Environmental Technology

Environmental Technology is a relatively new trade at Worcester Technical High School. Whether you want a career where you work at a computer all day or prefer being outside in all kinds of weather, or like working independently or in a group, strenuous physical activity or a mixture of light work and driving; love to climb, or get wet, or dig in the dirt, or talk to people all day, there is an Environmental Technician job that allows you to be you. The commonality is that they all have a role in ensuring public health and safety through the management and protection of natural resources.

In this trade we are looking for students eager to explore the world around them, from the air we breathe, to living things, to the abiotic or non-living things like metals, sunlight, and temperature. After the first two years of doing and discovering many things you should begin to see how everything IS connected. As a junior you will begin to narrow your field and focus on a certain aspect of environmental technology. Then as a senior you should be ready for an internship and testing for certification. There are a hundred kinds of environmental technicians, but you can begin to work after graduation as a small water operator, a pesticide applicator, a GIS technician, or a solar energy technician to name a few. But, this is not meant to be the end of your education. Many students may not think they want to go to college and being able to begin work after high school graduation is a goal. But these technicians will want "more" and will pursue more training and education. There is a growing need for Environmental Technicians but communities will also be needing to replace a retiring workforce of Civil Engineers, Forest & Land Managers, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Managers, Health & Safety Inspectors, and Compliance Officers; as well as positions that we never heard of in the past, such as Industrial Ecologists and those emerging from Bioterrorism and the health industry

Program Summary

This program provides students with a variety of problem solving experiences in environmental oriented activities. The trade offers opportunities for practical experiences through hands-on investigations, service learning, shadowing, internships, and cooperative learning. Students will acquire knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills needed to protect and improve the environment. Environmental Technology offers both career oriented and articulated course work for two and four year’s colleges in environmental sciences and technology.

Opportunities

Massachusetts Envirothon Competition
The Massachusetts Envirothon is an annual statewide competition for high school students, which tests their knowledge ecology and the natural environment. The study guide for this competition is integrated into the environmental technology curriculum.

Potential Co-op / Intern sites 

• Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ecotarium
• Worcester Parks Department
• Green Hill Park Golf Course