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Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

COURSE CODE
AHC60422

Launch a rewarding career where you can help protect and improve our planet’s ecosystems. Learn how to analyse ecosystem health, engage positively with the community, plan ecosystem restoration and more. Be equipped to land a role such as a Natural Resource Manager, Ecological Consultant or Park Ranger. 

If you’re a graduate of the Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management or Diploma of Sustainable Operation, this course can help you specialise in conservation and unlock new career opportunities. 

Key learning outcomes

Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

  • Learn how to develop Natural Resource Management plans that consider land, water, soil, plants, animals and more.  
  • Build skills in analysing an ecosystem’s degradation and planning for its restoration 
  • Discover how to use important ecosystem management tools and resources, including regional NRM (Natural Resource Management) plans and the MERI (Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement) framework 
  • Learn how to collect data on ecosystem health and effectively analyse it 
  • Gain skills in consulting with members of the community and documenting sustainable community and bioregional development strategies 
  • Learn how to develop environmental policies and procedures, and oversee implementing them 
  • Build your understanding of adaptive management and national standards for ecological restoration 

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Watch a course introduction

Key benefits of studying this course

  • Open the door to a fulfilling carer – Gain the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding green career that positively impacts the planet  
  • Future-proof your career – Demand for green skills is predicted to outstrip supply into 2030 and beyond 
  • Gain a nationally recognised qualification – Gain a qualification that’s recognised by employers across Australia 
  • Build valuable, industry-ready skills – ACBI’s course content has been developed with input from experienced sustainability professionals 
  • Learn from experts – When you study with ACBI, you’ll learn from dedicated trainers who hold a wealth of industry and academic experience 
  • Be supported to succeed – Enjoy access to high-quality student and academic support. From guiding you through assessment questions to helping you understand key conservation tools, ACBI is here to support your learning journey 
Domestic students
1 year (50 weeks)*
Online / Sydney Campus
Flexible 100% online study / blended delivery
Next on-campus intakes
  • 2 Feb 2026 
  • 6 Apr 2026 
  • 4 May 2026 
Next online intakes
  • 1 Mar 2026 
  • 1 Apr 2026 
  • 1 May 2026 
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Course content

Hear from our students  

Potential Salaries

Park Ranger

$83K

Park Rangers play an important role in preserving national parks, nature reserves and privately owned parks. They have responsibility for managing the natural environment, preserving cultural sites and providing visitor services.

Sustainability Officer

$105K

Sustainability Officers help communities to achieve a good balance of social, environmental and economic outcomes. They are often responsible for developing and implementing environmentally-focused policies and programs.

Environmental Consultant

$100K

Environmental Consultants advise organisations on how they can enhance their environmental outcomes. They can provide guidance on how organisations can better monitor ecosystems, restore ecosystems, undertake community consultation and more.

