Forestry Personnel work in all phases
of forest science — monitoring and protecting forest areas, harvesting timber, and producing primary and secondary wood products.
Environmental Scientists work in all phases of reclamation, from data gathering and surface mine permitting to environmental monitoring during active mining operation and reclamation for post-mining use.
Water/Wastewater Personnel work in municipal and industrial water treatment facilities
that provide purification of water for human consumption and protection of water resources.
http://water.mecc.edu
Get Started with a Certificate
Graduates of MECC’s Environmental and Forest Science programs receive Associate in Applied Science degrees. Individuals may begin their training in Forestry, Landscape Gardening, Water, and Wastewater certificate programs.
Graduates of MECC’s
Water/Wastewater program are prepared
to take the state certification exam for water or wastewater operator’s license.
Employers want personnel who:
- Possess skills in laboratory procedures.
- Possess professional ethics and integrity.
- Possess good communication skills.
- Possess a team-player attitude.
Intern and Apprenticeships :
Students acquire on-the-job training through internships and apprenticeships with local agencies.
Employment Outlook:
Forest Science students are prepared for employment
as forest technicians, lumber graders, timber cruisers, and other technical positions within the forestry and timber industries.
Environmental Science students are prepared for employment as natural resources specialists, land reclamationists, agronomists, extension agents, soil conservationists, and analytical laboratory assistants.
Water/Wastewater students are prepared for entry-level employment in water and sewage treatment plants.
Advancement:
With advanced studies and experience,
- Forest Science graduates can advance to positions such as logging foreman, forester, agriculturalist, or laboratory technologist.
- Environmental Science graduates can advance to positions such as reclamation
foreman, forester, soil conservation specialist, agriculturalist, or laboratory technologist.
- Water/Wastewater graduates can advance
to positions such as water and wastewater operators, site managers, and plant supervisors.
Salary
Salaries range between $18,000 - $30,000, depending upon the position, public or private employment, and job location.
Student Spotlight
 |
Chris Stanley, a graduate of MECC’s Environmental
Science program, is a Mineral Specialist
- Ecologist at the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. |
 |
Theresa Flanary, a graduate of MECC’s Environmental
Science, Forest Science, and Landscape Gardening programs, is a Watershed Field Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Conservation. |
Professional Organizations
- Northwest Partnership for Env. & Tech. Ed.
- North American Asso. for Env. Education
- Advanced Technology Env. Ed. Center
- Virginia Forestry Association
- Rural Water Association
You will find other MECC graduates at:
USDA Forest Service, Va. Dept. of Forestry,
Pine Mountain Lumber, Penn-Va. Coal Company,
Gilbert NS Lumber, Mullican Lumber & Mfg.,
Cumberland Natl. Park, EMI Professional Services,
Virginia Dept. of Mines, Minerals, and Energy,
Natural Tunnel Soil & Water Conservation District,
Federal & State Depts. of Conservation & Recreation,
Treatment plants at Clintwood, Coeburn, Pound,
Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Pennington Gap,
Jonesville, Abingdon, and Blountville.
Contact MECC 
