PRT301 Predator Trapping Methods
Environment
A course by
NMIT
A practical, NZQA Level 3 micro-credential designed to equip participants with the skills to manage effective predator pest control programmes in local conservation areas. Offered by NMIT in partnership with DOC, it covers ecological principles, trapping techniques, and monitoring methods.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 6 locations
It will take a total of 12 weeks
This course requires 6 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Create and refine a predator control plan
Develop a plan to control pest predators in a specific conservation area, adapting it as needed based on monitoring and results.
Write field instructions for trap layout
Produce clear, practical instructions for arranging traps, tailored to the specific predator control plan.
Conduct predator control operations and data recording
Implement control methods and record trap-catch results in real-world scenarios for analysis and reporting.
What You're Signing Up For
The PRT301 Predator Trapping Methods course provides a comprehensive introduction to New Zealand pest predators, focusing on rats, stoats, and possums. It is tailored for communities wanting to become active in local conservation efforts, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Participants learn to define pest issues, evaluate ecological impacts, develop and implement predator control plans, and document their outcomes. The course is delivered in both fully online and blended formats, concluding with hands-on trapping and data collection in a field setting.
Course Content
- Overview of New Zealand pest predators (rats, stoats, possums)
- Defining pest species and their ecological impacts
- Predator control methods and trapping technologies
- Developing a predator control plan
- Writing field instructions for trap layout
- Monitoring and documenting trap-catch results
- Ecological principles relevant to pest management
- Online learning modules including field skills and animal ecology
- Practical experience in trap setting and data collection
What you need to know first
No minimum academic requirements.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Environmental Management
Conservation
Pest Control
Future employment opportunities might be
Field assistant in conservation projects
Pest control technician
Community conservation volunteer/leader