Environmental Science Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Environmental Science Technician. An Environmental Science Technician assesses and controls operational aspects in compliance to applicable Environmental Regulatory Framework. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct tests to assess environmental impact. • Monitor anthropogenic activities (anthropogenic refers to industrial, agricultural, construction, etc.) to determine compliance. • Conduct an environmental risk assessment to minimise/control risks within a specific occupational setting. • Coordinate the maintenance of monitoring and assessment equipment. • Consolidate and compile a technical report in accordance with specific occupational settings. • Apply ethical principles as an environmental science technician.

The South African government has recognised the inadequate management of pollution as a significant environmental and public health risk. The Environmental Human Capital Sector skills plan 2009-2014 identified the lack of specialist technical skills in key areas which has impacted the local government negatively. Data shows that the Local Government sectors are severely under-staffed which has led to the current challenges in service delivery. It is envisaged that an environmental related skill and national initiative is needed to renew and strengthen these skills urgently in various sectors. Environmental Science and Engineering Technicians have been listed as one of the absolute scarce skills. The situation has led the stakeholders in the industry to call for the development of a nationally recognised occupational qualification that will ensure the availability of a skilled workforce for sustainability and improved service delivery. There are no formal qualifications for Environmental Science Technicians in South Africa. Aspects of the Environmental Science Technician are reduced to components of other programmes such as Engineering, Environmental Health or Environmental Management. This qualification will professionalise and address the current situation or need. This Environmental Science Technician qualification will specifically focus on waste management, air quality and natural resources management practices, and will therefore provide a much needed focus in the following areas: • Entrepreneurship in Recycling-Reduce-Re-Use-Recovery. • Waste Transportation route design. • Waste in the Green Economy. • Local Government and Air Pollution. • Bio-Diversity and Conservation. • Application of the Environmental Regulatory Framework. This qualification is for new entrants from schools, unemployed individuals and employees who are currently employed within the Environmental related sectors and wishing to formalise their experience. Learners who undertake this programme will receive training in Environmental Sciences, while focusing on developing an understanding of the physical, chemical, mathematical, biological and social dimensions of environmental problems and issues. The qualification is structured in such a way that it allows for specialisation in Waste, Air and Natural Resources Conservation. Upon completion, learners could possibly be employed as Environmental Science Technician in National, Provincial and Local Government, private sector or alternatively start their own businesses as eco-entrepreneurs. This qualification will build the much needed capacity and enhance the skills of the environmental sector to innovatively respond to the developmental and environmental need of South Africa. This in-turn will improve service delivery and address the current environmental/national resource conversation issues thereby contributing sustainably towards socio-economic sensitive enterprises and green economies. Upon completion learners can progress towards becoming an Environmental Scientist and/or professional.

Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 with science related subjects or Environmental Practice with 2 years' work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

• Analyse and execute environmental management functions in accordance with the regulatory framework to remedy the negative impact of human activity and to recommend measures for improvements.
• Analyse and evaluate the impact of waste on human health and the environment to perform the waste management functions in accordance with the regulatory framework to prevent pollution.
• Analyse and execute air quality management functions in accordance with the regulatory framework to protect and improve air quality.
• Analyse and assess conservation scientific and technical principles of natural resources and ecological balance in order to maintain sustainability and quality of life.