This qualification provides the skills and knowledge needed for a career in conservation and ecosystem management. Specializing in Ecosystem Restoration, graduates will be equipped to implement assisted regeneration and ecosystem reconstruction, applying these techniques appropriately.
Biodiversity conservation and restoration ecology is an increasingly important sector. The field ecology skills embedded in this course can lead to a highly rewarding career.
The Hub for Learning (RTO No: 45630) is the awarding RTO for this qualification.
Nationally recognised training and assessment is delivered by EcoSkills Training on behalf of The Hub for Learning (RTO 45630). AQF certification documentation is issued by The Hub for Learning.
“If you are on the edge, just go ahead and book in. This is the best place to learn about conservation and ecosystem management with industry professionals. The industry experts made learning fun and accessible, encouraging and drawing on real-world field experience to explain concepts and methods. Everything—both classroom and field experience—stood out as highlights!”
– Chloe L
Location
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
Biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration are rapidly growing and increasingly important sectors. This qualification is designed and delivered by an industry-based training organisation, with trainers who are active conservation and ecological restoration practitioners, not just classroom teachers.
All trainers work directly in the conservation industry and bring current, real-world experience into the training. This ensures students are learning contemporary methods, tools and decision-making skills that reflect how restoration work is actually carried out on site — and what employers expect.
The course strongly emphasises field ecology and practical skills, providing graduates with a clear advantage when seeking employment in the conservation sector.
Through hands-on training in real industry settings, students gain practical experience and develop specialist skills, including:
Plant biology, observation and identification skills relevant to ecological restoration
Weed control techniques and management strategies, including prioritisation and follow-up
Operation of a range of small plant and equipment used in conservation works
Conducting site inspections and ecological assessments
Applying the National Standards for Ecological Restoration to real-world projects
Regeneration techniques, including assessing and identifying regeneration potential
Ecosystem reconstruction methods, including plant propagation and native seed collection
Understanding soils, landforms and degradation processes and their influence on restoration outcomes
Using and producing maps to support planning and delivery of ecological restoration works
Considered, safe and compliant use of herbicides within environmental and workplace regulations
This industry-embedded approach ensures students graduate with practical capability, confidence and contextual understanding, not just theoretical knowledge.
Please download the Course Info Booklet here for more information and guidelines on the enrolment process.
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides practical, job-ready skills that align directly with roles across the conservation, ecological restoration and land management sectors.
Graduates may gain employment in roles such as:
Ecological Restoration Practitioner / Bush Regenerator
Working on the ground to restore and manage natural ecosystems through weed control, assisted regeneration, planting, seed collection, erosion control and ongoing site maintenance.
Bush Crew Member / Field Crew
Undertaking hands-on conservation works for councils, contractors and land management organisations across bushland reserves, waterways and conservation reserves.
Parks and Reserves Worker / Ranger Assistant
Supporting park management activities including habitat restoration, track and asset maintenance, visitor management, monitoring programs and environmental protection works.
Field Officer / Environmental Works Officer
Assisting with on-ground project delivery, monitoring, data collection, site assessments and reporting for councils, government agencies and environmental organisations.
Indigenous Plant Nursery Worker
Working in native and indigenous plant nurseries, including seed collection, propagation, plant identification, nursery maintenance and supplying plants for restoration and revegetation projects.
Landcare or Environmental Project Support Officer
Supporting community-based conservation programs, volunteer coordination, on-ground works and biodiversity projects.
This qualification also provides a strong foundation for further study, including higher-level conservation, environmental science, land management or natural resource management pathways.
This course may also be undertaken as a traineeship with a conservation employer or through a Group Training Organisation (GTO).
Traineeships allow students to:
Earn a wage while completing the qualification
Gain structured, real-world industry experience
Build strong employer connections and practical skills
Increase long-term employment opportunities in the conservation sector
Traineeships can be commenced before or after starting the course, depending on individual circumstances and employer availability.
Follow this link for more information on traineeships.
To successfully complete this qualification, students are required to complete the following Core and selected Elective Units of Competency to gain their Qualification in AHC34124 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
| unit code | UNIT TITLE | CORE/ELECTIVE |
| AHCECR309 | Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works | Core |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to work health and safety processes | Core |
| AHCECR310 | Implement assisted regen works | Elective B |
| AHCECR311 | Implement ecosystem reconstruction works | Elective B |
| AHCPCM303 | Identify plant specimen | Elective B |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | Elective B |
| AHCFAU302 | Identify fauna in the field | Elective C |
| AHCLPW302 | Implement a biodiversity monitoring plan | Elective B |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a Propagation Plan | imported |
| AHCECR305 | Collect native seed | Elective B |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals* | Elective H |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases* | Elective H |
| AHCWRK314 | Monitor weather conditions | Elective I |
| AHCSAW202 | Recognise landforms and soil types | Elective B |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | Elective D |
| AHCLPW410 | Produce maps for land management purposes | Imported |
Full-time – two days/week, completed in 12 months
Part-time – one day/week, completed in 24 months
No classes in Victorian School holiday periods
Students are required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to finalising enrolment.
Training includes practical, hands-on activities undertaken in outdoor and field-based environments. Students should be comfortable with tasks such as light lifting, kneeling or working close to the ground for periods of time, and walking over varying terrain. If you have any concerns about the physical requirements of the course, we encourage you to discuss these with us prior to enrolment so we can provide guidance or discuss suitable support options where possible.
The Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides the foundational, hands-on field ecology skills required to work effectively in the conservation and ecological restoration industry.
For many students, this qualification forms a pathway into further vocational study, including:
Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Importantly, this course is not only suited to people new to the industry.
A significant number of students undertake this qualification after completing university degrees in Environmental Science, Ecology or related disciplines. While higher education provides strong theoretical and analytical knowledge, many graduates find they have had limited exposure to practical field ecology skills, such as:
Plant identification and observation skills
On-ground weed management techniques
Assisted regeneration and restoration methods
Site assessment and ecological decision-making in real landscapes
Working safely and efficiently in field-based crews
This qualification bridges that gap by providing practical, industry-relevant training grounded in real restoration work, enabling graduates to confidently apply their academic knowledge in the field and improve their employability.
Whether used as a starting point, a skills-building qualification, or a practical complement to higher education, the Certificate III supports clear and flexible education pathways within the conservation and ecosystem management sector.
The Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management is delivered through interactive, face-to-face training in a real industry setting, based at our indigenous plant nursery and bushland restoration company depot.
Students learn in an active working environment alongside industry professionals, with training focused on hands-on field skills, plant identification, ecological restoration techniques and site-based learning, rather than classroom-only theory. This approach ensures skills are developed in the same contexts graduates will encounter in employment.
RTO Policies and learner information documents can be accessed here
Click the button below to register your interest, a form will appear for you to fill in.
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