New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3)

About this programme

Managing environmental pests is crucial to conserving New Zealand’s unique ecosystems. This hands-on programme prepares you to work on pest control projects, giving you practical experience through learning how to safely use traps and poisons. You’ll also learn to identify flora and fauna, and how to navigate in remote bush.

What you will learn

You will learn:

• How to identify common native and introduced flora and fauna

• How to work safely and effectively in the conservation estate

• To navigate using maps and compass, and GPS

• How to complete an extended expedition into remote bush

• Practical experience in pest control, through using traps and poisons

• To work in a safe and effective manner as part of a pest management team

• Good work habits including time management and basic problem solving, communication and recording skills

• About the social, cultural, legislative and economic dimensions of a career in pest control.

Courses in this programme

Students must attend specified field trips and assessments to pass this programme. Students require a minimum of 60 credits to complete this qualification.

Career options

• Pest/weed control contractor

• Bushman

• Private pest controller

• Contract work

Entry Requirements 

All applicants must:

• be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences

• be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level

• be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.

Qualification gained

New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3)