Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

The Diploma of Conservation and Land Management is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required of field staff employed in managing natural resources. There is an emphasis on learning through fieldwork and project-based activities across a range of areas including: catchment and land management, biodiversity, biological surveying, fauna management, erosion control, pest animal and plant control, revegetation, cultural resource management, interpretation and fire management.

The course is run at NMIT's Epping campus which is located within the City of Whittlesea, close to the Plenty Valley Parklands and Kinglake National Park. 

A Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management is incorporated into the program to provide an exit point after one year of full-time study.

Career Opportunities

Jobs in natural resource management/conservation and land management are mostly with private contractors.  Some jobs may be available with government departments, such as Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Rural Water Agencies. Examples of jobs include Environmental Officer, Landcare Coordinator, Park Worker, Park Ranger, Environmental Education Officer, Park Host and Environmental Planning Officer.

Students are strongly advised to develop their own contacts within the industry by joining appropriate volunteer groups and undertaking a wide range of work experience.

Career Opportunities (PDF format - 131KB)

Course Duration

Full-time: Two years

Part-time: Classes are offered in the evening while some spaces may be available in the full-time group to accommodate part-time students. Field trips associated with evening classes are undertaken on weekends.

Flexible Delivery: Some units may be available.

Course Commencement Dates

February.

Entrance Requirements

For students entering the course directly from secondary education, successful completion of a recognised Year 12 program is essential.

For those who have been out of secondary school for more than one year, there are no educational prerequisites.

It should be noted, however, that the course is at post Year 12 level and intending students should be of an academic standard sufficient to cope with the demands of these studies.  If necessary, students will be offered bridging studies in order to ensure an adequate preparation for the educational objectives of the course. 

Application Procedures

Full-time: Apply through VTAC * 
Part-time: Apply directly to NMIT

* Note: Late applicants should contact the Program Co-ordinator.

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students who have completed studies in the Diploma in Natural Resource Management may be eligible for exemption under the new award.  Students enrolling in the diploma who have completed subjects at tertiary level should discuss the possibility of being exempted from related subjects in the course. Students are eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning .

Pathways to Further Study

Graduates of the diploma course have articulated into related degree courses. The amount of credit given towards the degree varies depending on the provider institute and type of degree. Students are advised to seek advice from the degree provider.

Course Outline

Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management

Year 1 of Diploma course

ASD4020A Plan the implementation of revegetation works (80 hrs)
ASC4024A Recommend plant & cultural practices (80 hrs)
ASC4905A Cost a project (50 hrs)
ASD4402A Define pest problem in the local area (100 hrs)
ASD4504A Monitor biodiversity (100 hrs)
ASD4507A Produce maps for land management purposes (120 hrs)
ASD4509A Report on place of potential cultural significance (50 hrs)
ASD4811A Provide information on environmental issues and policies (60 hrs)
ASD4910A Report on project (60 hrs)
ASPPD05B Plan and develop interpretive activities (40 hrs)
ASC5011A Collect and classify plants (120 hrs)
ASC5913A Collect and manage data (120 hrs)

Please note: Students are strongly recommended to undertake some additional units as part of their training program. Areas of training include first aid, chainsaw operation and farm chemical use.

Diploma of Conservation and Land Management

Year 2 of Diploma course

ASD5203A Plan erosion and sediment control measures (120 hrs)
ASD5502A Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources (200 hrs)
ASC5519A Conduct biological surveys (100 hrs)
ASC5504A Develop a management plan for a designated area (200 hrs)
ASD5102A Manage fauna populations (150 hrs)
ASCR033A Plan burning for natural and cultural resource management (60 hrs)

Please note: Units may vary from those shown. Seek clarification prior to enrolment.

Assessment Methods

Information about assessment will be provided at the start of each unit. Assessment methods include:

• observation
• demonstration
• questioning
• assignments
• tests
• reports
• products
• portfolio
• third party reports
• self-assessment

Materials

A booklist will be provided at the start of the program. Students will also need to have suitable clothing, sun protection and sturdy footwear for fieldwork.

Qualification

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

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

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.