Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:20 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Operate surface irrigation systems

Operate surface irrigation systems

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG324A
State Code
WE030
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This Unit covers the process of operating surface irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules; use pre-start checks; operate and inspect the system; check pressure at the headworks and control valves; carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems; shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Carry out pre-start checks
  • 1.1 Checks of water, power, fuel and lubricants ensure that all are available and the control system is operational
  • 1.2 Pumps are primed, if necessary, and gates and controls are open or closed in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • 1.3 Pipes, system equipment and outlets are positioned and set up in accordance with enterprise standards and OHS requirements
2 Operate and monitor the surface irrigation system
  • 2.1 Syphons and other delivery mechanisms are primed and started in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • 2.2 Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with operations manual and water levels, and pressure built up slowly as directed
  • 2.3 Pressure at the headworks and control valves is checked
  • 2.4 Water is distributed evenly to the targeted areas with minimal wastage and run-off
  • 2.5 Area is irrigated in accordance with enterprise procedures, and time lag between shut down and end of watering is observed to minimise run-off and deep percolation
  • 2.6 All malfunctions, leaks, damage to water courses and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures
3 Measure and interpret water levels, flow rates and volume of water used
  • 3.1 Head water levels are monitored and maintained
  • 3.2 All water outlets are operating in accordance with operating procedures
  • 3.3 Blocked inlets and outlets are replaced or cleared
  • 3.4 Flow rates and water usage are measured and recorded
  • 3.5 Irrigation changes are implemented in accordance with enterprise procedures
4 Monitor drainage and tailwater systems
  • 4.1 Water intake, conveyance and distribution, drainage and tailwater is monitored
  • 4.2 Water reuse systems are checked for clearance and freedom from weeds
  • 4.3 If used, pumps are monitored during operation, rubbish is cleared from outlets, and pump is backflushed in accordance with enterprise procedures
5 Shut down surface irrigation in response to irrigation indicators
  • 5.1 System components are shut down in sequence in accordance with manufacturer’s and enterprise procedures
  • 5.2 Irrigation activities are reported and recorded in accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Surface irrigation systems may include:
any systems that apply water across the surface of a levelled or contoured area. These include furrow, border and basin irrigation.
System components may include:
diversion and conveyancing structures:
intake structures
diversion weirs and gates
field distribution structures:
canals
pipelines
drop structures and chutes
division boxes and turnouts
checks
crossing structures:
flumes
culverts
inverted siphons
water measurement structures
weirs
parshall flumes
cut-throat flumes.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
Evidence is required in the process of operating gravity fed irrigation systems. The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules
use pre-start checks
operate and inspect the system
check pressure at the headworks and control valves
carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems
shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
No information
State Code National Code Title Type
J156 AHC32412 Certificate III in Irrigation Qualification
J269 AHC33412 Certificate III in Seed Production Qualification