Friday March 6, 2020 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Great Hall of Hart House University of Toronto
Environmental Career Day allows undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing environmental careers to have an opportunity to start early and develop marketable skills, experience and contacts. Attendees are able to talk with exhibitors from organizations representing government, industry, consulting and ENGO’s, as well as attend the Environmental Employment Opportunities Workshop: “What I Need to Know to Get a Job!”, and hear from speakers with extensive career experience and expert career advice.
Please note, that this is not a job fair at which all exhibitors have job opportunities on offer. Some may have, and many of the exhibitors, particularly from the not-for-profit sector, will have volunteer opportunities.
For organizations, the Environmental Career Day event is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase yourself, as well as advertise career, internship, co-op and/or volunteer opportunities to a wide audience. Download the registration form here.
NOTE TO STUDENTS: This is a FREE event, but is only open to all currently registered undergraduate/ graduate university students and community college students. Registration on the day of the event will require you to show your valid 2019-20 student ID card. You will be refused entry at the event if you do not provide your valid student ID card.
Should you have any questions, please email: careerdayuoft@gmail.com
Presented to you by:
Environmental Students Union
Forestry Club (undergrads)
Forestry Graduate Students Association
Graduate Environmental Students Association
Toronto Undergraduate Geography Society
Graduate Geography & Planning Student Society
University of Toronto School of the Environment
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Event Details
The Eighteenth Annual University of Toronto Environmental Career Day will take place on Friday, March 6, 2020, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. See details of the event below.
NOTE TO STUDENTS: This free event is only open to all currently registered undergraduate and graduate university and community college students. Registration on the day of the event will require you to show your valid 2019-20 Student ID card. You will be refused entry if you do not have your valid 2019-20 student ID card.
Location: Great Hall of Hart House – 7 Hart House Circle on the St. George Campus (downtown). Click for a map to Hart House .
Outline of Day’s Events
| Activity | Start Time | Finish Time | Location |
| Exhibitors from Government, Industry, ENGO’s and Consulting | 10:00 am | 3:00 pm | Hart House Great Hall |
| Graduate Advisors from U of T Professional Masters programs | 10:00 am | 3:00 pm | Hart House Great Hall |
| Representatives from U of T student organizations with volunteer opportunities | 10:00 am | 3:00 pm | Hart House Great Hall |
| Environmental Employment Opportunities Workshop: “What I Need to Know to Get a Job!” – Speakers with valuable Career Experience to share | 10:25 am | 2:30 pm | Hart House Great Hall |
2020 Speakers (to date):
Angela Bischoff, Outreach Director, Ontario Clean Air Alliance 10:25 – 10:55
Michael Goffin, Regional Director General, Ontario Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada 11:05 – 11:35
Dorothy Gordon, Human Resources Specialist in the private and public sectors 11:45 – 12:15
Josephine Archbold, Manager, City Clerk’s Office, City of Toronto 12:30 – 1:00
Rosemary Martin, former Chief Sustainability Officer, First Capital Realty 1:10 – 1:40
Kira James, 4th year student in Environmental Studies and Architecture 1:50 to 2:20
Environmental Career Day – Previous Event’s Speakers’ Key Talking Points
The Environmental Career Day speakers, who came from various sectors in the environmental field, discussed and answered questions from students about what students should be doing now and after graduation to prepare for opportunities and possibilities. Here are some of the key talking points from their presentations:
- Skills & Knowledge – hone strong written and verbal communication skills; take training courses/programs for specific tasks and job requirements; commit to continuous learning; get a graduate degree, when relevant to do so.
- Experience – get involved on campus with extracurricular activities; volunteer during and after completing university; make the most of any volunteer and paid work you do, and do that work with a positive attitude, in order to build your experience and reputation – if you are generous and helpful to others, you will be a desired candidate for jobs.
- Determining your career interest – develop and nurture a network, with professors, fellow students, individuals in the work world, professional associations, and employment-networking groups; do informational interviews with those working in jobs of interest to you; select a career focus in order to stand out as a job candidate, but also be flexible about what jobs you will consider, in light of knowledge gained in seeking work.
