Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What types of plants may be included?
All life forms including trees, shrubs, ground covers, herbs, epiphytes and saprophytes.

How will preservation be carried out?
Preservation methods will vary according to plant habit and size, as well as enterprise procedures.

How may specimens be recorded and catalogued?
Either by manual or electronic means.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in collecting, preparing and preserving plant specimens requires evidence that plants have been appropriately collected, preserved and catalogued to enterprise standards. The skills and knowledge required to collect, prepare and preserve plant specimens must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different plants from other areas.
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 unit are listed below:

Recognition of plants to be collected.
Legislative limitations on the collection of flora (including threatened species).

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Collect specimen.
Press plant.
Record and catalogue data.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

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
Recording data on specimens. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Cataloguing and indexing specimens and observations. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organising collection and preparation of specimens. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Carrying out specimen collection and preservation. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Cataloguing data and preserving specimens correctly. (1)

Solving problems
Mounting and cataloguing specimens correctly. (1)

Using technology
Recording and collating data. (1)