AHC31421 - Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Overview
This qualification provides the skills, theoretical and practical knowledge for work or further learning in the conservation and ecosystem management industry. Individuals with this qualification perform a range of conservation and ecosystem management activities including, site restoration, rehabilitation, renewal and management of the rural/natural landscapes, degraded sites and marine environments. They contribute to the preservation and maintenance of wildlife and their habitat in the natural ecosystem, parks and reserves. Activities frequently involve working with and preservation of indigenous culture and heritage resources.
Study choices:
CQUniversity is offering three (3) different study choices (Standard, Nursery or Parks stream) under this qualification. Each study choice (stream) offers a different selection of units that are better suited to specific industries. Students will need to select one (1) stream on admission. If students are currently working in industry, before choosing a stream, it is strongly recommended they consult with their employer to determine the most suitable steam choice. Please note: These streams are not training package specialisations. Student who successfully complete the full qualification, independent of whichever steam they chose, will be awarded with a Certificate III Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31421).
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
The qualification provides for work roles encompassing a broad range of skills, or can be focussed on one or more specialisations, including:
- Indigenous land management
- Ecological restoration
- Land, parks and wildlife management
- Pest controller
- Conservation earthworks
- Marine
- Fire
- Mined land rehabilitation
Structure & Availability
Standard stream
Duration:Up to 2 years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS301 | Contribute to work health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCSAW202 | Recognise landforms and soil types |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCWRK305 | Coordinate work site activities |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR302 | Collect and preserve biological samples |
| AHCECR305 | Collect Native Seed |
Cluster 6
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCSAW304 | Implement erosion and sediment control measures |
Cluster 7
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
Cluster 8
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWRK309 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
Gap Training Only
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR303 | Implement biological reintroduction works |
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
Nursery stream
Duration:Up to 2 years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS301 | Contribute to work health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR302 | Collect and preserve biological samples |
| AHCECR305 | Collect Native Seed |
Cluster 6
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a propagation plan |
Cluster 7
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
Cluster 8
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWRK309 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
GAP TRAINING ONLY
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
Parks Stream
Duration:Up to 2 years
Cluster 1
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS301 | Contribute to work health and safety processes |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimens |
Cluster 2
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds |
| AHCSAW202 | Recognise landforms and soil types |
Cluster 3
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Cluster 4
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR301 | Maintain native ecosystem areas |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment |
Cluster 5
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWRK303 | Respond to emergencies |
| AHCPGD311 | Conduct operational inspection of park facilities |
Cluster 6
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works |
| AHCLSC311 | Set out site for construction works |
Cluster 7
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program |
| AHCPCM307 | Report on health and condition of trees |
Cluster 8
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCWRK309 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices |
GAP TRAINING ONLY
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| AHCNSY308 | Maintain nursery plants |
Standard stream
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
| March, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
| April, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
| May, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg |
Nursery stream
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
| March, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
Parks Stream
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
| March, 2025 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton |
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Completion of the bksb (basic key skills builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.
AHC31421 Certificate III in Conservation and Eco-Systems Management is offered via mixed mode delivery, with admission intakes in February, April, July and October. Mixed mode delivery combines online learning and tutorials, as well as face to face workshops.
Students who are not in close proximity (outside of 150 Km) to a CQUniversity campus and who are not currently working in the conservation and eco-systems management industry, will be required to seek and complete work experience, to meet the mandatory practical competency requirements. Within the work experience environment, there must be a supervisor available, who has at least 2 years experience in the conservation and eco-systems management industry or holds the relevant qualifications. These students are responsible for seeking suitable work experience in their local area. Details of the workplace and supervisor must be forwarded to the CQUniversity teaching team. All supervisors must be approved by CQUniversity before commencement of the qualification. CQUniversity will follow up with the workplace to provide them with additional information. The supervisor will be responsible for signing third party reports which are required for practical observations for each unit of competency.
For further information please contact vet-hort-team@cqu.edu.au.
Under AHC31421 there are no current training package entry requirements into this qualification link to Training.gov.au.
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 Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, 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.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
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
CQU TAFE is no longer taking applications for AHC31421 - Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. The course will be superseded by AHC31424 - Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
To be notified when applications open for the new course version, please register your interest.