- Preparation and Presentation – take advantage of career support offered by your university; build a professional presence on social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter); have a current resume that reflects your skills, work history and volunteer experience – think advertisement not autobiography; get input on your resume from those with related work experience; ensure your cover letter addresses what the job requires, and accurately reflects what is in your resume; be well prepared for job interviews – dress appropriately for the job, research the organizations to which you apply, do mock interviews; focus on answering the questions you are asked, and show enthusiasm for the job and the organization; always follow up with people after interviews – get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.
Finally, stay positive and focused in a difficult job market – there are jobs out there, so being well prepared and building a network is the key to finding them.
Registered Exhibitors 2020 (to date):
AIESEC
Bikechain
Canadian Environmental Law Association
CUSO International
Downsview Park
Forests Ontario
Halton Environmental Network
High Park Nature Centre
Jane Goodall Institute
LEAF
Live Green Toronto Volunteers
Marcatus QED Inc.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Pine Project
Pollution Probe
Royal Ontario Museum – Hands-on Biodiversity
School of the Environment (collaborative graduate & professional development programs)
Sustainability Office, U of T
Toronto Renewable Energy Coop
U of T Career Exploration and Education
U of T Faculty of Forestry, Master of Forest Conservation (professional masters program – information available)
U of T Mississauga, Master of Science in Sustainability Management (professional masters program)
U of T Scarborough, Master of Environmental Science (professional masters program)
U of T Student Clubs & Unions with work and volunteer opportunities:
Environmental Students Union, Graduate Environmental Students Association
Forestry Graduate Students Association, Foresters’ Club (undergrads)
Graduate Geography & Planning Student Society, Toronto Undergraduate Geography Society
UTEA (U of T Environmental Action)
UTB.E.E.S (U of T Beekeeping Education Enthusiast Society)
UTERN (University of Toronto Environment Resource Network) project funding opportunities
Wildlands League (Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society)
Event Organizers/Supporters
The University of Toronto’s Eighteenth Annual Environmental Career Day is a collaborate effort co-presented by the following student groups at the University of Toronto…
Graduate Environmental Students’ Association (GESA)
Toronto Undergraduate Geography Society (TUGS)
Environmental Students Union (ENSU)
Forestry Graduate Students Association
Foresters Club (undergrads)
In 2019, this event was made possible by generous financial contributions from the following…
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering: Cross-Disciplinary Programs
The Career Day Planning Committee wish to thank everyone for helping to make last year’s event a great success. In particular, we wish to thank our student volunteers.
Career Resources
A compilation of information, resources and links
Common misconceptions about finding careers in the environment are that jobs are scarce and financially unrewarding. In fact, contrary to these popular beliefs, the environmental industry is continually expanding. It crosses into many diverse fields, such as engineering, physical and health sciences, management, and business administration, to name a few.
Environmental Careers List
Much of our information regarding environmental careers is gleaned from resources from the ECO Canada. Below is a list of careers related to five general fields in the Environment Industry: Protection, Conservation, Promotion, Exploration and Management. These are just a sampling of different careers in the environment, so you can get an idea of how diverse this industry is. Profiles of each career can be found online at ECO Canada. The website is also useful for exploring trends in the environmental job market, as well as offering a wealth of resources linking you to career planning information, job banks, and industry and professional associations.
Careers in Environmental Protection:
- Environmental Biologist
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Technician
- Waste and Water Resource Specialist
- Air Quality Technologist
- Pollution Control Technologist
- Geoscientist
- Environmental Engineer
- Air Quality Specialist
Careers in Environmental Conservation:
- Agrologist (pedologist), Agronomist and Soil Conservationist
- Forester
- Forest Resource Officer
- Agricultural Technologist
- Conservation Officer
- Habitat Biologist
Careers in Environmental Promotion:
- Environmental Communicator
- Environmental Analyst
- Environmental Educator
- Biostatistician and Biometrician
- Outdoor Recreation Specialist
Careers in Environmental Exploration:
- Environmental Chemist
- Ecotoxicologist
- Climate Scientist
- Biochemist and Microbiologist
- Environmental Health Professional
Careers in Environmental Management:
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Economist
- Environmental Manager
- Environmental Sales and Marketing
- Environment, Health and Safety Specialist
- Remote Sensing Specialist
- Environmental Planner
Industry Associations & Networking
Networking is essential to finding a career, and becoming a member of an industry or professional association will link you to valuable contacts as well as expand your knowledge of the environmental field. A comprehensive list of associations based in different provinces can be found on the ECO website.
