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.

What tasks may be included under conservation work?
Land management fieldwork including assisting with setting out of conservation works and earthworks, site surveying, manual excavations, erection of structures, draining of dams or other holding areas, and on-site erection or dismantling of structures such as protective fences and signs.
Revegetation activities including assisting with planting programs, direct seeding operations, assisted natural regeneration, assisting with natural regeneration, protection of remnant vegetation, removal of weeds by hand, cleaning up of on-site debris, release of animals, collecting plants or seeds for propagation.
Maintenance of conservation areas including weed and disease control, mulching, pruning, fertilising, pruning, watering, securing plants (e.g., staking, tying), repair of installation of guards and protective fencing

What instructions may be relevant to this standard?
Instructions may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), specifications, work notes, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturers instructions, or verbal directions from manager, supervisor, or senior field operators.

What tools and equipment may be required for conservation work?
Tools and equipment may include secateurs, spades, shovels, rakes, spray equipment, and hand or mechanical augers.

What workplace information might be required for this standard?
Workplace information may include procedures for disposing of waste materials, work instructions or verbal instructions from the supervisor.

What OHS hazards may be associated with nursery support?
Hazards may include heavy materials and equipment, slippery or uneven surfaces, moving machinery and vehicles, snake, spider and insect bites, solar radiation and dust.

What are the personal protective clothing and equipment requirements associated with nursery support?
Personal protective clothing and equipment may include steel capped boots/shoes, overalls, gloves, sun hat, sunscreen lotion, safety goggles, face mask and ear protectors.

What environmental waste disposal considerations may apply to this standard?
Environmental considerations for waste disposal may include prompt removal of organic waste, neutralising pits for disposal of chemicals and cleaning products, recycling plant containers.

What plants may be included in this competency standard?
Container grown, tube grown or bare rooted trees, shrubs and groundcovers across a range of life forms and growth habits.

What does aftercare refer to?
Weed and disease control, mulching, fertilising, pruning, watering, protection such as staking, tying and installation of guards or protective fencing,

How might instructions be given?
Through supervisor's directions, planting plans and specifications and/or landholders instructions

What supplies may be relevant to this competency standard?
Plants, stakes, fertiliser, tree guards and mulches

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supporting conservation work requires evidence that work completed meets the needs of the supervisor and/or landholder and is undertaken according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to supporting conservation work must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different conservation activities, supervisors, tools and equipment and locations.
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:

Tools and equipment used in conservation work.
Revegetation techniques including planting, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration and protection of remnant vegetation.
Maintenance tasks for conservation areas.
Common bushland weeds.
Personal protective equipment.
Team work and following instructions.
Techniques for cleaning a site and disposing of debris.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

Prepare materials, tools and equipment for conservation work.
Undertake conservation work as directed.
Store and stockpile materials.
Clean up on completion of conservation work.

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
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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
Ideas and information about the job, tasks and problems should be discussed with other members in the work team and the supervisor. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Workplace and supervisors instructions should be located, interpreted and applied with further clarification sought as necessary. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Discussions with the supervisor and other team members may be required in order to complete tasks efficiently, in a logical sequence, and in a timely manner. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Good communication and co-operation with other staff in completing conservation tasks. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Skills in counting, tallying and estimation are required when handling plants or other materials. (1)

Solving problems
Problems will require corrective action or consultation with supervisor. (1)

Using technology
Technology may be applied in the use of tools, equipment and communication systems. (1)