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EP® Specialization Guide

Specializing in the Environmental Sector

Finding the best fit for your expertise

Empowering Environmental Solutions

You can choose from 16 areas of specialization to become certified as an EP® or EPt. The environmental sector is broad and influences many industries, which can make it challenging to identify the specialization that best aligns with your skills and passions. This guide is designed to help you navigate specializations within the sector, each with its unique profile and required skill set, so you can find the best fit, whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career.

Inside this guide, you'll find:

  • An overview of the sectors and specializations available
  • Guidance on which sector persona fits your expertise
  • A closer look at each specialization by sector
  • A checklist to see if you pre-qualify for an EP® designation
  • Membership levels and benefits of becoming an EP®
Explore the EP® Specialization Guide

Sectors of Environmental Work

Each specialization has competencies that you can check your skills against to see where you measure up and where your expertise places you.

Environmental Protection

Sector A
Learn More

Resource Management

Sector B
Learn More

Environmental Sustainability

Sector C
Learn More

Impact Assessment

Sector D
Learn More

Environmental Manager

Learn More

EP® Specialization

As an EP® | EPt | EP® Auditor, you will:

  • Join a community of professionals coast-to-coast.
  • Become a member of Canada’s only national environmental professional designation.
  • Get exclusive savings on professional development training, events, insurance and more.
  • Take part in annual surveys and have your say in the future of environmental work in Canada.
  • Receive free resources and industry insights.
  • Be eligible to participate in an exclusive Mentorship Program where you’ll be matched with an individual to either.
  • Mentor and help to shape their career (EP® and EP® Auditors only).
  • Learn from an EP® Mentor and gain career growth (EPt members only).
Watch: How to Become an EP®
Explore EP® Specializations

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Environmental Protection

Sector A

The Environmental Protection sector focuses on activities designed to protect human health and the ecosystem by preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and engaging in remediation, rehabilitation, and reclamation efforts related to air, water, and land. Sector A also encompasses human health and safety, particularly when they depend on environmental quality. If you are pursuing a career in environmental protection, you will need to demonstrate your competency and understanding in one or more of the following areas.

There are five specializations within this sector Each of the five areas below is an area of specialization determined by ECO Canada and available to add to your Environmental Professional designation.

Water Quality –
Protects water for human and aquatic life through pollution control, research, legislation, compliance monitoring, and water treatment system design.

Air Quality –
Involves air pollution monitoring, emissions management, air quality assessment, and compliance with air standards to maintain a healthy atmosphere.

Site Assessment & Reclamation –
Evaluate and manage contamination, restoring land to its original or equivalent use through remediation and regulatory compliance.

Waste Management –
Manages hazardous and non-hazardous waste through treatment, pollution prevention, site assessments, regulatory compliance, and facility design.

Environmental Health & Safety –
Focuses on policies and programs for worker and community safety, including risk assessments, workplace health programs, emergency planning, and compliance monitoring.

Can you Picture Yourself in this Sector?

The environmental sector offers diverse career paths that protect and sustain our natural world.

Here are two exciting options:

Option One:

Option Two:

Wetland Biologist

Wetland biologists manage and protect wetlands by enforcing regulations, conducting research, and advising on conservation efforts.

Typical Duties:

  • Design and implement wetland restoration projects
  • Perform wetland delineation and habitat assessments
  • Monitor research areas and develop mitigation strategies for construction projects
  • Prepare and review environmental reports and proposals
 

Where You Can Work:

  • Government agencies (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal)
  • Landscape architecture, planning, and land development firms
  • Conservation organizations and environmental groups



Education & Background:

  • Degrees in Wildlife or Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Habitat Restoration.

Environmental Technician

Environmental technicians play a key role in assessing, cleaning up, and protecting the environment using scientific knowledge and technical skills.

Typical Duties:

  • Collect and analyze air, water, and soil samples
  • Trace environmental pollutants and assess contamination levels
  • Assist with environmental permits and regulatory compliance
  • Prepare reports and findings for clients and supervisors
 

Where You Can Work:

  • Environmental and engineering consulting firms
  • Government departments and regulatory agencies
  • Colleges, universities, and research institutes
  • Industrial sectors like mining, forestry, and manufacturing


Education & Background:

  • Degrees in Environmental Technology, Environmental Science, or Environmental Engineering Technology.

Resource Management

Sector B

The Resource Management sector integrates environmental and economic decisions with principles of stewardship to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, including fish, wildlife, and land. If you are pursuing a career in this sector, you will need to demonstrate competency in one or more of the following areas.

