AHC31424

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Take the next step in your career in the great outdoors with this entry-level course that will qualify you to work as a park ranger or on land conservation projects.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Wide Bay Burnett

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 07 Oct 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$2,400

Subsidised

$3,075

Full Fee

$6,225

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in land management with this entry-level qualification. This course is perfect for people already working in the field looking to upgrade their skills.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, there is strong future growth predicted for people working as park rangers. Nearly a third of all positions are based in Queensland with employers looking for workers who can communicate clearly, have strong interpersonal skills, and can work well in a team.

This course will prepare you for anything the great outdoors can throw at you. You'll gain specialised skills in plant identification, seed collection and propagation, navigating trackless routes, operating machinery, and running revegetation projects. Our passionate industry experts are the best in the business and will give you the guidance you need to get ahead.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a park ranger or on land conservation projects in a diverse range of settings.

What can I do?

Pathway to Park Ranger
Native Nursery
Conservation Officer
Bush Regeneration

Course outcome:

AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Hands-on training

We take our lessons out of the classroom and into the field.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 14 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCECR309

Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR309

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect a site for ecological, biosecurity, cultural and heritage risk and report discrepancies in planned works prior to commencing works.
UNIT NAME
Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works

UNIT CODE
AHCWHS302

Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE :
AHCWHS302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to workplace health and safety procedures, including applying policies and procedures, assisting in hazard identification and risk control, and observing safe practices during work operations.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to workplace health and safety processes

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCCHM304

Transport and store chemicals

UNIT CODE :
AHCCHM304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely transport, handle and store liquid and dry chemical formulations across a broad range of industry sectors.
UNIT NAME
Transport and store chemicals

UNIT CODE
AHCCHM307

Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

UNIT CODE :
AHCCHM307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests, weeds and diseases, using general application equipment.
UNIT NAME
Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases

UNIT CODE
AHCECR301

Maintain native ecosystem areas

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and implement maintenance work within native ecosystem areas.
UNIT NAME
Maintain native ecosystem areas

UNIT CODE
AHCECR302

Collect and preserve biological samples

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify sampling method, and collect and preserve biological samples for later processing and/or analysis.
UNIT NAME
Collect and preserve biological samples

UNIT CODE
AHCECR305

Collect native seed

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR305

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect, treat and store seed for native revegetation projects.
UNIT NAME
Collect native seed

UNIT CODE
AHCECR307

Read and interpret maps

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to read and interpret road and topographical maps for navigation or positioning and plotting purposes.
UNIT NAME
Read and interpret maps

UNIT CODE
AHCECR310

Implement assisted regeneration works

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR310

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist the regeneration of a degraded terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem harnessing potential from on-site components or colonisation from nearby areas, through ecological interventions and treatments specific to site.
UNIT NAME
Implement assisted regeneration works

UNIT CODE
AHCFAU302

Identify fauna in the field

UNIT CODE :
AHCFAU302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to observe fauna characteristics for identification in the field using reference material. This is not an animal surveying unit; it focuses on observation skills and the identification of fauna from these observations.
UNIT NAME
Identify fauna in the field

UNIT CODE
AHCLPW313

Undertake sampling and testing of water

UNIT CODE :
AHCLPW313

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and carry out sampling and testing of water quality as part of a monitoring program.
UNIT NAME
Undertake sampling and testing of water

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM213

Operate and maintain chainsaws

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM213

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition.
UNIT NAME
Operate and maintain chainsaws

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM216

Operate side by side utility vehicles

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM216

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a side by side utility vehicle including undertaking pre-start checks and shut down procedures.
UNIT NAME
Operate side by side utility vehicles

UNIT CODE
AHCMOM304

Operate machinery and equipment

UNIT CODE :
AHCMOM304

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain machinery and equipment.
UNIT NAME
Operate machinery and equipment

UNIT CODE
AHCNSY207

Undertake propagation activities

UNIT CODE :
AHCNSY207

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for plant propagation, assist with plant propagation and complete propagation activities.
UNIT NAME
Undertake propagation activities

UNIT CODE
AHCPCM303

Identify plant specimens

UNIT CODE :
AHCPCM303

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect and describe the features and attributes of a plant for the purpose of plant identification and providing information to a client or organisation. It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
UNIT NAME
Identify plant specimens

