Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:07 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:07 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct biological surveys
Conduct biological surveys
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCNAR502A
AHCNAR502A
State Code
D7066
D7066
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2011
Field of Education
010103 - Statistics
Original Release Date
13/12/2011
Nominal Hours
150
Description
This unit covers the processes involved with conducting biological surveys and defines the standard required to: identify the scope, objectives and constraints for a biological survey according to client requirements, the biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy; assess the availability of current data and determine data collection and processing needs; identify biological indicators that are repeatable and statistically representative; document survey methods and indicators as a survey plan; schedule survey activities and establish access to the site; conduct a biological survey with data collection staged and recorded according to the survey plan; produce a biological survey report with detailed analysis and conclusion, including a description and assessment of the specified biological components.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Carry out preliminary design activities for the biological survey
- 1.1. Survey scope, objectives and constraints are identified according to client requirements, biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy.
- 1.2. All current data relevant to survey requirements is sourced, collated and evaluated according to enterprise policy.
- 1.3. Processes for data collection are developed, consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints.
- 1.4. Processes for data processing are developed, consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints.
- 1.5. A survey design that reflects client requirements and survey scope, objectives and constraints is developed and presented to the client for discussion and approval.
2. Determine requirements of the biological survey
- 2.1. Survey indicators are identified and constraints and opportunities for data collection identified and evaluated.
- 2.2. Data collection points are identified that are repeatable and statistically representative for the biological survey.
- 2.3. OHS hazards associated with conducting a biological survey are identified; risks assessed and controls developed according to enterprise guidelines, costed and documented in the survey design.
- 2.4. Tools, equipment and machinery required for the biological survey are identified, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.
- 2.5. Scheduling of survey activities and surveyor access are determined according to the survey design.
- 2.6. Survey procedures and schedules are documented according to scientific conventions and the survey scope and objectives, and are presented to appropriate personnel and the client for briefing and acceptance.
3. Conduct the biological survey
- 3.1. Field visits are conducted to verify and consolidate previously collected data and to gather further information on species frequency, distribution, and health and/or habitat values.
- 3.2. The biological survey is conducted according to the survey design and enterprise policy.
- 3.3. Survey activities are monitored for accuracy, compliance to the survey design and out-of-specification procedures or events.
- 3.4. Staged data collection is undertaken according to survey design, survey scheduling and surveyor access requirements.
- 3.5. All monitoring and survey data is recorded promptly and accurately, according to the specifications of the survey design.
4. Compile a biological survey report
- 4.1. Analysis of collected data is undertaken according to industry policies and guidelines.
- 4.2. Conclusions about the biological survey are drawn from relevant information and are based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments.
- 4.3. A biological survey report is produced which conforms to industry standards for presentation, structure and content, and is presented to the client for acceptance.
- 4.4. The report describes biological survey findings according to the survey scope and objectives, identifies areas requiring remedial action for improvement and details recommendations for action.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
The scope of biological surveys may include:
the size of the area to be surveyed
the type of plant/animal community and the quantity and species within the community that are to be directly surveyed
regularity and replication of survey periods
the extent of analysis and recommendations required.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
The scope of biological surveys may include:
the size of the area to be surveyed
the type of plant/animal community and the quantity and species within the community that are to be directly surveyed
regularity and replication of survey periods
the extent of analysis and recommendations required.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
identify the scope, objectives and constraints for a biological survey according to client requirements, the biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy
assess the availability of current data and determine data collection and processing needs
identify biological indicators that are repeatable and statistically representative
document survey methods and indicators as a survey plan
schedule survey activities and establish access to the site
conduct a biological survey with data collection staged and recorded according to the survey plan
produce a biological survey report with detailed analysis and conclusion, including a description and assessment of the specified biological components.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
identify the scope, objectives and constraints for a biological survey according to client requirements, the biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy
assess the availability of current data and determine data collection and processing needs
identify biological indicators that are repeatable and statistically representative
document survey methods and indicators as a survey plan
schedule survey activities and establish access to the site
conduct a biological survey with data collection staged and recorded according to the survey plan
produce a biological survey report with detailed analysis and conclusion, including a description and assessment of the specified biological components.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2772 | RTC5519A | Conduct biological surveys | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAQ70 | AHCNAR502 | Conduct biological surveys | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D523 | AHC51110 | Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | Qualification |
| D525 | AHC51310 | Diploma of Pest Management | Qualification |