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Environmental Science

Life Sciences & Services Academy

Agriculture, Environmental & Life Sciences Pathway

Learn More About our Academy Model

Learn More About our Academy Model

View all CTE Programs MA State Frameworks

View all CTE Programs MA State Frameworks

Learn About Our Advisory Committees

Learn About Our Advisory Committees

Learn About Co-op

Learn About Co-op

Video: Hear From A Teacher

Environmental Science teacher Emily Kotwal says teaching students in our new facility – with her classroom connected to a lab space with an aquaponics system – allows students “to walk into our next space and show them something that in a book was not making sense.” “Everything we need to teach is right here,” she said.

Program Description

Environmental Technology focuses on fundamental knowledge in ecology, aquatic ecosystems, geosciences and atmospheric sciences through hands-on field and laboratory work. That knowledge is used to apply technology to reduce our impact on human health and the environment.

Students in the Environmental Science & Technology career collaborate with environmental scientists and engineers, community and state officials, and other environmental organizations to investigate real world environmental issues.

Eligible seniors may complete internships with local environmental consulting companies, nonprofits, contractors, or laboratories. Most graduates of this program pursue further education at the college level; however, all are well equipped for careers immediately after high school graduation.

Environmental Science Shop Documentary

by Multimedia Engineering Students: Jay Natanson and Alex Hornak

Course Content

  • Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Climate Change
  • Drinking Water and Wastewater Technology
  • Energy and Green Technology
  • Engineering Design Process
  • Forestry
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Geology
  • Hydrogeology
  • Land-Use Planning/Watershed Management
  • Marine Biology
  • Meteorology
  • Oceanography
  • Soil Science
  • Sustainability
  • Wildlife Biology

Career Tree: Environmental Science

First page of the PDF file: EnvironmentalScienceCareerTree2019

Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates

  • Genzyme
  • Doosan Fuel Cell America
  • ARCADIS
  • Billerica Water Department
  • Concord Water Department
  • Burlington Water Department
  • Roux Associates
  • U.S. Environmental
  • Geotechnical Engineers, Inc.
  • Woodard & Curran
  • ATC Group Services

Environmental Science Instructors

Sarah Cammer Ph.D.

Environmental Instructor

Emily Kotwal M.A.T.

Instructor: Environmental Science, SkillsUSA Advisor
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Industry Certifications

  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety
  • OSHA-40 Hour HAZWOPER
    First Aid & CPR
  • Confined-Space Entry
  • Massachusetts Grade II Municipal Wastewater Operator’s License (State exam)
  • Massachusetts Grade I&II Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License (State exam)
  • GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green
  • BPI Building Science Principles

Possible Career Pathways

  • Energy Specialist
  • Environmental Educator
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Technician
  • Environmental/Urban Planner
  • Forester
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Geologist
  • Marine Biologist/Ecologist
  • Meteorologist/Climate Scientist
  • Oceanographer
  • Park Ranger
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Technician/Specialist
  • Water Project Manager
  • Wildlife Biologist
Projected Salary

Starting Salary

  • Environmental Scientist: $78,980 
  • Urban/Environmental Planner: $81,800
  • GIS Specialist: $90,880 
  • Environmental Technician: $50,660
  • Energy Technician: $61,770
  • Environmental Engineer: $100,090
  • Wildlife or Marine Biologist: $70,600
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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College Partners

  • Unity College

Articulation Agreement: University of Massachusetts Amherst's Stockbridge School of Agriculture; Minuteman graduation earns 3 Stockbridge credits toward a 2- or 4-year degree.

Advisory Committee Partners

  • ARCADIS
  • Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
  • Massachusetts Water Works Association
  • New England Environmental Technologies (NEET)
  • UMass Boston