Rural Pest Control – On Campus (Level 3)
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New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations Level 3 – strand in Rural Pest ControlGet ready to learn by doing! This course is designed for people who want a practical, hands-on career helping protect Aotearoa’s environment. You’ll learn how to identify, monitor and control a wide range of pests that impact our landscapes, farms and communities. Instead of sitting behind a screen, you’ll train in real outdoor settings and learn exactly how the industry operates.
Throughout the course, you’ll practise using the tools and techniques used in real pest-control work. You’ll set traps, assess sites, learn how to handle poisons safely, and understand how pests behave so you know how to manage them. You’ll also build essential field skills such as navigation, communication, health and safety, and basic outdoor survival skills - the things employers really look for.
Because this is an on-campus programme, you’ll learn by doing. Our tutors guide you through practical activities and in nearby field environments so you can build confidence, competence and real industry experience. By the time you finish, you’ll be ready to step into entry-level pest-operations roles or continue further training in conservation, biosecurity or environmental management.
Note: This programme does not include use of firearms.
STUDENT LOANS
If you meet certain conditions you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.
COURSE COSTS
The cost can be different depending on the subject and duration of the course. View the course cost for New Zealand students here.
Domestic Students:
Online Course Costs: $1,869
Student Services Levy: N/A
Academic:
NCEA Level 1 or equivalent.
Other requirements:
Akonga must
be currently employed in a paid or volunteer role within the pest operations industry or farming sector with access to a supervisor/observer with experience in pest operations
hold an appropriate vehicle licence
Your workplace must be able to provide the following:
Pest control equipment and tools
Access to 2 different types of vehicles such as 4WD, Light Utility Vehicles, Quad Bikes or Motorcycles
Pest control PPE equipment
Communication tools such as Radio Transmitters
Basic tool kits
Domestic students with ESOL: must be proficient in English language.
This programme is currently only offered to domestic students.
All ākonga regardless of delivery mode will also be required to provide/access their own:
Sturdy boots (e.g. steel capped boots), long sleeved trousers & shirts, rain jacket/wet weather gear, sturdy gloves
Basic face mask, hat with visor, sunscreen, water bottle, ruck sack, basic first aid kit
Personal mobile phone (Smart Phone) in order to photograph and/or identify plant, insect and/or animal pest – ideally with inbuilt GPS
Note: You will need to log at least 10 hours of vehicle use across the length of the programme.
You will learn:
To spot common pests across Aotearoa’s rural and diverse environments.
Trap setting training to set, check and maintain traps using industry-approved methods.
Essential outdoor survival and communication skills so you can work confidently in different environments.
How to safely handle and use chemicals and understand when they are appropriate for pest control.
Why pest management matters for our environment, health, and lifestyle.
Data recording and how to report pest activity, giving you skills that employers rely on.
Hands-on techniques through workshops and field activities, building real confidence for pest operations work.
How to safely use vehicles like 4WDs, quad bikes, and motorbikes.
Get more info
Interested in finding out more about how you can study for free? Fill in your details below and we will send you more details.
Course start dates