Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

If you're passionate about the outdoors, wildlife, and the environment, this course is the perfect starting point. The conservation VET DSS course introduces you to the skills needed to care for natural areas, protect biodiversity, and support land conservation projects.

Through a mix of classroom learning and practical, hands-on activities, you'll gain real experience working in outdoor environments, preparing you for further training or entry-level work in environmental and land management.

This VET DSS course is fully funded by the Department of Education, Garinga Djimbayang project.

• How to identify plants, animals, and weeds
• Maintain natural habitats and ecosystems
• Use tools and equipment safely
• Carry out environmental sampling and data collection
• Work in a team and follow environmental work practices
• Support bushland regeneration and revegetation projects

• Conservation worker
• Ranger
• Parks and wildlife roles
• Indigenous land manager
• Marine and/or coastal manager

Once you finish this course, there are a variety of study options to gain more skills for a career in conservation. 

At South West TAFE

• Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
  Builds on your foundational skills with more advanced training in areas like plant identification, weed control, habitat restoration, and environmental monitoring.
• Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
  Offers in-depth knowledge in ecological restoration, fauna management, water quality monitoring, and river restoration. This course includes practical workshops and online study, and is designed for those aiming for leadership roles in conservation.
• Horticulture on campus course or traineeship
  You may choose to apply your skills to study for a career in horticulture including care, cultivation, and maintenance of plants, gardens, parks, or landscape construction.

At university:

While this course does not provide a direct university pathway, it can provide a foundation to support future study at university with a degree in environmental science, conservation biology, ecology or natural resource management.  

SWTAFE Sherwood Park campus, Warrnambool

Thursday afternoons (1pm - 5pm) during school terms.

SWTAFE Portland campus

Thursday afternoons (1pm - 5pm) during school terms.

This course is partial completion only. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Statement of Attainment listing the successful units completed. You may be able to use the Statement of Attainment to receive credit towards a full qualification, reducing the time and cost of further study.

Credit to ATAR score

Students undertaking this VET DSS program are eligible for credit of up to four VCE VET units on their VCE Statement of Results: two units at Unit 1-2 level and a Unit 3-4 sequence. Students may be entitled to 10% increment towards their VCE.

VCE Vocational Major

Students undertaking this VET DSS program through the VCE Vocational Major stream will need to complete a minimum of 180 nominal hours of a VET DSS program over a 2-year period.

This course is partial completion only. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Statement of Attainment listing the successful units completed. You may be able to use the Statement of Attainment to receive credit towards a full qualification, reducing the time and cost of further study.

Any costs and fees associated with completing this course will managed directly with your school. Please contact your school for further information.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study e.g. tools of the trade, uniform, etc. Please check with your school's VET DSS coordinator to determine resource costs applicable to you.

There are 5 steps to applying for a VET DSS program with SWTAFE:

1. Look at your options - chat with your school's VET DSS Coordinator and your parents/guardians about a program that will suit you.
2. Apply - complete a short online application form
3. Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment online
4. Chat to our team - your SWTAFE teacher or course specialist will contact you to discuss the course in more detail and ensure the right units of study are selected for you.
5. Enrol - once your school approves your VET DSS application, you will be enrolled in the qualification at SWTAFE.