Looking after Australia's forests, bushland, grasslands, wetlands, coastal and other natural areas requires an understanding of how ecosystems work and the impact of the ever increasing human demands placed on natural resources. Training for work in this important field involves learning about flora and fauna, biodiversity values, soils and erosion control, revegetation and restoration, mapping, pest plants and animals and other threats to natural systems.
All staff agree that undertaking field work gives students a much better understanding of the environmental issues faced at both the local and wider level. Students undertaking studies in Conservation and Land Management can expect a variety of field work and excursion opportunities as well as the occasional overnight camp.
Examples of recent projects and excursions include:
- Weed mapping at Plenty Valley Parklands
- Revegetation at the Growling Frog Golf Course
- Conducting flora and fauna surveys in remnant vegetation on private property and parklands in Wedderburn and Kinglake
- Kangaroo count at Woodlands Parkland
- Bird Surveying at Mill Park Lakes
- Stone tool making at Yan Yean
- Extended field trips to the Little Desert, Western District and Kinglake
Available Courses (3)
Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management (Traineeship)
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.
Diploma of Conservation and Land Management incorporating Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management
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.
Diploma of Sustainability - Dual Diploma
The Diploma of Sustainability dual diploma offers the student an opportunity to combine their existing training with specialist training in sustainability. Four units are completed in addition to a diploma qualification or higher. The course covers the fundamental principles and emerging developments in sustainability, programs to support behavioural change and sustainable practices, sustainable business plans and long-term outcomes of sustainable production and consumption.
