Previous Version Version Effective: 9th of February, 2024
Version Effective: 9th of February, 2024

AHC31421 - Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Course Details

Course Summary

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).


Entry 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.

 


Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $5,520.00 (2024)
Subsidised Full Fee $2,480.00 (2024)
Subsidised Concession Fee $1,824.00 (2024)
Fee for service per unit $345.00 (2024)
Subsidised full fee per unit $155.00 (2024)
RPL Fee for service per Unit $173.00 (2024)
For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire or Apply Now
Study Area
  • Science and Environment
Skill Area
  • Horticulture
AQF Level Level 3: Certificate III

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

 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

 

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 2 core units
  2. Complete 14 elective units

Study Mode Definitions

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Please select a course structure from the options below:
Standard stream

Up to 2 years 

 

 

  • Mixed Mode
Cluster 1
AHCWHS301 Contribute to work health and safety processes More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 2
AHCPMG301 Control weeds More Information Training.gov Details
AHCSAW202 Recognise landforms and soil types More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 3
AHCECR309 Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases More Information Training.gov Details
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 4
AHCECR301 Maintain native ecosystem areas More Information Training.gov Details
AHCWRK305 Coordinate work site activities More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 5
AHCECR302 Collect and preserve biological samples More Information Training.gov Details
AHCECR305 Collect Native Seed More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 6
AHCECR311 Implement ecosystem reconstruction works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCSAW304 Implement erosion and sediment control measures More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 7
AHCPGD307 Implement a plant establishment program More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPCM307 Report on health and condition of trees More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 8
AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details
Gap Training Only

N.B. Students must seek the teacher's approval BEFORE enrolling into these gap units. There are no fees associated with these Gap units.

AHCECR303 Implement biological reintroduction works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 AHCWHS301 - Contribute to work health and safety processes
2 AHCPCM303 - Identify plant specimens
3 AHCPMG301 - Control weeds
4 AHCSAW202 - Recognise landforms and soil types
5 AHCECR309 - Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works
6 AHCCHM307 - Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
7 AHCCHM304 - Transport and store chemicals
8 AHCECR301 - Maintain native ecosystem areas
9 AHCWRK305 - Coordinate work site activities
10 AHCECR302 - Collect and preserve biological samples
11 AHCECR305 - Collect Native Seed
12 AHCECR311 - Implement ecosystem reconstruction works
13 AHCSAW304 - Implement erosion and sediment control measures
14 AHCPGD307 - Implement a plant establishment program
15 AHCPCM307 - Report on health and condition of trees

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
AHCECR303 Implement biological reintroduction works
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants

Nursery stream

Up to 2 years 

 

 

  • Mixed Mode
Cluster 1
AHCWHS301 Contribute to work health and safety processes More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 2
AHCPMG301 Control weeds More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPMG302 Control plant pests, diseases and disorders More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 3
AHCECR309 Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases More Information Training.gov Details
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 4
AHCECR301 Maintain native ecosystem areas More Information Training.gov Details
AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 5
AHCECR302 Collect and preserve biological samples More Information Training.gov Details
AHCECR305 Collect Native Seed More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 6
AHCECR311 Implement ecosystem reconstruction works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCNSY313 Implement a propagation plan More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 7
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPCM307 Report on health and condition of trees More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 8
AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details
GAP TRAINING ONLY

N.B. Students must seek the teacher's approval BEFORE enrolling into this gap unit. There are no fees associated with this Gap unit.

AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 AHCWHS301 - Contribute to work health and safety processes
2 AHCPCM303 - Identify plant specimens
3 AHCPMG301 - Control weeds
4 AHCPMG302 - Control plant pests, diseases and disorders
5 AHCECR309 - Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works
6 AHCCHM307 - Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
7 AHCCHM304 - Transport and store chemicals
8 AHCECR301 - Maintain native ecosystem areas
9 AHCMOM304 - Operate machinery and equipment
10 AHCECR302 - Collect and preserve biological samples
11 AHCECR305 - Collect Native Seed
12 AHCECR311 - Implement ecosystem reconstruction works
13 AHCNSY313 - Implement a propagation plan
14 AHCNSY308 - Maintain nursery plants
15 AHCPCM307 - Report on health and condition of trees

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants

Parks Stream

Up to 2 years 

 

 

  • Mixed Mode
Cluster 1
AHCWHS301 Contribute to work health and safety processes More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPCM303 Identify plant specimens More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 2
AHCPMG301 Control weeds More Information Training.gov Details
AHCSAW202 Recognise landforms and soil types More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 3
AHCECR309 Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases More Information Training.gov Details
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 4
AHCECR301 Maintain native ecosystem areas More Information Training.gov Details
AHCMOM304 Operate machinery and equipment More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 5
AHCWRK303 Respond to emergencies More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPGD311 Conduct operational inspection of park facilities More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 6
AHCECR311 Implement ecosystem reconstruction works More Information Training.gov Details
AHCLSC311 Set out site for construction works More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 7
AHCPGD307 Implement a plant establishment program More Information Training.gov Details
AHCPCM307 Report on health and condition of trees More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 8
AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices More Information Training.gov Details
GAP TRAINING ONLY

N.B. Students must seek the teacher's approval BEFORE enrolling into this gap unit. There are no fees associated with this Gap unit.

AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 AHCWHS301 - Contribute to work health and safety processes
2 AHCPCM303 - Identify plant specimens
3 AHCPMG301 - Control weeds
4 AHCSAW202 - Recognise landforms and soil types
5 AHCECR309 - Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works
6 AHCCHM307 - Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
7 AHCCHM304 - Transport and store chemicals
8 AHCECR301 - Maintain native ecosystem areas
9 AHCMOM304 - Operate machinery and equipment
10 AHCWRK303 - Respond to emergencies
11 AHCPGD311 - Conduct operational inspection of park facilities
12 AHCECR311 - Implement ecosystem reconstruction works
13 AHCLSC311 - Set out site for construction works
14 AHCPGD307 - Implement a plant establishment program
15 AHCPCM307 - Report on health and condition of trees

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
AHCWRK309 Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
AHCNSY308 Maintain nursery plants

Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Third Party Verification
Written/Electronic Assessment
Practical Task
RPL
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

Domestic 2022 Availabilities

Standard stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
August: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time

Nursery stream

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Parks Stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
August: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time

Domestic 2023 Availabilities

Standard stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time

Nursery stream

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Parks Stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time

Domestic 2024 Availabilities

Standard stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time

Nursery stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time

Parks Stream

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time
For individual class days and times for each intake please check the TAFE Timetable located here
The availabilities shown above are for the current and future years. To view any historic availabilities please press "Show Historic Availabilities" below:

Show Historic Availabilities
More Details

More Details

 

Students attending on campus 

Students studying on-campus are not required to complete work experience as the practical requirements will be satisfied by in class practical activities held during the on-campus classes.

 

Work Experience requirements

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.

 

Resource Requirements

Students are required to purchase and supply their own personal protective equipment. Items include:

•            Protective Boots

•            Safety Glasses

•            Garden gloves

•            Wide-brim hat for outdoor work

•            Appropriate clothing  long sleeve cotton shirt and cotton drill shorts or trousers for outdoor work