Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What clients may be relevant to this standard?
Clients may include retail nurseries, branch outlets for larger horticultural companies, and horticultural industry service providers such as landscapers, garden maintenance enterprises and horticultural design consultants.

What enterprise work procedures may apply to this standard?
Work procedures will be based on sound horticultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, production schedule, marketing and sales plan, supply program, enterprise standard operating procedures (SOP), specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes; product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals; waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines; and OHS procedures.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be required?
Tools, equipment and machinery may include secateurs, hand weeding tools, wheelbarrow, sacktruck, hose and hose fittings, spray equipment, hydraulic barrow, lifting apparatus, display fittings and stands, and delivery trucks, vans and carriers.

What OHS hazards may be associated with the provision of marketing support?
Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, soil- and water-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, moving machinery and vehicles, and uneven surfaces.

What PPE may be required to provide marketing support?
PPE may include hat, boots, apron or overalls, gloves, spray clothing, goggles, respirator or face mask, face guard and sunscreen lotion.

What activities may be included in the maintenance of orders, sample stock and stock displays?
Maintenance may include cleaning the display fittings and stands, applying water, nutrients and pest and disease control measures as required, pruning of dead material, hand weeding of pots, replacing dead, damaged or outdated plants with fresh or current stock, and replacing damaged or inappropriate labels, display signage and catalogues.

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?
OHS requirements may include identifying hazards; assessing risks and implementing controls; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use PPE including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; basic first aid; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to supervisors.

What environmental implications may be associated with the delivery of plants to clients and maintenance of displays?
Environmental implications may include the contamination of off-site ground water or soils from solids, debris, nutrients or chemicals; high levels of noise, vehicle traffic, emissions and discharges, and water run-off.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in providing marketing support for horticultural products and services requires evidence that a person is able to prepare plants for dispatch, interpret and apply delivery schedules, meet client orders, and maintain plant samples and off-site displays to enterprise standards of quality and presentation.The skills and knowledge required to provide marketing support for horticultural products and services must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different plant species/varieties, delivery arrangements and promotional programs.
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 competency standard are listed below:

enterprise and industry labelling standards and methods
enterprise standards and methods of packaging, and delivery of plant orders, samples and displays
practical understanding of the range of plants available from the enterprise, their botanical, common and trade names, growth habits, and presentation requirements for display
enterprise standards and methods for the preparation and dispatch of promotional literature and lists for seasonal promotions
awareness of the environmental implications associated with the preparation, transport and maintenance of plant orders, samples and displays.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate with clients, work team members and supervisors, interpret and apply delivery schedules and marketing plans, utilise proforma reporting and work procedure documents, and understand labels and symbols
estimate treatment and product requirements, material sizes and quantities; interpret maps and directories, and calculate orders, sales figures, ratios, proportions and application rates
co-ordinate own activities with plant production, marketing and sales teams to deliver and maintain plant orders, samples and displays in a timely and cost effective manner and to clients specifications
drive a motor vehicle.

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
Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to the transportation and maintenance of plants and problems encountered will be required with other work teams, the supervisor, suppliers and clients. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Enterprise work procedures should be consulted, interpreted and applied to co-ordinate work activities, with further clarification sought from the supervisor when necessary. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Work activities for self and others in the marketing team will be planned prior to and adjusted during the delivery and maintenance of plant orders, samples and displays. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Co-ordination with other team members will be required to complete the delivery of products and services on time and budget. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical application will be required to implement the spatial and logistical requirements of the delivery and maintenance of plant orders, samples and displays. (2)

Solving problems
Supply contingencies, shortfall in orders, stock quality, client difficulties and timeline failures may require problem-solving techniques. (2)

Using technology
Technological understanding will be required to undertake work activities, communicate and keep records. (2)