Energy –
Focuses on the sustainable provision of energy commodities and services, considering extraction, refinement, transmission, and end-use.
Key functions include:

  • Project planning, including environmental assessment and mitigation

  • Securing environmental approvals and licensing

  • Community consultation and stakeholder engagement

  • Researching energy efficiency and alternative energy sources

  • Developing sustainable energy strategies within organizations

Fisheries & Wildlife –
Involves managing and protecting fish and wildlife populations, habitats, and ecosystems.
Key functions include:

  • Researching species at risk, biodiversity, and conservation practices

  • Conducting field surveys to assess fish and wildlife populations

  • Monitoring habitats and ecological needs

  • Preparing scientific reports and regulatory documentation

  • Ensuring compliance with fisheries and wildlife regulations

Natural Resource Management –
Focuses on balancing human needs with the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
Key functions include:

  • Strategic planning for environmental sustainability

  • Integrated land use and conservation planning

  • Protecting ecosystems and managing parks

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance for resource use

  • Engaging communities to incorporate cultural and social considerations

Can you Picture Yourself in this Sector?

The resource sector offers diverse career paths that ensure the sustainable management of natural resources while balancing environmental conservation and economic needs.

Here are two exciting options:

Option One:

Option Two:

Environmental Enforcement Officer

Enforces environmental laws related to the Fisheries Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Typical Duties:

  • Inspect industrial and commercial sites for compliance
  • Investigate potential environmental law violations
  • Collect samples and issue regulatory notices
  • Work with legal professionals to prepare cases


Where You Can Work:

  • Government agencies (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal)
  • Regulatory bodies and environmental consulting firms

 

 

Education & Background:

  • Degrees in Environmental Protection, Science, Policy, or Studies

Fisheries Technician

Studies fish populations and their habitats, supporting research and conservation efforts.


Typical Duties:

  • Collect biological data on fish species
  • Assist in hatchery breeding and stock management
  • Conduct field surveys of aquatic ecosystems
  • Monitor fish populations and habitat quality

 

 

Where You Can Work:

  • Fisheries agencies and conservation organizations
  • Government departments and consulting firms
  • Marine science institutions and aquariums


Education & Background:

  • Degrees in Fisheries and Biology, Marine Biology, or Aquatic Ecology

Resource Management

Sector C

The Environmental Sustainability sector focuses on educating and promoting best practices for nature preservation while shifting away from a culture of waste. Professionals in this sector develop, share, and apply knowledge to support environmental protection and natural resource management.

Key functions include:

  • Stakeholder engagement and ethical considerations in environmental decision-making
  • Capacity-building through innovation, communication, and public policy
  • Balancing human needs with environmental sustainability


There are five specializations within this sector, each available to add to your Environmental Professional designation.

Sustainability –

Sustainability professionals provide strategic advice to ensure environmental integrity, social justice, and economic value.

Key functions include:

  • Monitoring and reporting sustainability trends over time
  • Developing and using sustainability indicators for decision-making
  • Educating others on ethical and social concerns in sustainability
  • Creating sustainability management and forecasting systems


Education & Training –

Education and Training specialists develop environmental curricula and promote environmental awareness.

Key functions include:

  • Delivering environmental education and public outreach programs
  • Designing curricula that promote learning outcomes and competencies
  • Measuring the effectiveness of environmental education initiatives


Research & Development –

Research and Development supports scientific studies that advance environmental knowledge and its practical application.

Key functions include:

  • Conducting research to support environmental policies and practices
  • Making scientific data available to improve environmental decision-making
  • Investigating the need for environmental education programs


Policy & Legislation –

Policy and Legislation professionals shape environmental laws, regulations, and corporate policies to drive positive environmental outcomes.

Key functions include:

  • Assessing and developing environmental policies, regulations, and standards
  • Collecting and analyzing data to support policy decisions
  • Engaging stakeholders in environmental policy discussions
  • Identifying opportunities for improved environmental legislation


Communications & Public Awareness –

Communications professionals use media, publications, and outreach to inform the public about environmental issues.

Key functions include:

  • Developing written, audio-visual, and digital environmental communications
  • Organizing and presenting expert information at public events and conferences
  • Creating environmental awareness and action programs
  • Simplifying complex environmental topics for the public

Can you Picture Yourself in this Sector?

The environmental sustainability sector focuses on preserving natural resources, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices to balance human needs with environmental protection and economic development.

Here are two exciting options:

Option One:

Option Two:

Sustainability Research Analyst

Sustainability Research Analysts conduct studies and develop sustainability models, indicators, and best practices.