Source: Seek 2026

 Entry requirements

How to apply

FAQs

Who is this course for?
This qualification is ideal for people who want to kickstart or advance a rewarding green career that’s specialised in ecosystem management or conservation. It can be a great option if you’re looking for a fulfilling career where you can be involved in protecting our planet’s ecosystems. For example, it can be a good choice if you’re interested in becoming a Park Ranger, Natural Resource Manager or Ecological Consultant. This course is also a good fit if you’re a graduate of the Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management or Diploma of Sustainable Operations. This Advanced Diploma will extend your green skills in areas such as ecological restoration, community engagement and ecosystem management.
What kind of projects or assessments will I complete?
You’ll complete a series of assessments for this qualification. Each assessment will involve a number of short answer written knowledge questions, and a number of practical tasks. For example, the practical tasks may require you to assess the effectiveness of an ecological management plan or design a comprehensive project for restoring an ecosystem. You may use case studies for your practical tasks. Or,if you’re already working in sustainability, you may be able to use your own workplace. Your Trainer will be on hand to guide you through each assessment.
Do you have flexible payment plans?
We do. When you study at ACBI, you can choose to pay upfront or with a flexible payment plan. For advice on what options might best suit your individual situation, connect with a Course Advisor.
Can I enrol in a ‘double diploma’ or ‘packaged courses’?
Yes, pairing the Advanced Diploma of Ecosystem Management with another qualification can be an excellent way to boost your sustainability skills and strengthen your career opportunities. You can apply to study two or more courses at ACBI, studying one after the other. Simply select your desired courses when completing your online application form. We recommend considering packaging this Advanced Diploma with one of the following courses:
  • Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management
  • Diploma of Sustainable Operations
  • Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
How is this course different to the Diploma of Sustainable Operations?
These courses both place a focus on sustainability. However, they have some small differences. The Advanced Diploma is focused on building skills in managing and restoring ecosystems. It can be a good pathway to building a career as a Park Ranger, Natural Resource Manager or Ecological Consultant. It can be completed within 1 year. On the other hand, the Diploma of Sustainable Operations centres on building skills in helping businesses to reduce and manage their environmental impacts. For example, it will develop your ability to develop sustainability business cases, calculate a business’s carbon footprint and navigate environmental reporting requirements. The Diploma of Sustainable Operations takes 1.5 years (18 months) to complete. If you’d like to develop a range of sustainability skills, you may wish to study a Diploma of Sustainable Operations followed by an Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management. You can opt to enrol in both courses, studying one after the other, when completing your online application form.
How is this course different to the Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management?
These courses both place a focus on the environment, and each can be completed within one year. However, they have some small differences. The Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management is focused on building skills in managing and restoring ecosystems. It can be a good pathway to building a career as a Natural Resource Manager, Ecological Consultant or Park Ranger. On the other hand, the Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management builds more foundational skills in helping businesses to manage their environmental impacts. It opens opportunities to become an Environmental Manager, Sustainability Coordinator or Work Health Safety & Environment (WHSE) Manager. As a Certificate IV qualification, you may also find that this course has less time-intensive assessments and more flexible entry requirements. If it’s been a while since you last studied, or if you’re new to studying sustainability, it may be a good idea to start with a Certificate IV in Environmentally Sustainable Management. You can then follow this on by studying an Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management. You can opt to enrol in both courses, studying one after the other, when completing your online application form.
Why should I study this Advanced Diploma course at ACBI?
When you choose to study your Advanced Diploma of Conservation an Ecosystem Management at ACBI you’ll enjoy:
  • Access to experienced trainers – Our trainers have a wealth of both teaching and sustainability experience.
  • Excellent student support – Be supported throughout your student journey. From study plans to interactive online sessions, you’ll be supported to succeed at your studies.
  • Flexible study options – ACBI’s course delivery has been designed to help you fit completing your Advanced Diploma around your work and life commitments.
  • Studying with a trusted training provider – ACBI is dedicated to offering great student experiences. We’ve been helping our students achieve good course outcomes over 10 years. When you complete this course at ACBI, you’ll join over 4,500 graduates who’ve had success studying with us.
Can I apply this course to my own workplace?
Yes! If you’re currently working in sustainability, or have your own green start-up or small business, you’ll have the option of applying your practical assessments to your workplace. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose to use provided case studies for each assessment instead.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management has designed to be completed within one year. If you study in-person at ABCI’s Sydney CBD campus, you’ll complete this course over a series of 4 terms. Each term consists of 9 weeks. View ACBI’s academic timetable to see more information on term dates. If you are a domestic student (an Australian/New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident), you may choose to study this course in a 100% online, flexible format. You’ll receive a suggested study plan that guides you through completing the course in 1 year (50 weeks). However, if your circumstances allow, you may be able to finish each unit more quickly. For example, it is not uncommon for our domestic students to complete their qualifications in 9 months or less. For more advice on timeframes for completing this course, chat with one of our helpful Course Advisors.
I want to know something about this Advanced Diploma but can’t find an answer. Who can I ask?
Our friendly Course Advisors are here to help. Simply fill out this form and an advisor will get in touch with you.

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Have questions about this course, or need help deciding which is the best course for you? Our Course Advisors have you covered. 

Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian College of Business Intelligence (ACBI) acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pays respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

ABN: 191 581 045 66
RTO Code: 40835
CRICOS Code: 03426E

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info@acbi.edu.au