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 type of landscape project might be managed?
Project types may include domestic and commercial landscaping, garden restoration and maintenance, pruning, draining a water body, turf renovation, revegetation, changing use of site, organising site for a special event, earthworks and earth-forming activities.

What landscape documentation may need to be analysed?
Documentation may include drawings, specifications, plans, computations, quotations, and bills of quantities, legislation, reports, site assessments and contracts.

What potential constraints may affect the outcomes of the project?
Constraints may include finance, OHS risks, legal complications, legislative framework and controls, approval by authorities, personnel, availability of machinery and materials, timelines, adverse weather conditions, or machinery and equipment breakdown.

What environmental impacts may need to be considered?
Any landscape project works may impact on the environment in either a positive or negative manner. If it involves drainage and irrigation this may reduce excess water, nutrient and chemical flow into natural waterways. If the works involve excavation, then this may damage the soil structure and stability of the site, damage remnant vegetation and affect water flow. Off site contamination of water bodies with chemicals and solid matter may also occur.

What OHS hazards may apply to landscape project works?
Hazards may include disturbance of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, uneven surfaces, holes, moving machinery and machinery parts, powered equipment and hand tools, and manual handling.

What suitable controls are likely to be implemented?
Suitable controls should be in line with enterprise guidelines and may include cleaning and storing of materials and equipment, appropriate use of personal protective equipment for sun, noise and dust protection; safe operation of machinery and equipment, correct manual handling, appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers, and basic first aid services on site.

Who would be the parties involved in landscape project works?
Parties involved may include client and specified representatives, subcontractors, staff and third parties.

What might be termed a resource in landscape projects?
Resources may include finances, materials, equipment and labour.

What might be included in standard contracts?
Standard contracts may include general and technical specifications, special conditions, and schedule of rates, payment details, and timelines.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in managing landscape projects requires evidence that a work program can be scheduled, that effective liaison can be maintained between the client, staff and contractors, and that landscape project works can be successfully submitted for hand over.The skills and knowledge required to manage a landscape project must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different types of projects, landscape sites and enterprise procedures and policies.
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:

contract preparation and administration
tender process
project management principles
regulations having possible bearing on landscape projects
public liability and legal responsibilities
personal and professional liability
duty of care
environmental awareness to identify, manage and minimise any environmental risks
landscape machinery and equipment such as earthmoving and earth forming machinery.

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:

monitor the immediate and related environments and minimise adverse environmental impacts by contractors
maintain effective communications with clients, contractors and staff
report on and document clearly all aspects related to landscape project works
calculate rates and time allocations.

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
Oral and written communication with staff, supervisors, managers, suppliers, contractors, external agencies, industry contacts, community organisations and the public will be required. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information for the development of a work schedule will be collected through interpretation of various documents such as the contract, and landscape design and consultation with senior management and staff, and from own experience. This information will be analysed and organised in relation to the project goals and objectives and available financial, physical and human resources. Reports including statistical and financial data will need to be produced for senior management. (3)

Planning and organising activities
The planning and organisation of own work and that of others should proceed in a logical, orderly and efficient manner. Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decision-making. Landscape operations, purchasing, scheduling, monitoring, performance management and reporting should reflect the activities required to achieve the requirements of the contract. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Managing a landscape project will involve participating in, facilitating and leading a team or teams to achieve the outcomes of the contract. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Sophisticated mathematical understanding will be required to analyse data regarding maintenance and development budgets, income and expenditure, and physical aspects such as dimensions, application rates, energy conversion rates and quantitative environmental impacts. Statistical data will need to be provided to support monitoring and evaluation of project operations. (3)

Solving problems
Problems of a complex nature relating to all aspects of management will require problem-solving skills. (3)

Using technology
Technology will be required to record, store and communicate ideas and information related to management of the landscape project. It will also be used to produce reports on performance and recommended improvements. (3)