Participants in an EPA job training exercise. Courtesy photo

SFCC News:

SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is accepting applications for its free Environmental Technician training program, which provides the training, skills and certifications necessary to enter a wide range of job opportunities in the environmental profession. Applications will be accepted through April 14, 2026. The free training runs April 20 through May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road. This intensive 5-week training program provides certifications and skills for in-demand jobs.

The program includes the following certifications:

• General Hazardous Waste Site Worker (HAZWOPER) (40 hours)
• CPR and First Aid (6 hours)
• Forklift Operator (6 hours)
• OSHA Construction Standards (10 hours)
• Confined Space Entry and Non-Entry Rescue (8 hours)
• Solid Waste Management (8 hours)
• Hazardous Waste Management (RCRA) (24 hours)
• Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments (16 hours)
• Environmental Sampling (24 hours)
• DOT HazMat (16 hours)
• Bloodborne Pathogens (4 hours)
• Radiation Safety (8 hours)

Applicants must be able to attend the entire five-week program, have a high school diploma or GED, be 18 years or older, be able to lift 30 pounds and must be unemployed, underemployed or low-income. Veterans are encouraged to apply. The training will also help students to become career-ready with assistance preparing résumés and practicing interviewing techniques.

The free training is made possible through a $500,000 grant that SFCC received from the Environmental Protection Agency. Sponsors and partners include: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council, U.S. EPA and AGC New Mexico.

For more information and to fill out an application, visit https://www.sfcc.edu/programs/environmental-job-training. Still have questions?  Contact Candice Mirabal at candice.mirabal@sfcc.edu or 505.428.1324.