Career Options after Environmental Chemistry

What is Environmental Chemistry?

Environmental Chemistry is a Physical Science. It is the study of chemical processes occurring in the environment which are impacted by anthropogenic activities. It seeks to understand the impacts through the application of chemical and physical parameters of elements and molecules to systems large and small. These impacts may be felt on a local scale, through the presence of urban air pollutants or toxic substances arising from a chemical waste site, or on a global scale, through depletion.

What makes Environmental Chemistry at UTSC unique?

  • Graduates of Specialist programs are eligible to receive their Environmental Professional in Training (EPt) designation, which is a developmental certification for emerging environmental professionals: www.eco.ca/accreditation.
  • The Environmental Chemistry Specialist is Nationally accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC): www.cheminst.ca.

Skills of Environmental Chemistry Grads

  • Application of modern analytical instrumentation including spectroscopy, (NMR, Mass, Light), Microscopy
  • Design and application of experiments
  • Analysis of contaminants and pollutants
  • Investigate aspects of chemicals and processes as they occur in the environment
  • Assess environmental risk from pollutants and other disturbances
  • Qualitative and quantitative approaches for environmental impact assessments & audits
  • Practical methods of resource exploration and assessment
  • Communication skills – writing of technical report and project proposals
  • Presentation skills – visualization of data and communication of research findings/topics

Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Water Treatment Specialist in Water Treatment and Waste Disposal
  • Environmental Assessment Analyst
  • Environmental Auditor
  • Chemist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Government Scientist (Provincial and Federal)
  • Research Associate in Universities
  • Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator in Chemical Product Distributors
  • Quality Assurance in Manufacturing (Food, Paper, Chemical, Plastics)
  • Analytical Specialist in Engineering Consulting

The Career Directory

Environmental Chemistry Grads from UTSC have gone on to:

  • Alpha Laboratories (Laboratory Clerk)
  • MediSystem Pharmacy (Relationship Manager)
  • Ministry of the Environment (PPCP Analyst)

UTSC Environmental Chemistry graduates are working in Government Research, Education, and Operations.

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

  • Environmental Chemistry – Master and Doctorate Degrees
  • Environmental Science – Bachelor or Master • Engineering – Bachelor or Master
  • Biotechnology – Master
  • Regulatory Affairs – Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Quality Assurance – Post-Graduate Diploma
  • Occupational Health & Safety – Certificate

Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Environmental Chemistry Grads

  • Manufacturing (Chemical, Pharmaceutical)
  • Research and Development
  • Consulting
  • Biotechnology
  • Health and Safety
  • Education
  • Renewable Energy
  • Government (Federal, Regional, Provincial, Municipal)
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Healthcare
  • Waste Management

Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan

1. Do Your Research

The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:

Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.

Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:

  • Information Interviews
  • Working On-Campus
  • Internships
  • Volunteering

2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience

Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:

Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.

Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.

As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.

As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.

3. Build Your Network

Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!

Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences website.