Course Description
Facilities
Career Opportunities
Course Duration
Course Commencement Dates
Entrance Requirements
Application Procedures
Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Pathways to Further Study
Course Outline
Assessment Methods
Materials
Qualification

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

The Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management is an entry-level course. It provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to work in the bush regeneration/revegetation industry, and can lead into the Diploma level course. The course emphasises field and practical skills, with a strong theoretical underpinning.
Subjects covered include weed management and weed control; methods of plant identification; plant communities and vegetation structure; approaches to restoration and conservation of natural areas; and practical skills such as fencing; machinery maintenance, chemical use and operation of chainsaws.

Students are able to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship for this course.

Facilities

Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management is offered at the Fairfield campus which is located on the edge of Yarra Bend Park. The campus is bounded on one side by the Merri Creek and on the other by the Yarra River. It therefore offers an unparalleled opportunity for field study on a day to day basis.
Strong links with industry organisations provide excellent field opportunities for training and experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course may gain further employment in bushland operations either in propagation of indigenous plants, weed control or bush regeneration.

Course Duration

Full-time: Two semesters

Course Commencement Dates

Courses commence in February, and if there is sufficient demand, additional courses may commence in July. There may be scope for continuous enrolment throughout the year.

Entrance Requirements

An interest in bushland management and conservation is helpful.
Literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Year 11 passes in English and Maths will be sufficient.
Prospective students will be interviewed to establish if this course best suits their needs.

To be eligible to enrol as an apprentice in this course, participants must be employed in the land conservation industry and have a signed Training Agreement with the employer and NMIT. The course co-ordinator can provide advice on this.

Application Procedure

Apply directly to the Agriculture & Animal Science Department

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students enrolling in this course who have completed studies at other institutions should discuss the possibility of being exempted from related units in this course. If a student can demonstrate a full understanding of the unit from their work then they may discuss the option of being assessed for this in their workplace. Students are eligible for skills recognition. Students who have acquired skills and knowledge in bushland regeneration from working in a voluntary capacity are encouraged to apply for skills recognition.

Pathways to Further Study

This qualification may lead to further study in the Diploma in Conservation and Land Management.

Course Outline

The Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management requires successful completion of 15 units of competency. Nine units are to be from Group A. These units relate to the bushland operations, some of which may be designated as compulsory units. Four units taken from either Groups B or A must be completed. Two units from Groups C, B or A must be completed. Group C units may be selected from other Training Packages.
NMIT, in consultation with industry, has constructed courses that satisfy these packaging rules and are tailored to the requirements of industry.

Group A

Compulsory Units
Level 3

RTC2701A Follow OH&S procedures (20 hrs)
RTC2702A Observe environmental work practices (20 hrs)
RTC2705A Work effectively in the industry (20 hrs)
RTC2801A Undertake workplace communication (20 hrs)
RTC3701A Respond to emergencies (60 hrs)

Group A

Elective Units
Level 3

RTC3016A Provide information on plants and their culture (70 hrs)
RTC3401A Control weeds (80 hrs)
RTC2304A Operate and maintain chainsaws (80 hrs)
RTC3704A Prepare and apply chemicals (70 hrs)
RTC3218A Undertake a site assessment (80 hrs)
RTD3505A Maintain natural areas (80 hrs)

Group B

RTC3209A Plan and construct conventional fencing (60 hrs)
FPIFGM147A Read and interpret maps (20 hrs)
RTD3507A Undertake sampling and testing of water (20 hrs)
FPINCR034A Utilise burning for natural and cultural resource management (40 hrs)

For apprentices, once the training and work components of the course have been successfully completed a Certificate will be issued to the student. Other students must apply to receive a Certificate.

Assessment Methods

This is a competency-based course. Assessment is based on students' abilities to achieve unit outcomes. There is the opportunity for workplace delivery and assessment of competencies. Assessment methods include:

• demonstration of skills
• tests and assignments
• folios and log books
• oral activities
• third party reports

Materials

Lists of safety equipment and books that need to be purchased by students will be distributed to students early in the course.

Qualification

As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised. On successful completion students will be awarded the Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.