Ontario Environment Industry Association (ONEIA) is an association representing the interests of the environmental industry in Ontario. Its members and their contact information are listed on the OEIA website.
Connecting Environmental Professionals Toronto is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization dedicated providing opportunities to emerging and established sustainability and environmental professionals.
Green Drinks Toronto is part of an international organization for those entering the environmental field to network with each other and with established professionals.
Job and Volunteer Opportunities, Clubs and Organizations
There are a number of web-based sources with environmental job postings. Participation in the environmental community is the best way to develop much needed connections in the job world. In particular, volunteering your time shows determination and initiative, setting an applicant apart from the rest. It makes you known to the community and provides one with key employment skills and experience. The following links offer work and volunteer opportunities, as well as a variety of clubs and organizations that may help you in your search for participation.
Employment Opportunities
People and Planet Friendly – GoodWork Canada http://www.goodworkcanada.ca/
Work Cabin http://workcabin.ca/
Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO) has a wealth of information about environmental careers, career trends, and environmental education and training programs, as well as a job board.
http://www.eco.ca/Portal/default.aspxCharity Village Non-Profit Work Search Engine
http://www.charityvillage.com/applicant/jobs.asp
Ejobs: This site provides specialized listings for environmental employment in Canada and the U.S.
http://www.ejobs.org/Jobs with the Federal Government: Public Service Commission of Canada employment page (the centralized job listings with the Federal Government)
Environment Canada’s employment page
Environment Canada’s Youth Internships in Science are listed under theScience Horizons Program – Science and Technology – Environment Canada
Jobs with the Ontario Government:Ontario Public Service employment page (the centralized job listings with the Ontario Government.
Summer employment opportunities, internships and resources for youth and new professionals at: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Pages/YNPS.aspx
Volunteer Opportunities
People and Planet Friendly – Planet Volunteer http://www.planetfriendly.net/volunteer/
University of Toronto Clubs and Organizations
There are a number of student clubs on all three campuses that are involved in activities related to sustainability and the environment. A listing of clubs, as well as opportunities for involvement, can be found at: https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca//
General Career Development Resources
What are NOC Codes?
NOC Codes are part of Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) System. The NOC binder, which can be found in most libraries and career centres, contains the classification structure and descriptions of 522 occupational unit groups that constitute the Canadian labour market. Equally helpful is The Career Handbook, which serves as the counselling component to NOC, and includes information on interests, physical activities, and education/training indicators. A detailed index of occupational descriptions, as well as a training tutorial in using NOC codes, can be found at http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/.
General resources:
Canada’s Youth Employment Strategies http://youth.gc.ca/yesinfo_e.shtml
The Edge http://lifework.ca/
Environmental Events
People all over the globe are taking part in events that are changing our world. Find out about what’s on down the street and around the world and join in on the fun. Or add your own event to the list and let everyone know what you’re doing for the planet.
T.O. Greenspiration Events, a weekly e-newsletter of environment-related events in the GTA. To subscribe, send an email request to: angela@cleanairalliance.org
People and Planet Friendly, http://www.planetfriendly.net/, a source of information on green events and organizations, as well as volunteer and paid job opportunities.
Contact
Interested in volunteering at this year’s event? Email us! You must be a currently registered student to volunteer. Email careerdayuoft@gmail.com
General Inquiries
Should you have any general questions or concerns, please email us at: careerdayuoft@gmail.com
Note to Students: This event is only open to all currently registered undergraduate and graduate university and community college students. Registration on the day of the event will require you to show your valid 2019-20 Student ID card. You will be refused entry to the events if you cannot produce your valid 2019-20 ID card.
For Exhibitors
For more information you may contact us by email careerdayuoft@gmail.com
Note to Exhibitors: Please email (david.powell@utoronto.ca) or fax (attention: David Powell at (416) 978-3884) theregistration form to David Powell.
