$330.00
This unit provides learners with the practical knowledge and skills required to safely select, operate, maintain, and store machinery and equipment used in conservation and ecosystem management work.
The unit focuses on low-impact, environmentally responsible machinery use in natural and public landscapes, including weed control, revegetation works, habitat management, and site maintenance. Learners develop a strong understanding of pre-operational safety checks, hazard identification, job safety analysis (JSA), safe work method statements (SWMS), and working safely in shared public spaces.
Environmental stewardship is central to this unit, with strong emphasis on minimising soil disturbance, preventing weed and pathogen spread, protecting native flora and fauna, and managing chemical and fuel risks. Learners also build skills in routine maintenance, cleaning, record-keeping, and incident reporting to meet workplace, legal, and ecological best-practice requirements.
This unit is highly practical and suited to people working or seeking work in ecological restoration, bushland management, landcare, and conservation field roles.
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.
Location
Start Date
Duration
Introduction to machinery and equipment in conservation work
• Role of machinery in ecological restoration and land management
• Differences between machinery and hand-held equipment
• Common tools used in conservation settings
• Operator responsibilities, authorisation, and duty of care
Pre-operational safety and hazard identification
• Site hazard assessment and environmental risk awareness
• Pre-start and pre-operational equipment checks
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
• Assessing equipment suitability for task, site, and conditions
• Fault identification, reporting, and tag-out procedures
Selecting and preparing the right equipment
• Matching tools to task, target species, and site conditions
• Consideration of terrain, vegetation, public access, and sensitivity
• Understanding power systems (2-stroke, 4-stroke, battery)
• Transporting and setting up equipment safely on site
• Selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Operating machinery safely and effectively
• Safe operating techniques for common conservation equipment
• Monitoring machinery performance during use
• Working safely in field conditions and variable terrain
• Adjusting operations for weather, slope, and environmental constraints
• Maintaining efficiency while minimising ecological disturbance
Maintenance, cleaning, and storage
• Importance of routine maintenance in conservation work
• Daily cleaning and weed hygiene practices
• Identifying wear, damage, and unsafe equipment
• Storage requirements for machinery, fuel, batteries, and chemicals
• Recording use, servicing, and repairs
Public safety and working in shared spaces
• Managing risks when working near the public and pets
• Use of signage, barriers, exclusion zones, and spotters
• Operating machinery near paths, roads, and recreational areas
• Responding professionally to public concerns and incidents
Environmental responsibilities and minimising disturbance
• Preventing soil compaction, erosion, and off-target damage
• Weed hygiene and biosecurity procedures
• Protecting wildlife, habitat features, and sensitive vegetation
• Managing fuel, oil, herbicides, pollution, and fire risk
Emergency procedures and incident response
• Responding to injuries, spills, equipment failure, and fires
• Applying emergency response procedures
• Incident, injury, and near-miss reporting requirements
Documentation, record keeping, and compliance
• Completing pre-start, maintenance, and usage records
• Herbicide application record-keeping
• Legal, organisational, and WHS compliance requirements
Students are required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate competency in native seed collection in line with industry standards.
EcoSkills Short Courses support employment, career change, and upskilling within the conservation and ecosystem management sector.
These courses are suited to people working or volunteering in conservation, those looking to move into the sector, and graduates seeking stronger on-ground experience. Skills gained may support roles involved in:
On-ground conservation and ecological restoration works
Weed management and regeneration techniques
Indigenous plant propagation and native seed collection
Site assessment, monitoring, and field-based ecological work
All training is aligned with current industry best practice and the National Standards for Ecological Restoration, supporting safe, effective, and informed on-ground work.
Students are required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to finalising enrolment. This is a simple check designed to help us understand how you learn and to make sure we can provide the right support throughout the course. You can’t fail this assessment.
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 practical or physical aspects of the course, we encourage you to have a chat with us before enrolling so we can talk through what to expect and any support options available.
EcoSkills Short Courses provide recognised education pathways through nationally accredited training.
Courses are delivered as single units or grouped units (skill sets) and may be completed as stand-alone training or used as stepping stones toward further study. Units or skill sets completed can be credited toward the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Short Courses also suit people seeking practical knowledge and skills to support regeneration and ecological restoration on their own property, whether small or large, while maintaining clear pathways into further vocational training.
This short course is delivered entirely face-to-face and includes classroom-based learning and practical, hands-on activities. Training focuses on applied skills and is conducted in real or simulated work environments, with guidance from experienced industry trainers.
2026 Short Course Attendance Dates
30th Jul
6th Aug
13th Aug
*Course fees include enrollment and material costs. Covering; learner guides, handouts, equipment consumables and bus use
Ecoskills delivers nationally accredited training in partnership with The Hub for Learning Pty Ltd (RTO No. 45630), the awarding Registered Training Organisation. This partnership ensures all training and assessment complies with national training standards and regulatory requirements.
Students’ rights and responsibilities, along with RTO policies and learner information documents, can be accessed here.
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