News Releases
News from Lane Community College
December 3, 2007
Water Conservation degree in the works
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| Water and sustainability instructor Tammie Stark (center front) poses with Lane Community College students in front of the rainwater collection tank. |
EUGENE - A Water Conservation Technician associate of applied science degree will be offered at Lane Community College next fall.
The program will train and certify water conservation professionals in partnership with the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Students will learn how to evaluate water use patterns; develop, implement, maintain, and market water conservation programs; perform public outreach; recommend water efficiency techniques; and perform systems analysis to solve problems.
Learning will be reinforced by hands-on projects including using a 1,550-gallon rainwater collection system. The system is installed on the main campus greenhouse. Water collected from the greenhouse roof is used to irrigate the student Learning Garden. The garden produces food for college food services and the culinary arts program.
Live interactive videoconferencing will provide distance learning opportunities for students living outside the Eugene area.
Graduates will qualify for careers in utilities, governments, education, and private industry. Potential jobs include water conservation technician, coordinator, specialist, intern or manager; water management technician or specialist; water resources technician; water efficiency manager; or water conservation worker. With an associate's degree, a water conservation coordinator can earn $36,000 to $53,000 annually. Graduates may enhance their career opportunities with additional coursework in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability.
About 20 students a year will be admitted.
Lane's Board of Education approved the Water Conservation Technician associate of applied science degree program in November 2007. Classes begin fall 2008 and will be offered through the Energy Management Program in the Science Division.
The program is self supporting including grants from the Eugene Water and Electric Board and the AWWA.
For more information contact Tammie Stark at starkt@lanecc.edu or 463-5451.
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PIO: Joan Aschim, (541) 463-5591, aschimj@lanecc.edu
Contact: Tammie Stark, water and sustainability instructor, Energy Management program, Science Division, starkt@lanecc.edu or 463-5451
