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 particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What tasks may be included under landscape construction work?
Tasks may include:
construction of landscape features including paths, paving, retaining walls, site structures and furniture, planted areas and irrigation systems
maintenance of landscape features including watering, weeding, staking, repairing, painting, and cleaning
work with a range of materials including concrete, timber, masonry, stone, metal and plastics
establishing work base, clearing site, erecting barriers and signs, unloading and loading of materials, setting out of works, cleaning up site and disposal of debris and materials.

What tools and equipment may be required for landscaping work?
Tools and equipment may include levelling equipment, wheelbarrow, concrete mixer, string lines, tape measures, marking gauges, spades, shovels, crow bars, chisels, hammers, spanners, nails, handsaws, sanding blocks, paint brushes, trowels and screeding equipment, crow bars, hammers, spanners, metal files, and hacksaws.

What instructions may be relevant to this standard?
Instructions may include standard operating procedures (SOPs), enterprise policy and procedures, specifications, work notes, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturers instructions, or verbal directions from the manager or supervisor.

What are the personal protective clothing and equipment requirements associated with landscaping 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 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 landscaping work?
Hazards may include, solar radiation, dust, noise, air and soil-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, holes, slippery and uneven surfaces.

What waste materials may apply to this standard?
Plant debris, mulches and compost, plastic, metal and paper-based materials, litter and broken components. These may be recycled, re-used, returned to the manufacturer or disposed of according to enterprise work procedures.

What may occur when a site is made good?
Paths are swept and cleaned, planted areas are checked to ensure they are well presented, damaged turf is replaced/resown, disturbed areas are repaired, all materials, debris, tools and equipment are removed from site, damaged plants are pruned or replaced, and other signs of disturbance or damage are corrected.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in assisting with landscape construction activities requires evidence that landscaping activities have been carried out according to instructions and within the required timelines. The skills and knowledge that are required to support landscape construction must be transferable to different work environments. For example, this could include different landscaping features, work locations and enterprise policies and procedures.
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:

safe work practices
preparing for landscape work and cleaning up on project completion
basic construction techniques
landscaping tools and equipment
maintenance practices for planted areas
repair and maintenance of landscape features.

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:

prepare materials, tools and equipment for landscaping work
undertake landscape construction as directed
handle materials and equipment
clean up on completion of landscaping work.

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. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Workplace and supervisors instructions should be located, interpreted and applied with further clarification sought as necessary. (1)

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 landscaping tasks. (1)

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

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

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