Typical Duties:

  • Conducting surveys and analyzing economic, social, or environmental impacts
  • Writing reports on sustainability research findings
  • Preparing grant proposals for sustainability initiatives
  • Facilitating discussions with policymakers and industry leaders
  • Recommending sustainable development strategies



Where You Can Work:

  • Research institutions and think tanks
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Private sustainability consulting firms
  • Federal, provincial, or municipal government agencies







Education & Background:

  • Environmental Studies
  • Economics
  • Natural Resources & Conservation
  • Law (specializing in Environmental Law)
  • Public Policy

Environmental Communications Officer

Environmental Communications Officers use media and public relations to educate the public on environmental protection and conservation.

Typical Duties:

  • Acting as a spokesperson for an organization
  • Researching and writing stories on environmental topics
  • Developing press releases, media advisories, and outreach materials
  • Creating websites, videos, brochures, and educational tools
  • Developing issue-management strategies for environmental concerns


Where You Can Work:

  • Conservation agencies and environmental consulting firms
  • Federal, provincial, or municipal government departments
  • Non-profits and environmental organizations
  • Industries such as forestry, oil and gas, and mining
  • Communications and PR firms
  • Self-employed consulting


Education & Background:

  • Journalism
  • Political Science
  • Communications or Public Relations
  • Education or Social Sciences

Resource Management

Sector D

Impact Assessment (IA) professionals play a vital role in evaluating and mitigating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of development projects. As awareness of human impact on the environment grows, IA professionals help ensure that projects comply with regulations, minimize harm, and promote sustainability.

Impact Assessment Practitioner –

IA Practitioners lead consulting teams, integrating technical data and stakeholder input to predict and mitigate project impacts.

Key functions include:

  • Following a structured and transparent assessment process
  • Developing quality management plans for project deliverables
    • Identifying criteria to evaluate land-use and development proposals
  • Engaging with stakeholders to integrate diverse perspectives
  • Ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and standards


Impact Assessment Reviewer

IA Reviewers assess IA submissions for completeness, objectivity, and scientific accuracy, ensuring that projects align with public interest and environmental laws.

Key functions include:

  • Evaluating IA reports for regulatory and scientific integrity
  • Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous rights with scientific practices
  • Engaging with regulators on legislative and policy changes
  • Promoting best practices and technologies in IA execution
  • Ensuring assessments align with sustainability objectives

Can you Picture Yourself in this Sector?

The environmental sustainability sector focuses on preserving natural resources, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices to balance human needs with environmental protection and economic development.

Here is an exciting option:

Impact Assessment Management Professional

Coordinates multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts to complete impact assessments.

Typical Duties:
• Overseeing the screening, scoping, and profiling of IA projects
• Managing teams of experts across various disciplines
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement
• Reviewing assessment methodologies and best practices

Where You Can Work:

• Government agencies (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal)
• Regulatory bodies and environmental consulting firms
• Research institutions and non-governmental organizations

Education & Background:

• Degrees in Environmental Science, Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields

Environmental Manager

Environmental Managers play a pivotal role across all sectors, integrating environmental oversight with strategic decision-making. While not a standalone sector, this specialization within the EP® designation requires broad knowledge across environmental disciplines. Environmental Managers provide leadership, accountability, and direction in managing environmental and social issues within their organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Managers oversee environmental projects, ensuring compliance with regulations while balancing economic, social, and operational factors.

Key functions include:

  • Managing environmental projects and supervising professionals
  • Understanding regulatory requirements and anticipating legislative impacts
  • Integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations into decision-making
  • Providing expert consultation within organizations and to external stakeholders
  • Applying environmental knowledge alongside business, finance, and project management principles

Can you Picture Yourself in this Role?

The Environmental Management specialization focuses on overseeing environmental programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and integrating sustainability into business and policy decisions. Environmental Managers balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to drive strategic initiatives that minimize environmental impact while supporting organizational goals.

Here is an exciting option:

Environmental Manager

Leads environmental initiatives and ensures sustainability practices align with corporate or regulatory goals.

Typical Duties:

  • Overseeing environmental programs and compliance strategies
  • Developing policies to align with international standards and best practices
  • Engaging with stakeholders to address environmental and social concerns

  • Evaluating and improving sustainability performance within organizations


Where You Can Work:

  • Government agencies and regulatory bodies

  • Environmental consulting firms and corporations
  • Non-governmental organizations and academic institutions


Education & Background:

  • Degrees in Environmental Science, Business, Policy, or Social Science

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