National Parks Estate Skills
NFQ Level 4 + 5
- Full-Time
- In-Person
- 30 Weeks
Available Locations:
- Applications now closed. We’ll be back with new dates shortly.
Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.Â
What You'll Learn
You will gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to work safely in remote conservation environments such as National Parks and Natura 2000 designated areas.
You will have the opportunity to learn how to:
- Work safely in remote and challenging terrain, using appropriate tools and equipment.
- Identify native plants, trees, pests, diseases and invasive species.
- Survey habitats and wildlife populations using recognised field methods.
- Control and manage invasive species using safe and effective techniques.
- Collect, handle and propagate native tree seeds.
- Grow, plant and care for young trees and planted areas.
- Carry out practical woodland restoration and habitat management tasks.
- Use estate skills to maintain boundaries, structures and surfaces.
- Apply safe working practices, including chainsaw use and pesticide application.
- Navigate upland environments using maps and basic mountain skills.
You will also have the opportunity to learn outdoors in some of Donegal’s most scenic places such as Gartan Outdoor Education Centre and Glenveagh National Park.
Work Placement Opportunity
At the end of the course, you will complete a 4-week work placement, which will give you real experience and help you prepare for a job.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive:
The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills, which is comparable to a Level 4 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
The City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Countryside Management, which is comparable to a Level 5 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Individual industry certification will be provided on successful completion of relevant modules, find full list, under Timetable & Modules.
Timetable & Modules
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Tue | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wed | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Thu | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fri | ✔ |
This course will run from Monday to Friday, with a half-day on a Friday. We will explain the work experience details to you at interview and/or induction.
| Module | Title |
| 5N0731 | Hand Held Pesticide Application |
| C&G-7573-202 | Plant Out Container Grown Plants |
| C&G-7573-203 | Plant a Tree |
| C&G-7573-218 | Propagate Plants Indoors from Seed |
| C&G-7573-234 | Cut Hedges using a Pedestrian-Operated, Petrol Engined Hedge Trimmer |
| C&G-7573-238 | Mow Turf Using a Pedestrian Controlled Mower |
| 0039-202 | Felling Small Trees up to 380mm |
| 0039-201 | Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting |
| 0076-302 | Wildlife Population Surveys, Ecology and Conservation |
| 0076-303 | Undertake Estate Skills |
| 0076-344 | Understanding Countryside Tourism and Management |
| 7573-204 | Care for a Planted Area |
| 7573-206 | Deal with Requests and Provide Advice to Customers |
| 7573-209 | Train and Prune Fruit Trees |
| 7573-240 | Identify Plants by Botanical Name |
| 7573-241 | Identify Damage Caused by Plant Pests |
| 7573-242 | Identify Diseases and Disorders |
| 6805 | Manual Handling For Workplace |
| MSIrl-1 | Mountain Skills 1 Award |
Progression / Career
This course can open the door to a wide range of rewarding careers for you in conservation, land management and the outdoors.
With your new skills and nationally recognised qualifications, you could find yourself working as a conservation ranger, countryside warden, estate worker, habitat restoration operative, or park maintenance technician, with employers such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, or your local authority.
If you want to keep learning, this course gives you a solid foundation to progress to a Level 5 or Level 6 course in areas such as Horticulture, Forestry, Environmental Science or Countryside Management.
Whether you’re starting out, returning to work, or thinking about a change of direction, this course gives you the practical skills, real experience, and recognised qualifications you need to take that next step with confidence.
Entry Requirements
To join this course, you should:
- Be aged 16 or over and have a genuine interest in employment opportunities in National Parks, Forestry Services, or Woodland Conservation and Restoration.
- Have completed training or education at NFQ Level 3 or equivalent. If you don’t hold a formal qualification, you may still be considered if you can demonstrate relevant work experience, skills, or a strong interest in this area.
- If English is not your first language, you should have a minimum English language competency of B2 across reading, writing, listening and speaking, in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
- A basic level of computer literacy is helpful, though not a requirement for entry.
- No previous experience in conservation or land management is required.
This course is suitable for you if you are:
-A school leaver looking to move into employment or further education in the National Parks or related environmental sectors.
-Currently unemployed and looking to build new skills to re-enter the workforce.
-Already working and considering a career change into National Parks, conservation, or environmental management.
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.Â
Cost / Fees
We will talk to you about course fees and potential fee reductions and/or fee waivers during your application process.Â
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To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie