New rural pest programme with map, data and communication skills
11 April 2023
If you work in rural plant pest control, you need to know how to stay safe and work productively. That’s where the ‘refreshed’ New Zealand Certificate in Rural Pest Operations comes in.
The first strand of this programme (pest animal) was refreshed in 2022. Now, the pest plant strand is ready for enrolments. The updated programme will help keep you and your team safe while contributing to the biosecurity and natural beauty of New Zealand’s rural environment.
A key change in the programme is the inclusion of traditional navigation methods, which industry recognises as a must for people working remotely and often by themselves. Map reading and compasses are now in the programme, along with technological solutions like GPS and altimeters.
Other updated features of the programme include documentation, which Tanya says is increasingly important.
“In the pest world, the whole job revolves around data and proving the work has been done – such as the number of species being monitored.”
Some of the basics of the programme include identifying and controlling different types of plant pests and how to carry out pest operations to contribute to biosecurity and public enjoyment of the areas. Operating vehicles in the specific rural environment is also a key outcome.
The training programme takes 10 months to complete, is solely on-the-job learning – where everything you do is also part of your day-to-day work.
To find out more and to enrol in the refreshed programme, contact us today using the form below.