Who We Are >>

Florida’s Environmental Training Leader

The University of Florida Training, Research and Education for Environmental Occupations (UF TREEO) Center is the University’s dedicated environmental training hub, offering pre-certification, pre-licensure, and continuing education courses for essential workers in environmental industries. Since 1978, UF TREEO has trained more than a quarter million students, helping them build the skills and knowledge needed to protect public health, safety, and the environment.

Meet The Team

Our Mission

To empower individuals, organizations, and communities through accessible, dynamic education and event solutions that enhance careers and transform lives.

Our Vision

To be the University of Florida’s leading provider of workforce education and events.

A Proud Unit of UF OPWD

UF TREEO is a dedicated unit of the University of Florida’s Office of Professional and Workforce Development (OPWD), working in alignment with OPWD’s mission and vision by delivering training programs that not only meet regulatory and industry standards but also drive career advancement and professional growth.

Our Purpose >>

Protecting the Necessities of Life

At TREEO, we believe that everyone deserves access to clean drinking water, safe sanitation, clean air, and responsible waste management. Our training programs provide the skills and knowledge that environmental professionals need to ensure these essential services are delivered safely and in compliance with regulations.

What Sets Us Apart

UF TREEO is known for delivering:

Industry-recognized courses tailored to regulatory requirements

Hands-on, real-world training

Expert instruction from experienced professionals working in the field

Flexible programs for new professionals, experienced workers, and those advancing their careers

Our courses don’t just help students pass exams — they equip them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

Commitment to Florida’s Communities

At UF TREEO, our impact goes far beyond the classroom. By training and supporting the essential workers responsible for protecting Florida’s water, air, and land, TREEO helps ensure a healthier environment and safer communities for everyone. Our commitment to empowering learners and transforming careers supports both individual success and the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our History >>

A Legacy of Environmental Training Excellence

UF TREEO’s history is rooted in the University of Florida’s long-standing commitment to environmental training. In the 1940s, Dr. A.P. Black, a pioneering UF water treatment expert whose name is honored on a campus engineering building, began training Florida’s water and wastewater operators.

TREEO was formally established in 1978, expanding on that foundation to provide continuing education and certification courses for water and wastewater operators. Over time, TREEO’s programs grew to cover a broader range of environmental topics, keeping pace with new regulations and industry needs.

Expanding to Meet Industry Needs

In response to evolving environmental legislation in the 1980s and 1990s, TREEO added new programs to its training catalog, including:

Asbestos Abatement

Solid Waste Management

HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response)

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) Compliance

TREEO also supports utilities by helping them implement Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to enhance operations, reduce costs, and improve regulatory compliance.

Responding to Florida’s Environmental Emergencies

Since 2005, UF TREEO has served as the administrator for the Florida Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FLAWARN), a statewide mutual aid network that coordinates emergency response and recovery for utilities during hurricanes, natural disasters, and other crises. Through FLAWARN, TREEO helps ensure that Florida’s water and wastewater systems continue operating when communities need them most.