Rural Pest Control (Level 3)
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New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations Level 3 – strand in Rural Pest ControlSTUDY FOR FREE: We’re offering this course completely FREE* for upcoming 2026 intakes - secure your spot while places last.
Do you want to help protect Aotearoa from pests? This hands-on course will teach you the skills to do so. This course is designed for people with a passion for the environment and looking to take the next step. Fit study around your schedule with the added benefit of flexible, online, part time study.
You’ll start with an introduction to pest operations in Aotearoa – how the industry works, the laws you need to follow, and how pest control helps protect our environment, health, and way of life. You’ll also learn how pests spread, how to stay safe on the job, and how to plan your work carefully. Build real skills you can use in the field. After successfully completing this course, you will be eligible to apply for jobs such as:
Pest Control technician (contractor or employee)
Pest Monitors
Department of Conservation Rangers
Regional Council Biosecurity Officers
Note: This programme does not include use of firearms.
* This course is offered at Zero Fees and currently only available to domestic students.
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
Domestic Students:
Online Course Costs: $2,290 - FREE* while spots last.
Student Services Levy: $100 - FREE* while spots last.
* This course is offered at Zero Fees and currently only available to domestic students.
Academic:
Open Entry
Other requirements:
Akonga must
arrange access to an environment that allows for rural pest control operations to be performed such as a farm, lifestyle block or a natural non-urban area with access to a supervisor/observer with experience in pest operations. This may also be a work place or a volunteer role
hold an appropriate vehicle licence
You must have access to 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.
Access to a computer or laptop, a microphone, and a reliable internet connection.
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