Course Overview

About This Course

Upgrade your skills and knowledge of environmental sustainability with this advanced-level course, and make a world of difference in your career. The Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management reflects the role of personnel working in management positions with technical level skills in conservation and land management roles. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as environmental scientists is growing strongly. This large occupation includes roles such as park ranger, conservation officer, and environmental consultant. According to the latest job figures, there will likely be around 14,000 job openings in this area over the next five years. In this course you'll obtain knowledge and practical skills in the management of flora, the classification of plant life, and conducting biological surveys. You will also learn how to be an effective manager in the conservation and land management industry, and develop skills such as natural area restoration, developing management plans, and data collection and management. Our highly experienced team of industry professionals will give you the personal support and expert guidance needed to focus and refine your career. Successful completion of this course will prepare you for many different career opportunities in the field of conservation and land management around the country including natural resource manager, bush regenerator, park and wildlife manager, and senior ranger. This course also provides a stepping stone to further study. At TAFE Queensland we work in partnership with a number of universities, providing a pathway to higher education. In many cases completing one of our diplomas will give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Full fee $13,790

Duration

1 year

Intakes

01 Feb 2027

Study Mode

On campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Skills Check (Domestic students): You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission. The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology. If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.
Selection criteria (Domestic students): It is highly recommended that you have previously completed the Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management or Certificate III in Horticulture, as it is highly desirable that you have underpinning knowledge and skills from that area.
Age (International students): You must be at least 18 years of age to enter into this course. Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland.
English language proficiency (International students): Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
Academic requirements (International students): Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion.
Welfare arrangements (International students under 18): International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.
Resources required: Access to a reliable internet connection, a computer with up-to-date software including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will also be required to have access to and bring to class: a light long sleeved shirt, protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210, safety glasses, ear muffs or plugs, a sun safe hat, sunscreen, secateurs, rubber dishwashing gloves, and gardening gloves.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Natural Resource Manager
Bush Regenerator
Park and Wildlife Manager
Senior Park Ranger
Community Project Coordinator (Land Care)
Conservation Officer
Environmental Consultant
~14,000 job openings expected over the next 5 years (Australian Government Job Outlook)

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units10 units

AHCBUS515

Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare estimates, quotes and tenders for project-based work.

AHCECR502

Conduct biological surveys

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and conduct biological surveys and produce a biological survey report, according to client requirements and biological components to be surveyed.

AHCECR503

Design an ecological restoration project

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a design for an ecological restoration project in conservation or for ecosystem management.

AHCFAU501

Manage fauna populations

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a fauna management plan, including controlling or maintaining fauna populations.

AHCPCM510

Collect and classify plants

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and classify plants, including preparing for plant collection, collecting plant specimens, preserving specimens and identifying plant specimens using taxonomic keys.

AHCPMG413

Define the pest problem

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply a strategic pest management approach to define a weed, vertebrate or invertebrate pest problem for a target area.

AHCWRK502

Collect and manage data

AHCWRK509

Provide specialist advice to clients

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain technical currency for specialist knowledge and provide specialist advice to clients.

AHCWRK511

Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability.

AHCWRK513

Write and present reports

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to write and present reports, including researching and evaluating information, producing a document and delivering a verbal presentation.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What career opportunities are available after completing the Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management?

Successful completion of this course will prepare you for many different career opportunities in the field of conservation and land management around the country, including natural resource manager, bush regenerator, park and wildlife manager, senior ranger, community project coordinator (land care), and senior park ranger. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, there will likely be around 14,000 job openings in this area over the next five years.

How much does the Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management cost?

The total course fee for domestic students on a full fee basis is $13,790. For international students, the total course fee is $16,600. Payment options include upfront payment, a payment plan, and the VET Student Loan program (with a $19,290 cap), which assists eligible domestic students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.

What are the entry requirements for international students?

International students must be at least 18 years of age to enter the course (applicants may be a minimum of 17 years of age if turning 18 during the first year of study). English language proficiency requires Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band less than 5.5 or equivalent. Academic requirements include completion of Year 12 or equivalent; non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or a qualification that indicates likely success of course completion.

Does completing this diploma provide any pathways to university?

Yes, TAFE Queensland works in partnership with a number of universities, providing a pathway to higher education. In many cases, completing one of their diplomas will give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of their partner universities.

What equipment and resources do I need to bring to class?

You will need access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with up-to-date software including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader (this equipment is also available at all TAFE Queensland locations). You will also be required to bring to class: a light long sleeved shirt, protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210, safety glasses, ear muffs or plugs, a sun safe hat, sunscreen, secateurs, rubber dishwashing gloves, and gardening gloves.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $52,000 to $68,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $68,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Park RangerConservation OfficerNatural Resource ManagerEnvironmental Officer (Lands, Parks and Wildlife)Bush Regenerator / Bush Regeneration Crew Leader

Key Skills

Conducting biological surveys and producing detailed survey reportsDesigning and implementing ecological restoration projectsUsing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and data analysisIdentifying and classifying native flora and faunaDeveloping and implementing natural area management plans

Full Course Overview

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