This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification describes the skills and knowledge required for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to operate on Country, following local cultural protocols and using a mix of traditional and contemporary management strategies. The term 'on Country' refers to the land, waterways and the sea.
Individuals with this qualification may perform a range of roles under broad direction on land and water, including:
- rangers (park, on Country, discovery)
- tour guides
- council workers
- land management corporations' employees
- bushland management officers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and heritage officers.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | Core |
| Follow Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols | Core |
| Apply animal trapping techniques | Elective |
| Assist with planned burning | Elective |
| Carry out inspection of designated area | Elective |
| Collect native seed | Elective |
| Conduct an ecological and cultural site inspection prior to works | Elective |
| Conduct photography for fieldwork | Elective |
| Construct access tracks | Elective |
| Contribute to a proposal for a negotiated outcome related to Country | Elective |
| Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | Elective |
| Control weeds | Elective |
| Coordinate work site activities | Elective |
| Design and produce business documents | Elective |
| Develop and implement animal management initiatives | Elective |
| Develop work practices to accommodate cultural identity | Elective |
| Erect timber structures and features | Elective |
| Identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culturally significant plants | Elective |
| Identify and collect marine life | Elective |
| Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals | Elective |
| Identify customs and land rights for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community | Elective |
| Identify fauna in the field | Elective |
| Identify plant specimens | Elective |
| Identify the effects of climate change as a factor in land management | Elective |
| Implement biological reintroduction works | Elective |
| Implement cultural burning practices on Country | Elective |
| Implement pest management strategies | Elective |
| Implement property improvement, construction and repair | Elective |
| Interpret Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural landscape | Elective |
| Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture | Elective |
| Maintain chainsaws | Elective |
| Maintain cultural sites | Elective |
| Maintain native ecosystem areas | Elective |
| Monitor and maintain dog health in the community | Elective |
| Monitor ocean conditions and marine environmental quality | Elective |
| Observe and report plants or animals | Elective |
| Operate chemical application machinery and equipment | Elective |
| Operate four wheel drive vehicle on unsealed roads | Elective |
| Operate specialised machinery and equipment | Elective |
| Participate in wild harvesting of native plants for food processing | Elective |
| Perform basic ecological restoration works | Elective |
| Perform diver rescues | Elective |
| Perform restricted diving for scientific purposes | Elective |
| Plan and monitor remote community animal management activities | Elective |
| Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | Elective |
| Prevent injury | Elective |
| Promote environmental health and safety for companion animals in remote communities | Elective |
| Protect places of cultural significance | Elective |
| Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | Elective |
| Provide basic animal first aid | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | Elective |
| Provide information on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples' cultural practice | Elective |
| Read and interpret maps | Elective |
| Record and document Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community history | Elective |
| Record information about Country | Elective |
| Relate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture to sites work | Elective |
| Report on place of potential cultural significance | Elective |
| Respond to emergencies | Elective |
| Respond to rescue incidents | Elective |
| Respond to wildfire | Elective |
| Respond to wildlife emergencies | Elective |
| SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres | Elective |
| Supervise park visitor activities | Elective |
| Support veterinary activities in remote communities | Elective |
| Suppress wildfire | Elective |
| Survey pests | Elective |
| Transport and store chemicals | Elective |
| Trim and cut felled trees | Elective |
| Undertake burning for fuel, ecological and cultural resource management | Elective |
| Undertake sampling and testing of water | Elective |
| Use technology in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander sites work | Elective |
| Work as a guide | Elective |
| Work with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community or organisation | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in On Country Management sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Park Ranger
ANZSCO 234314
Park Rangers assist in controlling a State or national park, scenic area, historic site, nature reserve, recreation area or conservation reserve in accordance with authorised policies and priorities.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Other Environmental Scientist
ANZSCO 234399
Other Environmental Scientists includes jobs like Environmental Educator, and Soil Scientist.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Gardener (General)
ANZSCO 362211
Gardeners (General) plant, cultivate and maintain parks and gardens.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in On Country Management
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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18fifty3 Training (RTO code 45707)
Contact this provider
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ECHAM TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 46476)
Contact this provider
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NINTI TRAINING LIMITED (RTO code 70018)
Contact this provider
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ON COUNTRY ACADEMY PTY LTD (RTO code 45741)
Contact this provider
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Walan-Miya (RTO code 21359)
Contact this provider
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Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation (RTO code 31116)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.