GLOBE-Net, September 26, 2011 -
The environmental sector encompasses a wide range of professions
with various backgrounds, bringing diverse talent to the industry,
but also creating speculation around the qualifications of its
workforce.
Industry leaders recognized that in order
to separate the self-proclaimed experts from the real
ones a third party certification process was
needed.
Environmental
Professional (EP) certification is the
only designation of its kind in Canada. Offered by
ECO Canada, it provides formal
recognition for the unique environmental skills and expertise of
environmental practitioners in Canada.
Creating
Accountability
In
an industry where the effects of work can have an immense impact on
Canada's precious environmental resources, sustainability is
dependent upon the quality of the professionals involved. EP
certification provides a third party verification of the skills and
qualifications of environmental professionals based on the National
Occupational Standards for employment in the environment
industry.
For
Patrick Roelofsen, B.Admin, certified EP and Air Services Manager
for the Prairies at SNC-Lavalin Environment, EP certification
serves as a daily reminder of his commitment to the field. "EP
certification brings a level of accountability and standards to the
environmental sector," says Roelofsen, "I am constantly reminded of
the level of professionalism I uphold, and consistency with which I
am expected to perform my duties."
Roelofsen originally learned about EP certification
from fellow colleagues, and believes it helped him to quickly
establish himself in his workplace. "I wanted to gauge my
experience against fellow practitioners in my field of work, as
well as be able to represent my competencies within the
environmental industry," he recalls.
Gathering
National Recognition
Top environmental organizations
across Canada are recognizing the importance of strengthening
the skills and expertise of environmental workers in Canada. Today,
17 organizations have publicly declared their support of EP
certification, ensuring the most qualified professionals are
protecting and enhancing Canada's valuable environmental
resources.
An Environmental
Professional in Training (EPt) and
Geologist with AMEC, Kimberly Markvoort, B.Sc., Geol.I.T., feels EP
certification provides her with formal recognition for her unique
environmental competencies. "EP certification is a way of
identifying as a qualified environmental professional in my areas
of speciality," Markvoort says, "I feel it is an effective way for
employers, clients and colleagues to recognize my knowledge and
experience within the environmental sector."
A Standard of
Excellence
Validating the skills and knowledge needed to perform
environmental work, EP certification provides a mechanism for
confirming individual ability. "EP certification is important for
the same reason it is important to have a driver's license to
operate a motor vehicle - it's verification from a recognized
organization that you are qualified and competent to execute a
specific task," Markvoort says, "In the case of EP certification,
it verifies your experience, as well as your commitment to being, a
competent environmental professional."
As
the Project Director for Environmental Assessment and Permitting at
EBA, a Tetra Tech Company, Shawn Martin, B.Sc., P.Biol, is a
certified EP specializing in Fisheries and
Wildlife.
"As
an Environmental consultant with EBA, EP certification enables our
clients to quickly establish trust with us, showing them I have
achieved a national standard in my area of expertise, I have a
commitment to continuous learning, and am accountable to a code of
ethics," Martin says, "The EP designation provides a national
mechanism for certification of professionals in an area that is not
well served by other means."
Greater
Marketability
A
designation created specifically for environmental
professionals, EP certification helps to convey
the unique combination of skills, practical knowledge, and
experience acquired, proving formal recognition in the unique area
of specialty. Dorn Ray, Dip., C.E.T., Area Manager with Genivar was
initially inspired by the notion of a national certification body
when he first applied.
"The
EP certification, being a national certification, is acceptable
anywhere in Canada. I think that brings a lot of
marketability to the individual," says Ray, "EP certification gives
you credibility at a national level." A sentiment echoed throughout
the sector.
"As
a Geologist-in-Training in Alberta, I also have registration with
the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and
Geophysicist of Alberta (APEGGA)," Markvoort says, " Having the EP
certification allows me to quickly convey to clients, colleagues
and my employer that my geologic work is based within the
environmental sector."
To
hear from certified EP's or to learn more about how EP
certification is elevating the environmental profession,
visit Eco.ca/EP
today