Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

Which levels of scientific names are used for plant identification?
Family, genus and species.

Which levels of scientific names are used for animal identification?
Order, family, genus and species as appropriate.

Which plant species to be reported may be included?
Listed threatened species, listed notifiable or noxious weeds, plants not previously seen at regularly visited site, plants to be reported under enterprise or industry guidelines.

Which animal species to be reported may be included?
Listed threatened species, listed notifiable species, animals not previously seen at regularly visited site, invertebrates, aquatic organisms, and animals to be reported under enterprise or industry guidelines.

What could lists include?
Written descriptions, drawn illustrations or photographs presented in any media, enterprise lists of plants, lists of noxious plants, feral or dangerous animals. Lists may vary according to land use and habitat of subject area.

To whom should plants be reported?
The supervisor or appropriate authority, as set out in enterprise procedures.

Which protection and quarantine arrangements are relevant to this standard?
Personal protection, restriction on the movement of species and/or associated hygiene arrangements, and protection of rare-endangered species.

What enterprise requirements and regulatory guidelines may be relevant?
Policies, procedures and management plans, relevant OHS requirements, and Codes of Practice or enterprise guidelines.

Which forms of workplace communication is relevant to this competency standard?
Field guides to identify species, obtaining advice, communicating with staff and the public, and taking notes.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in observing and reporting on plants and animals requires evidence that specific species of plants or animals (or their presence) have been recognised in the field and reports to the appropriate authorities or supervisor.
The skills and knowledge required to observe and report on plants and animals must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different designated areas and plant or animal species. Occupational Health & Safety standards must be observed at all times.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Criteria used to group species.
Common and scientific names of plants and animals.
Biological species occurring in the study area.
The importance, value or potential impact of the species in a designated area.
Rare and endangered species.
Undesirable plants (e.g., weeds) and animals.
Maps and grid references.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Plan and organise observations.
Collect information and record.
Interpret data.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Verbal and written reports. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Presence of fungi, plants and animals. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Timelines, equipment and materials for observation work. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Seeking advice from others in dealing with problems, coordinating observations. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Counting and estimating plants and animals. (1)

Solving problems
Planning and conducting observations, recognising situations requiring notification. (2)

Using technology
Observation and measuring equipment. (2)