To respond to current trends for local research on the urban environment, attitudes, microhabitats, and unique environmental issues pertaining to our area, an environmental specialist program is now available at the Lebanon Campus. Environmental technology is a career field that uses the principles of science, engineering, communication, and economics to protect and enhance safety, health, and natural resources. There are endless possibilities working as an environmental specialist. Whether it is with a corporation, manufacturer, government agency, not-for-profit, outside, or inside, there is a place for workers who specialize in the environment, and who know how to successfully manage natural resources with our world of high technology.

Students can follow a career degree program, attaining an associate's degree, or follow the transfer degree program, and continue to a four-year college For complete a bachelor's degree. The Lebanon Campus instructors also have ties to the region's environmental technology, facilitating internships and one-on-one student interaction with environmental practitioners in business, government, and industry.

"What may appeal to our students is the opportunity to take part in laboratory exercises, field projects, workshops, seminars, even electronic classes, along with the traditional classroom lecture," says Debra Schneider, the coordinator for the environmental specialist program for the Lebanon Campus. "It's a great way of learning for anyone who enjoys basic science. We also recognize the responsibility we have in how we fit in with our natural world. More and more, we have to re-think about the environment, and what impact our growth will have on our surroundings. This program helps meet that growing concern."

After completing the Environmental Specialist program, graduates will have proficiency in the following areas:

• Applied environmental field and laboratory methods
• Computer analysis and database management
• Written and oral communications; organizational skills
• Environmental laws, regulations, and governmental processes
• Specialization in areas such as environmental protection, or natural resources management

HACC's program at the Lebanon Campus currently offers requirements for students who may enter job areas such as field services, laboratory services, pollution prevention, air quality, natural resource management, environmental education, or regulatory administration.

For further information about HACC's environmental specialist and associate programs, contact the Debra Schneider at the Lebanon Campus, at 270-6342.