What does a Field Biologist do?
Ultimately, the Field Biologist becomes the point of contact between food businesses, and pest management companies. The Field Biologist is as skilled in meeting legislative requirements as they are in developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs and reduces the need for multiple specialists to work with a client; overall, reducing the risk of information falling through the gaps, increasing client satisfaction & program efficacy, and reducing the costs of requiring multiple pest management specialists to be involved with a single client.
What is the scope of the Field Biologist qualification?
The Field Biologist ‘Qualification’ has been designed and developed with significant input from AEPMA, and in consultation with specialists in the fields of Food Technology, Pest Management & Control, Food Safety Quality Assurance and Training & Education. This course prepares successful participants to manage the legislative requirements specific to their work sector, WHS and Food Safety Hazards and Risks, Accreditation Requirements (ISO and, AS/NZ Standards, Codes of Practice, HACCP etc) and program development aspects of pest control management and coordination at managerial/technical specialist level across a variety of fields, including warehousing, import/export, and traditional food businesses.
Who should complete the Field Biologist course?
The course is recommended for people who are already accredited technicians, however it does recap and build on concepts of basic entomology and pest management for those who may be cross-training, such as Food Technologists. It is a generalist approach to how an individual can be more effective when dealing with food industry related clients and their pest management needs.
How is the Field Biologist course structured?
Separated into nine (9) online modules, followed by two (2) days' face-to-face training, participants are introduced to, and develop on, a number of concepts, skills and knowledge which are required by Field Biologist level specialists. Online training concludes with a case study for some reflection and homework prior to attending the F2F workshop; which is further elaborated on and explored during the F2F workshop. Overall, the 9 online modules are completed at the participant's own pace and each module has a series of assessment questions which must be answered correctly in order to progress from module to module.
Are there any pre-requisites to complete the Field Biologist course?
Whilst there are no official pre-requisites for undertaking the course, we do recommend that the participant has two years' full-time equivalent experience within the pest management sector.
How much does the Field Biologist course cost?
The Field Biologist course is $3,300 per person (including GST) for AEMPA members and $4,400 per person (including GST) for non-members.
To register or if you have any further questions, contact AEPMA via info@aepma.com.au or call 1300 307 114.