UNIT CODE
AHCPCM306

Provide information on plants and their culture

UNIT CODE :
AHCPCM306

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify client issues or requirements, identify the preferred solution, and provide information and solutions to clients.
UNIT NAME
Provide information on plants and their culture

UNIT CODE
AHCPGD307

Implement a plant establishment program

UNIT CODE :
AHCPGD307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish planting areas, including preparing, implementing, reviewing and completing plant establishment work, in new projects and in programs of extensive replacement and renovation works across a range of situations and environments.
UNIT NAME
Implement a plant establishment program

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG301

Control weeds

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG301

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and coordinate weed control activities using appropriate strategies to provide effective, economic control while minimising environmental damage.
UNIT NAME
Control weeds

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG302

Control plant pests, diseases and disorders

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG302

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and assess the effect to plants of plant pests, diseases and disorders and plan and coordinate control measures.
UNIT NAME
Control plant pests, diseases and disorders

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG305

Survey Pests

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG305

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to survey pest abundance by conducting ground counts, aerial counts or both. Pests may be weeds, vertebrate or invertebrate pests or a combination of these. Work may be conducted as part of an emergency response to an incursion or as part of routine surveillance. It must be conducted to comply with the organisation's pest management plan, survey strategy and monitoring program and in accordance with established standards and protocols. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources. No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. However all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
UNIT NAME
Survey Pests

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG307

Apply animal trapping techniques

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG307

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to trap and hold live animals for release, transportation or destruction. Trapped animals can be native animals, domestic animals, animals determined to be pests or feral animals.
UNIT NAME
Apply animal trapping techniques

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK317

Coordinate work site activities

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK317

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate work site activities for small-scale projects.
UNIT NAME
Coordinate work site activities

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK322

Conduct site inspections

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK322

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct a site inspection, including verification of the location, ownership, orientation and boundaries of a site.
UNIT NAME
Conduct site inspections

UNIT CODE
HLTAID013

Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID013

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in a remote or isolated site over an extended period of time until medical assistance is provided, or evacuation occurs.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Mt Gravatt	On Campus	07 Oct 2025	1 year	Part time 2 days per week	Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Mt Gravatt On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Oct 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Grovely	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	6 months	Full time 4 days per week	Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Grovely On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 4 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Ashmore	On Campus	29 Jan 2026	9 months	Full time 2 days per week Thursday, Friday	Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Ashmore On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 29 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 9 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 2 days per week Thursday, Friday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Bundaberg	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	6 months	Full time 3 days per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday	Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Bundaberg On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 3 days per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,400 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,075 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,225 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

CAMPUS	APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS	DELIVERY MODE
Nambour	Traineeship	WORKPLACE Workplace	DROP IN DAYS Drop in days	BLOCK TRAINING Block training	DAY RELEASE Day release	MOBILE VAN Mobile van	Online Online

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, online or a mix of all these options. Learn more

You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

Costs:

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.

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Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31424)

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Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

COURSE CODE: AHC31424

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Selection criteria

You must have completed year 10 or equivalent.
If you are under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions apply.

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

Find out more on how to become an apprentice or trainee

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

a light long sleeved shirt
long pants
protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
safety glasses
ear muffs or plugs
a sun safe hat
sunscreen
secateurs
rubber dishwashing gloves
gardening gloves
water bottle
8GB USB

You may also be required to have access to an 8m retractable tape measure and calculator for select units.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Upgrade your skills and knowledge of environmental sustainability with this advanced-level course, and make a world of difference in your career.

Careers

Community Project Coordinator (Land Care)
Senior Park Ranger
Natural Resource Manager

Full Time : 1 year

Next Start : 27 Jan 2026

Certificate III in Horticulture

Further advance or enhance your career options in horticulture with this course that will qualify you to work in nurseries and parks and gardens.

Careers

Nursery Worker
Parks and Gardens Worker
Horticulturalist

Full Time : 6 months

Next Start : 27 Jan 2026

Certificate III in Nursery Operations

Nurture your green thumb into a rewarding career with real-world nursery skills and hands-on experience.

Careers

Production Nursery Tradesperson
Vegetable Grower

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Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Hands-on training

Core units

Elective units

Mt Gravatt

Grovely

Ashmore

Bundaberg

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Resources required

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Careers

Certificate III in Horticulture

Careers

Certificate III in Nursery Operations

Careers