Certificate Overview

The Environmental Resources Management (ERM) certificate program increases familiarity and competence in the dynamics of environmental resource management.

This includes strategies and techniques of environmental planning and management, and the biological, physical, social, economic and institutional implications of resource decisions. Students also become familiar with various quantitative methods of analysis and aids to decision making.

ERM courses blend theory and practical exercises to help students develop the comprehensive set of skills. It offers a thorough background in air, water, and soil processes, as well as environmental monitoring, climate change, biotechnology, instrumentation, and experimental design.

Meet your professional certification requirements for EP or EPt
ERM Graduates are eligible to apply for the Environmental Professional Practitioner-in-Training designation, EPt, under CECAB’s (The Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board) National Certification Program for Canadian Environmental Practitioners.
To apply for an EPt certification, applicants must have a two or three year diploma or degree and must intend to pursue a career in the Canadian environment industry (work experience is not required). The EPt certification is a stepping-stone to becoming an Environmental Professional (EP). To apply for an EP certificate, applicants must have a two or three year diploma or degree, as well as a minimum of five years’ environmental work experience in Canada.

Core competencies of our graduates

• Thorough understanding of the fundamentals of environmental management
• Acumen in several areas such as air, water and soil processes; environmental monitoring; biotechnology; instrumentation; and experimental design
• Obtain immediately-applicable knowledge and skills for enhanced job performance or career advancement or can be applied immediately back on the job
• Make better-informed decisions in reducing compliance costs, risks, and liability
• Meet your professional certification requirements for EP or EPt
• Understand the roles of legislatures, rule-making bodies, and regulatory enforcement agencies in environmental protection and management
• Display critical thinking processes: Analyze, understand and evaluate environmental issues
• Manage, plan, and conduct comprehensive environmental compliance for various industrial and commercial facilities
• Develop a network of colleagues from across the provinces while studying

Why a U of A certificate?

Testimonial

“When I left a previous employer, I had about 15 years’ experience in the industry, but no formal education. The Internet pointed me towards the Environmental Resources Management program at the U of A. Four years later, I had a new entry on my resume, the technical background I was lacking before, and knowledge in areas from hydrology to the legal aspects of my day-to-day job. I think in most fields, if you’re only learning one new thing everyday, you’re falling behind. What is offered here at the Faculty of Extension is a good avenue for people who need to and are willing to learn.”
- Todd Schneider
HSE Coordinator / ERM Certificate Program Graduate

Instructors

Our instructors are chosen to participate in the Certificate Program based on their educational background and relevant career experience. All courses are taught by practicing environmental professionals, ensuring that program content is both practical and current. An advisory committee of academic, industry; government; and subject matter experts assist in the on-going program and curriculum design.

Environmental Professional Certification

ERM Graduates are eligible to apply for the Environmental Professional Practitioner-in-Training designation (EPt).

Program Committees

A steering committee has been established to ensure strict adherence to academic and professional standards along with application of program objectives. The committee functions to ensure currency of curriculum, to recommend and approve instructors drawn from the University and community, and to set policies. All courses and instructors are evaluated on a regular and ongoing basis.

The Environmental Resource Management Certificate Program Advisory Committee was formed to guide the direction of the program. The committee includes interested and knowledgeable educators from University of Alberta, community professionals and representatives from the private sector and student members.

• Andrea Hiba Brack
  Natural Resources Conservation Board

• Mark Brostrom
  City of Edmonton

• Michelle Cotton
  Solstice Canada

• Dr. Mark Fenton
  Alberta Geological Survey, Government of Alberta

• Dr. Selma Guigard
  Faculty of Engineering, UofA

• Dr. David Ho
  AN-GEO Environmental Consultants Ltd

• Dr. Ben Jar
  Faculty of Engineering, UofA

• Keith Leggat
  Government of Alberta Alberta Environment

• Don Macdonald
  Government of Alberta - Alberta Environment

• Dr. M. Anne Naeth
  University of Alberta

• John Pawlowicz
  Alberta Geological Survey, Government of Alberta

• Lucy Rachynski
  Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence

• Bruce Peachey
  New Paradigm Engineering Ltd

• Todd Schneider
  Provident Energy

• Ian Skinner
  FedEx Freight Canada

• Ralph Walicki
  QMI

Friends of the Program

• Aecon
• Alberta Construction Safety Association
• Bantrel
• Chinook Drilling, Total Energy Services Ltd
• Clark Builders
• ConocoPhillips
• Core Laboratories
• Edmonton Construction Association
• Jacobs
• IPEX Inc
• Manasc Isaac
• Manufacturers’ Health & Safety Association
• North American Construction Group
• Northlands
• Parkland County
• PCL Constructors Inc
• Pembina Pipeline
• Penn West Energy
• Rockliff Pierzchajlo Architects & Planners Ltd
• Sanjel Corporation
• SaskPower
• Sturgeon County
• Syncrude Canada Ltd
• Tailsman Energy
• TransAlta
• Trican Well Service
• UFA Co-operative Limited