Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:49 AM AWST

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Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site

Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS024003
State Code
BAK93
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/08/2016
Field of Education
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
08/08/2016
Nominal Hours
140
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to ‘read the landscape’ in terms of the physical and biological components of the environment and the ecological linkages in operation at a site. Personnel are required to apply basic principles of geomorphology, hydrology and ecology in a systematic, scientific appraisal of site condition. This requires sufficient knowledge of chemistry, physics, geology and biology to support a scientific approach to field ecology.This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians working in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental monitoring, and sampling (e.g. air quality, water, soil and noise); environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; groundwater and clean water (e.g. catchment supply, environmental flows); water treatment, storm and wastewater management; solid and hazardous waste management; site remediation; management of contaminated sites; geotechnical services and civil engineering; and natural resource management.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for site inspection
  • 1.1 Obtain and use maps, photos and related documentation to gain a preliminary understanding of site features.
  • 1.2 Collect site-specific or regional data on expected flora, fauna, soils and climate.
  • 1.3 Review site history and previous environmental or ecological studies, if available.
  • 1.4 Review all emergency plans, risk assessments, and safety and environmental management requirements associated with the field activities.
  • 1.5 Review legislative and planning instruments applicable to current and future site usage.
  • 1.6 Confirm site access requirements and identify potential site hazards.
2 Conduct initial site survey
  • 2.1 Sketch, map and/or photograph the site.
  • 2.2 Observe and record the surface geology and geomorphology of the site.
  • 2.3 Observe and record hydrology of the site.
  • 2.4 Observe and record the major flora of the site.
  • 2.5 Observe and record evidence of site fauna.
  • 2.6 Observe and record infrastructure and other modifications to the site.
  • 2.7 Consider the potential for presence of cultural and indigenous heritage items and record, as necessary.
  • 2.8 Check for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities.
3 Make an initial assessment of site condition
  • 3.1 Use geomorphological and hydrological observations to describe surface condition and infer potential future impacts.
  • 3.2 Make inferences on apparent ecological health of the site to plan for an initial ecological study of the site.
  • 3.3 Determine the physical, chemical and biological parameters that would need to be measured and/or sampled during subsequent ecological appraisal of the site.
4 Prepare for field study
  • 4.1 Identify and describe the biological and chemical components of interest, sampling areas and field techniques to be used.
  • 4.2 Identify, obtain and check required equipment and materials required for field study.
  • 4.3 Securely stow all field equipment in vehicle to prevent damage in transit.
  • 4.4 Safely transport all field equipment to site and prepare it for use.
5 Perform a basic ecological field study of the site
  • 5.1 Perform ecological sampling for abundance and diversity parameters using the general techniques of transects and quadrats.
  • 5.2 Record appropriate descriptions of the habitat structure.
  • 5.3 Perform sampling for simple population, demographic and age structure parameters.
  • 5.4 Perform simple sampling and measurements on abiotic components.
  • 5.5 Perform simple targeted species sampling.
  • 5.6 Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, codes of practice and accepted workplace procedures.
6 Finalise field study
  • 6.1 Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.
  • 6.2 Rehabilitate sampling sites to render them safe and minimise environmental impacts.
  • 6.3 Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
  • 6.4 Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.
  • 6.5 Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis, as necessary.
  • 6.6 Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.
7 Process and present field data
  • 7.1 Summarise field data using simple calculations, graphs, tables and/or maps.
  • 7.2 Provide reports that include simple conclusions and interpretations based on raw or summarised data.
8 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 8.1 Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  • 8.2 Minimise the generation of waste.
  • 8.3 Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D7757 MSS024003A Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAE99 MSS024015 Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site Unit of competency