AHC31424 - Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Overview
Are you passionate about the conservation of our land? By studying this course you will learn how to preserve and protect mother nature.
This nationally recognised qualification equips students with the practical skills and scientific knowledge to make a real impact in the conservation and ecosystem management industry. Whether passionate about protecting natural landscapes, restoring habitats, or preserving cultural heritage, this course opens the door to a wide range of meaningful career paths.
Students will gain hands-on experience and theoretical insight into managing rural and natural environments, restoring degraded sites, and supporting biodiversity. Students will also develop the expertise to work across diverse ecosystems, from bushland and coastal zones to reserves and marine habitats, while contributing to the protection of wildlife as well as Indigenous cultural resources.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may potentially find employment across government, non-profit, and private sectors in roles such as field officer, park ranger, or restoration technician. This qualification also supports further study in environmental science, land management, and related disciplines. Career pathways can include work in Indigenous land and cultural heritage management, ecological restoration, land and wildlife conservation, pest and invasive species control, conservation earthworks and fire management, marine ecosystem protection, and mined land rehabilitation.
Structure & Availability
Mainstream Course Structure
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 18 months | 24 Months |
Students have the option of choosing ONE stream (Standard, Nursery or Parks). Students MUST ONLY enrol in the units under their chosen stream to qualify for the full certificate, to meet the training package rules.
- The standard stream offers units covering a range of topics well suited to general conservation and ecosystem management.
- The Nursery stream offers units covering a range of topics well suited to Nursery based conservation and ecosystem management workers.
- The Parks stream offers units covering a range of topics well suited to park based conservation and ecosystem management workers.
Students studying full-time should plan to dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to their coursework. Part-time students should expect to allocate around 15 hours per week.
As this course is competency based it may be possible for learners to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Standard Stream
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCSAW202 | Recognise landforms and soil types |
| AHCECR309 | Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals |
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCECR302 | Collect and preserve biological samples |
| AHCWRK317 | Coordinate work site activities |
| AHCECR305 | Collect Native Seed |
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCSAW304 | Implement erosion and sediment control measures |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
Nursery Stream
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases |
| AHCECR309 | Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment |
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCECR302 | Collect and preserve biological samples |
| AHCECR305 | Collect Native Seed |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a propagation plan |
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
Park Stream
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCSAW202 | Recognise landforms and soil types |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals |
| AHCECR309 | Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works |
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment |
| AHCPGD311 | Conduct operational inspection of park facilities |
| AHCWRK315 | Respond to emergencies |
| AHCLSC311 | Set out site for construction works |
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
Trainee Course Structure
Duration:| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 18 months |
The Certificate III is a mixed mode program to be generally completed over a one to two years, depending on employer requirements. Some students may progress at a faster rate based on their experience, knowledge, and skills, as they would be able to apply the actual context of workplace experience to their assessments.
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCSAW202 | Recognise landforms and soil types |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases |
| AHCECR309 | Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment |
| AHCWRK317 | Coordinate work site activities |
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPGD311 | Conduct operational inspection of park facilities |
| AHCECR305 | Collect Native Seed |
| AHCWRK315 | Respond to emergencies |
| AHCECR302 | Collect and preserve biological samples |
Cluster 6
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCLSC311 | Set out site for construction works |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a propagation plan |
| AHCSAW304 | Implement erosion and sediment control measures |
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
Cluster 7
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
Cluster 8
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWRK320 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
Mainstream Course Structure
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| July, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| October, 2025 | Mixed Mode |
| April, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| May, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| July, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| August, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| October, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
| November, 2026 | Mixed Mode |
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Students are required to have completed the literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment pre-enrolment in the form of the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment or an equal or higher level course.
There are no other entry requirements for this qualification.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start and Career Boost, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
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Start Your Application
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
