AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management is the perfect course to develop the skills required to begin a career protecting our environment. You will be undertaking units such as recognising fauna, surveying pests and operating chainsaws while also learning important core skills including workplace safety and conduction ecological and cultural site inspections and restorations. This skills-based certificate can be taken as part of a traineeship agreement or as an on-campus student paving the way for a career in roles such as community field officer, wildlife officer, weeds officer and more.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Fees
Duration
Locations
Course overview
The Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides creative hands-on skills training such as recognising fauna, surveying pests, operating chainsaws and undertaking cultural studies relating to land management to allow you to take your love for the environment and make it your career.
Free TAFE short course opportunity for students to complete the Agricultural Chemical Skill set in conjunction with Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem management. This skill set provides the skills and knowledge required to transport, handle, store, prepare and apply chemicals. An Auschem certification can be applied for at the completion of this skill set, which is a requirement for the majority of career opportunities available upon course completion.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
Indigenous Land Management, Bush Regenerator, Natural Area Restoration, Pest Controller, Ranger, Landcare Co-ordinator, Field Service Officer, Environmental Contractor, Project Fire Fighter
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $755 | $3,773 | $14,777 |
Material fees
This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $545.
Other study costs
Students are required to supply their own text book; field guide, PPE (gloves; safety glasses and hat) and appropriate footwear. There will also be excursion entry fees.
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Gillies St (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
Contact hours
Students will complete approximately 18 hours per week of on-campus study. Classes are held from 9.00am to 4.00pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Additional study time is required to complete assessments, classroom readings, and activities.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to worksAHCECR309
- Contribute to workplace health and safety processesAHCWHS302
- Collect native seedAHCECR305
- Implement ecosystem reconstruction worksAHCECR311
- Identify fauna in the fieldAHCFAU302
- Plan and construct conventional fencingAHCINF307
- Operate a handheld GPS deviceAHCLPW201
- Operate and maintain chainsawsAHCMOM213
- Operate machinery and equipmentAHCMOM304
- Provide information on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples' cultural practiceAHCOCM301
- Identify plant specimensAHCPCM303
- Control weedsAHCPMG301
- Survey pestsAHCPMG305
- Apply animal trapping techniquesAHCPMG307
- Recognise landforms and soil typesAHCSAW202
- Design and produce business documentsBSBTEC301
- Navigate in remote or trackless areasFWPCOT3202
- Provide First AidHLTAID011
Entry requirements
For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3701574754 - Gillies St (on campus)
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- LDD
- National course code
- AHC31424
Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Bachelor of Environmental and Conservation Science