work reclaiming damaged landscapes, improving water quality, and restoring abandoned industrial sites. Or, seamlessly ladder into our Bachelor of Ecosystem Management for a more in-depth career path. Learn directly from experienced instructors who know you by name in smaller class sizes and supportive learning environments both in and out of doors. Develop essential connections with industry professionals and fellow students as you begin your path to protecting our world for a better tomorrow.
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 Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Ecosystem Management degree program or Renewable Resource Management diploma
Career Opportunities
- Environmental Assessment Officer
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Environmental Technologist
- Environmental Investigator
- Pollution Prevention Officer
- Reclamation Technologist
- Soils Technologist
- Water Survey Technologist
- Water Quality Technologist
- Watershed Management Coordinator
80%
of EAR grads have a related job less than one year after completing the program
250
the number of new reclamation specialist positions forecasted to be created in Alberta each year
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew 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 Polytechnic 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.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - GeneralGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological SciencesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied MathematicsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Systems | Outgoing |
September 2016 - August 2025
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information SystemsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma are eligible for up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Systems. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Griffith University, Australia | Bachelor of Environmental Science | Outgoing |
July 2021 - June 2026
Bachelor of Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 65% are eligible for transfer credit towards Griffith University's Bachelor of Environmental Science. Students will be provided an approved course completion pathway at time of offer of admission. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website for more information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Technology | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of TechnologyGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, who have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and meet all other competitive admission and selection requirements, are eligible for admission into NAIT's Bachelor of Technology. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice | Outgoing |
September 2020 - September 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental PracticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, who have a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher and meet all other entrance criteria, are eligible for block transfer into Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science | Outgoing |
September 2020 - September 2025
Bachelor of Science in Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, with a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher, are eligible for block transfer into Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Students must complete one additional university level math course (calculus or linear algebra preferred) on arrival. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| University of Alberta | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Science - Land Reclamation | Outgoing |
September 2003 - August 2027
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Science - Land ReclamationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma are eligible for up to 60 credits towards the University of Alberta's Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Science - Land Reclamation. To receive the total allowable credits, applicants must present all diploma program requirements and meet the University of Alberta's entrance requirements. Students should contact Academic Advising at the University of Alberta for further information. |
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science | Outgoing |
February 2021 - February 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Environmental ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| BIO-1167 | Botany | 3 |
| BIO-1168 | Zoology | 3 |
| BIO-1170 | Plant Systematics | 3 |
| BIO-1172 | Ecology | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| GEO-1166 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| RRM-1197 | Spatial Information Techniques | 3 |
| RRM-2252 | Water Resources | 3 |
| RRM-2253 | Soil Resources | 3 |
| STS-1155 | Descriptive Statistics | 3 |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CHM-1155 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| GEO-1165 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| LAW-1150 | Introduction to Environmental Law | 3 |
| RRM-2256 | Rangeland Management 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2264 | Forest Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CHM-2255 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| ENV-2280 | Contaminant Management 1 | 3 |
| ENV-2290 | Site Reclamation 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2295 | Hydrogeology 1 | 3 |
| SOL-2250 | Soil Fertility | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
1 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 may complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses to enhance their employability. Courses such as firearms safety, ATV operation, chain saw operation, loading and backing trailers, and basic first aid may be offered by third-party businesses. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,025.00
|
$1,983.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,499.00
|
$1,893.00
|
$800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$16,275.00
|
$1,983.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$18,049.00
|
$1,893.00
|
$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
- binoculars
- CSA-approved steel-toed safety boots or approved toe caps (second year)
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- safety glasses
- water bottle
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 Polytechnic Bookstore:
- 16x hand lens
- lab coat
- safety glasses
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
- chest waders (rubber soled)
- clipboard
- Nexus Type 115 or Silva Ranger compass (with declination adjustment screw)
- scientific calculator ($15-$30 range)
- soil bulk density sampler (optional)
For additional information concerning lab or field equipment, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Environmental Assessment and Restoration program is delivered through an on-campus format.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Nicole Bach
"[The Environmental Assessment and Restoration program] was such a natural fit, with approachable instructors, a busy workload, frequent field trips studying what we’d learned, and a close and supportive group of students. It opened doors to a career I could love.”
Joshua Day Chief
“One of our weakest points as a business early on was the technical and science background. So I went into the [Environmental Assessment and Restoration] program really focused on the water side of things, but little did I know how much plant and soil science would come into play.”
Sharon (Luney) Smit
“The program at Lethbridge College has offered a lot of opportunities for me to work for the provincial and federal governments as well as private industry. I started with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and worked in an arctic research station (Fresh Water Institute) in Winnipeg. I’ve worked for the Department of Natural Resources and the Canadian Wildlife Service. I’ve also worked as a private consultant to environmental consulting companies. For the last 10 years, I have worked for environmental analytical labs.”