Education · 1 of 5

The path

A science degree, then field experience. There is no licence to wait for, so you start working right away.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, math and geography. Chemistry matters more than people expect.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science or environmental studies with a science focus. Choose a program with co-op or a required field course.

3. 3

   Field seasons

   Summers

   Summer jobs sampling water, surveying vegetation or monitoring sites. This is the experience employers screen for.

4. 4

   First consulting or government job

   Year 1 to 3

   You start as a field technician or junior scientist and learn the regulations on the job.

5. 5

   Designation or graduate degree, if you want it

   Optional

   The Environmental Professional (EP) designation from ECO Canada (the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada), or a master's degree if you want to specialise in assessment or toxicology.