• Ecosystem Management, Conservation, Landscaping, and Gardening

• Reserves, Parks and Gardens (including Botanical Gardens)

• On Country Management

 

Ecosystem Management

Western Australia's ecosystem management sector focuses on conserving and restoring natural environments, including forests, wetlands, rangelands, and marine areas. It involves activities like fire control, weed and pest management, habitat restoration, and ecological monitoring. Key roles include conservation officers, land care workers, and Indigenous rangers. The sector is supported by government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, with training offered through vocational and tertiary programs. It is vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. Challenges include climate change, funding limitations, and balancing conservation with development. The sector is central to WA’s environmental protection and long - term sustainability.

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Landscape Horticulture

Western Australia's landscape horticulture sector focuses on the design, establishment, and maintenance of green spaces for aesthetic and functional purposes. This includes parks, gardens, sports turf, streetscapes, and recreational areas. Key roles include landscape gardeners, turf managers, arborists, and nursery workers. The sector supports urban liveability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing, particularly in Perth and regional centres. It is serviced by vocational training (e.g., Certificates in Horticulture and Landscape Construction) and driven by public and private investment in green infrastructure. Water efficiency, climate adaptability, and sustainable landscaping practices are increasingly central to its development.

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On Country Management

Western Australia's on - country management involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  - led care and stewardship of land and sea, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. Activities include fire management, cultural site protection, biodiversity monitoring, feral animal control, and ecosystem restoration. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ranger programs are central, providing employment, cultural preservation, and environmental benefits across WA’s vast landscapes. Supported by government and community partnerships, on - country management enhances biodiversity, supports cultural continuity, and builds regional resilience. It plays a key role in sustainable land use, reconciliation, and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to lead environmental decision - making and action on their ancestral lands.

 

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s Landscape Horticulture sector.

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​These roles require a mix of technical horticultural skills, physical outdoor work, and—for leadership positions—management and planning capabilities.

 

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s Ecosystem Management and On - Country Management sectors

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​Workforce Demographics and Key Factors influencing the workforce

 

Landscape Horticulture

• A significant proportion of skilled workers are nearing retirement, especially in turf and parks management.

• Enrolment in horticulture - related VET courses has declined in recent years, leading to a shortage of skilled entry - Level workers.

• Many roles are seasonal or part - time, limiting long - term workforce retention.

• Increasing urbanisation is driving demand for green spaces, including public parks, streetscaping, and rooftop gardens.

• Policies that prioritise urban greening (e.g., “green city” initiatives) boost the need for skilled horticulturists in design, planting, and maintenance.

• Droughts, floods, and heatwaves affect plant survival and maintenance strategies.

• Limitations on irrigation influence plant selection, turf management, and garden design.

• Green space projects increasingly contribute to urban cooling and carbon sequestration strategies

• Landscape horticulture is often overlooked as a career choice, particularly among school leavers.

• Misconceptions about horticulture being “low - skilled” or “unskilled” discourage new entrants.

• Few high - profile champions of the industry hinder aspirational career uptake.

• Need for micro - credentials or short courses in areas like green wall installation, smart irrigation, and native plant care.

 

Ecosystem Management and On - Country Management

• The ecosystem management workforce tends to have a younger demographic, especially in field roles like conservation officers and rangers.

• Entry - Level roles such as conservation traineeships attract school leavers and early - career workers.

• Mid - career professionals dominate project coordination and land management consultancy roles.

• Males are overrepresented in operational roles (e.g., fire control, fencing, pest control). Females are well represented in project management, ecological research, policy, and stakeholder engagement roles. Gender diversity is increasing in ranger and field

• The On Country Management sector is Indigenous - led, with significant employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in ranger groups.

• Programs like the Indigenous Ranger Program and Working on Country support employment pathways in culturally guided land and sea management.

• The workforce is predominantly regional and remote, especially in areas with Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) and conservation reserves. Key hubs include the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, and Southwest.

• Two - way science and cultural knowledge sharing is a growing priority, especially in Indigenous land and water management.

• Integration of traditional ecological knowledge into biodiversity protection and climate adaptation practices is expanding.

• Federal and state funding for conservation and land care initiatives sustains workforce

 

Training Package

AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package

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Most popular qualifications

• Certificate II in Horticulture

• Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

• Certificate III in Horticulture

• Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

• Certificate III in Arboriculture

 

Declared Apprenticeships and Traineeships

• Horticulture (Level 2) - AHC20422 Certificate II in Horticulture

• Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 2) - AHC20520 Certificate II in Arboriculture

• Horticulture (Parks and Gardens) (Level 2) - AHC20624 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens

• Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery) (Level 2) - AHC20724 Certificate II in Nursery Operations

• Conservation and Land Management (Level 2) - AHC21024 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

• Irrigation (Level 2) - AHC21124 Certificate II in Irrigation

• Horticulture (Landscape) (Level 2) - AHC21624 Certificate II in Landscaping

• Horticulture (Level 3) - AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture

• Arborist - AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture

• Landscape Gardener - AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction

• Horticulturist (Nursery) - AHC31124 Certificate III in Nursery Operations

• Turf Management - AHC31324 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management

• Conservation and Land Management (Level 3) - AHC31424 Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

• Irrigation Technician (Level 3) - AHC32424 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology

• Horticulture (Level 4) - AHC40422 Certificate IV in Horticulture

• Horticulture (Wholesale Nursery) (Level 4) - AHC40624 Certificate IV in Nursery Operations

• Conservation and Land Management (Level 4) - AHC40924 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

• Irrigation (Level 4) - AHC41124 Certificate IV in Irrigation Management

• Horticulture (Landscape) (Level 4) - AHC42021 Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management

 

To find course lists, please click here

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