Before Registering

If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form before registering. 

AEPMA Field Biologist Course EOI Form

Why the need for a Pest Management Field Biologist?

The exacting and ever more demanding requirements of the food industry and its supply chain has resulted in pest management service providers having to provide more highly qualified personnel (technicians and contractors) to undertake the necessary site analysis, risk assessment, planning and implementation of strategic pest management service delivery in oder to comply with the rigorous criteria associated with today's safe and effective integrated pest management programs.  

This new approach has led to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) initiative to provide a formal development program for the specialist role of the Australian Pest Management Field Biologist.

What does the Field Biologist do?

The Field Biologist plays a vital role in the pest management strategy for food industry operations. Working closely with the pest management technicians and food businesses, the Field Biologist will:

• Determine the current levels of pest activity, their detection, source, prevalence and appropriate management;
• Inspect the control processes being applied, audit the quality and sufficiency of the pest management/IPM related records and evaluate and determine trend analysis;
• Work in with site Quality Assurance, Food Safety and Pest Management personnel to examine and advise on alternate and additional controls that could be introduced to mitigate the risk of pest activity, without affecting the HACCP and GMP requirements of the operation; and
• Provide advice on the typical habits, life cycle, sources, behaviour and effective control methods for pests both present and likely, along with prevention measures for the same going forward.

Ultimately, the Field Biologist becomes the central point of contact between food businesses, and pest management service providers (and auditors). The Field Biologist is as skilled in meeting legislative and certification requirements as he or she is in developing Integrated pest Management (IPM) Programs. 

Successful Qualified Field Biologists automatically become members of the Institute of Field Biologists. 

The Biosecurity Training Program, has been developed with support from the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Grants Program. This interactive online course is designed specifically for pest management professionals, providing practical skills and essential knowledge to identify, report, and manage biosecurity risks.

This training covers legislation, compliance, and real-world case studies to help protect Australia’s environment, economy, and community from pest and disease incursions.

Acknowledgement

The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Ltd acknowledges the support of the Queensland Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, in providing funding under the Queensland Biosecurity Grants Program – Education.

This funding has enabled the development of the Biosecurity Competency Training U​nit supporting the skills and capability of Australia’s professional pest management industry.
 

To support professional development across the pest management industry, AEPMA is providing complimentary access to this training for all AEPMA members for one month.

Current AEPMA members can access the training free of charge during this period using their member login details.

Non-members are also welcome to attend the training for a flat fee of $50.