Junior Ranger Program
Develop the knowledge and skills to care for Country and prepare for a future in conservation.
The Junior Ranger Program combines the Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC21024) and the Certificate II in Rural Operations (AHC21216) to give First Nations students the skills, knowledge and confidence to care for Country while building pathways into further education and meaningful careers.
Through hands-on learning, on-Country experiences, cultural field trips and mentoring from experienced trainers and Indigenous leaders, you'll develop practical skills in conservation, land management, rural operations and environmental stewardship.
Alongside technical training, the program strengthens cultural knowledge, connection to Country and an understanding of the important role First Nations people play in protecting and managing the environment.
You'll develop core skills in:
- operating drones
- operating quad bikes and side-by-side utility vehicles
- providing First Aid
- inspecting and cleaning machinery, tools and equipment to preserve biosecurity
- maintaining native ecosystem areas
- applying chemicals under supervision
- performing ecological restoration works.
How you’ll learn
This program is delivered over 12 months (4 high school terms) one day per week at UQ Gatton.
Delivered by UQ Skills, in partnership with Nyanda, a proudly First Nations-owned enterprise in Southeast Queensland, this program prepares you for future study and employment in conservation, Indigenous land management, natural resource management, ecological restoration and other land and environmental management industries.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral assessments and practical demonstrations
Start date
February 2027
You can apply for this program if you:
- are from a First Nations background
- will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 at an approved high school in the year that the program is starting
- have the approval of your parent/guardian and school.
All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) testing
You’re required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process. This helps us identify and plan for any learning or support needs you may have before you start your training.
Create your USI
You must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before we can accept your enrolment.
Resources
2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 681.9 KB) (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information).
You won’t have to pay a student contribution fee for this program if you meet the entry criteria.
| Course | Course code |
|---|---|
| Participate in workplace health and safety processes | AHCWHS202 |
| Observe and report plants or animals | AHCOCM202 |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | AHCWRK211 |
| Inspect, clean machinery, tools, and equipment to preserve biosecurity | AHCBIO203 |
| Perform basic ecological restoration works | AHCECR203 |
| Maintain native ecosystem areas | AHCECR301 |
| Apply chemicals under supervision | AHCCHM201 |
| Treat weeds | AHCPMG201 |
| Work effectively in the industry | AHCWRK204 |
| Operate multi-rotor remote pilot aircraft systems | AVIY0027 |
| Undertake propagation activities | AHCNSY207 |
| Maintain nursery plants | AHCNSY308 |
| Operate side by side utility vehicles | AHCMOM216 |
| Operate quad bikes | AHCMOM217 |
| Provide first aid | HLTAID011 |
Do you have questions?
Check our frequently asked questions to find answers about UQ Skills.
More programs and courses
UQ Skills delivers nationally accredited and unaccredited vocational education, short courses, and industry-specific training.
Disclaimer
Details are correct at the time of upload and are subject to change. UQ Skills reserves the right to change programs, subjects or costs or to cancel a program based on consideration of student numbers and resource allocation. Ensure that you understand the program, subjects, associated costs and fee liability prior to signing an enrolment form.
