Elements and Performance Criteria

Codes of practice
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
federal legislation, such as:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Australian Heritage Council Act 2003
Native Title Act 1993
state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:
land use, acquisition, planning and protection
environmental protection
cultural/heritage protection
vegetation management
nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection
water and water management
soil conservation
pollution and contaminated sites
fisheries, forestry and mining operations
Australian and international standards, such as:
AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set
enterprise or regulator procedures for sampling, monitoring and in-field testing
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
vehicle and equipment manuals
safe work procedures
Background information
Background information may include:
site or project history, and project reports
client history
records of consultations with stakeholders and current issues
details of local inhabitants, landowners
site access protocols and permits
site access and exit routes
maps, guide books and aerial photos
information about terrain, significant features, natural protection or shelter, and cultural heritage sites
existing databases (e.g. vegetation, topography, soils and regional ecosystem maps)
safe work procedures
communication protocols when working in remote/regional areas
emergency plan and response procedures
Maps
Maps may include:
cadastral maps showing land tenure/ownership
topographical maps
charts and guidebooks
aerial photos, sketch maps and diagrams
web-based maps and directories
street directories
Navigational equipment and aids
Navigational equipment and aids may include:
GPS units
compass
track and survey markers, cairns, signs and arrows
navigation beacons
Map symbols and navigation data
Map symbols and navigation data may include:
map legend and scale
entry and exit routes
distances and estimated travel times
grid lines and numbers, and grid reference points
contour lines, gradient and altitude gain/loss
magnetic variation/declination, grid and magnetic bearings
identifiable features (natural and built)
navigation/survey markers, beacons and water depth
Surroundings
Surroundings may include:
terrain, such as hills, mountains, ridges and valleys
natural landforms/landmarks, such as caves, observation towers, trig stations, bridges, buildings, and track and creek junctions/crossings
water bodies, such as creeks, rivers, dams and lakes
Hazards and obstacles
Hazards and obstacles may include:
extreme weather, such as wind, rain, fog and snow
damage to roads and tracks
thick/impenetrable vegetation
unsafe gradients
marshes, soft sand or bogs
impassable water crossings
Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
locating, interpreting and applying relevant maps, route requirements and site/project information
interpreting surroundings, maps and navigation data in a timely manner
identifying and safely following a pre-determined route
developing safe, alternative routes in response to unforseen/changed circumstances
working safely.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with any field-based monitoring/survey unit, such as:
MSS024008A Recognise common geological landforms and samples
MSL974007A Undertake environmental field-based monitoring
MSL974009A Undertake field-based, remote sensing.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Resources may include:
site/project history and reports
relevant enterprise procedures (e.g. safety and travel)
physical resources required for navigation task, such as maps, laptop computer/internet, GPS, compass and photos.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
review of field work/transport records prepared by the candidate
feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate can navigate accurately and consistently, follows enterprise procedures and works safely
oral/written questioning associated with planning routes and use of maps and navigation data
observation of the candidate navigating a variety of routes.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment