Associate in Applied Science

Hazardous Materials Technician (A167)

Environmental science is about protecting the natural elements that sustain life. Technology and science can advance our society, but if mishandled, they can do irreparable harm, especially in Jacksonville. Our combination of industry, international shipping, logistics and location on the St. Johns River location puts us at high risk.

The Environmental Science program is designed to provide and to enrich the student's basic skills, knowledge and abilities in the fields of environmental compliance and technology, and to enable the students to gain entry-level employment in the field. This program focuses on federal regulations for environmental protection, worker health and safety, homeland defense, and the transportation of hazardous materials. Credit can be obtained through completion of the required degree courses and/or evaluation of government/military/industry training.

This program will instruct students in the analysis, handling, storage, transportation, and dispensing of hazardous materials in accordance with appropriate federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing proper chemical management. The program will cover industry standards such as those included in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29CFR1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Graduates of this program should be able to research applicable local, state, and federal regulations and implement methods and strategies to ensure compliance; to maintain records as required by OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the DOT; to develop and implement hazardous materials handling procedures; to plan for emergency response to hazardous materials incidents; and to protect employees/workers/communities from hazardous material exposures.

This A.A.S. degree program concentrates on hazardous materials in environmental science. There are two technical certificates included as options within this degree program, Hazardous Materials Specialist (6021) and Mold Assessment Specialist (6167). There is another specialized environmental science A.A.S. degree program, Assessment and Safety Compliance (A168) with accompanying certificates Assessment and Safety Compliance Specialist (6020) and Mold Remediation Technician (6168). For more information call 904.632.5044.

Local corporate and governmental authorities participate on the Florida Community College advisory board for this program. Members include: CSX, JEA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Army Corp of Engineers, St. Johns River Water Management District and others. These programs meet their anticipated needs.

Each year, a major Degree-to-Career event gives you the opportunity to network with these corporations and governmental agencies. Their representatives also make classroom presentations and discuss job opportunities.  During your training, you will be encouraged to join Northeast Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (NEFAEP), attend meetings, network with employers and hear experts speak about the environment. The organization provides Florida Community College with student memberships and scholarship funding.

Internships
Details on opportunities for internships and jobs can be found at FCCJ’s Institute of Occupational Safety and Health web page.

Annual Salaries
In Florida, depending on areas of specialization and place of employment, the average starting wage for haz-mat technicians is between $13 and $18 an hour.

Cost
Estimated cost of tuition is $4,250 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/06). Contact program manager for textbooks, fees and materials costs.

Other Links of Interest
Military Education Institute (MEI) at Florida Community College

Hazardous Materials Technician (A167)
Curriculum

General Education Courses
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
MAC 1105	College Algebra (or equivalent)	3
SYG 2000	Introductory Sociology	3
HUM 2210	Humanities: The Foundations	3
SPC 2016	Speech Communication for Business and the Professions	3
or SPC 2600 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
	Credit Hours	15

Professional Courses
BSC 2050	Biology of Environmental Systems	3
CHM 1032C	Principles of General Chemistry	4
ENC 2210	Technical Report Writing	3
ETI 1701	Occupational Safety	3
EVR 1015	Hazardous Material and the Environment	3
EVR 1030	Environmental Compliance	3
EVR 1640	Hazardous Materials Regulations I	3
EVR 2630	Hazardous Materials Risk Analysis	3
EVR 2805	Hazardous Materials Health Effects	3
	Credit Hours	28

Specialty Requirements for Hazardous Materials Track
*Military Service Credits (ACE Guide) or any combination of such credit and the following courses:
EVR 1633	Hazardous Materials Emergency Response I	4
EVR 2613	Hazardous Materials Emergency Response II	3
EVR 2840	Hazardous Materials Emergency Response III	4
EVR 1190	Environmental Sampling Procedures	3
	Credit Hours	14

General Electives
BSC 2010C	Principles of Biology I	4
BSC 2020C	Human Biology	4
BSC 2085C	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BSC 2086C	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
CTS 1101	Introduction to Windows	1
EVR 2820	Mold Abatement and Removal	3
EVR 2821	Mold and Public Health	3
EVR 1635	Hazardous Communication Standard	3
EVR 1639	Hazardous Material Transportation, Storage and Disposal	3
EVR 1985	Environmental Pollutants	3
	Credit Hours	7

Total Credit Hours: 64

Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.
*Military Service Credits (ACE Guide) or any combination of such credit and the following courses. Credits awarded by evaluation of appropriate military paperwork (DD214, DD295, DD2586, SMART document, AARTS document, and/or Community College of the Air Force transcript), using ACE Guide recommendations.

Notes
Employers involved with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee may offer internships to students in this program. There are opportunities for students to have training (military and corporate) evaluated for college credit toward this program. The Environmental Science degree program is a part of the SOCCOAST degree network. The Environmental Science (HAZMAT Technician) degree replaces the deactivated Industrial Management Technology (Hazardous Materials) degree.

The associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. Students who intend to pursue further education at the university level should enroll in the A.S. degree option and must meet certain test and course requirements. For details, refer to the university transfer requirements. Please consult an academic advisor if you are unsure of which option best suits your academic and career goals.