Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

What sampling site
Rural production or horticultural sites, such as paddocks, farm buildings, worksites, nurseries, playing fields, dams, etc.

What types of
A very wide variety of items may be sampled for testing, including animal tissue or fluids, plants, moulds, pests, water, soil, manures, artificial growth media, fertilisers, hydroponic solutions, effluent, and emissions. Samples will generally be taken as part of an on-going monitoring program, such as an animal health program or as part of a post-mortem examination of livestock, or soil monitoring for crop and pasture production

What
Environmental legislation may include Fisheries Management Acts, Environmental Protection Acts, and threatened species conservation Acts.

What
Electronic machines, probes, grabs, nets, dredges, plankton nets, water sample bottles, bailer, still and video cameras, specialised machinery, identification keys and preserving equipment, kick seines, containers for holding and sorting samples, plastic buckets, blood/saliva sampling equipment, hand-held magnifying glasses, tweezers or forceps, small vegetable brushes, wading boots, rubber gloves, thermometer, yardstick, sample record and assessment form, pencils, and clipboard, and relevant field guides.

Which
Codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes, which may apply in a jurisdiction, and enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards.

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.
What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this unit as a whole?
Competence in collecting and preserving biological samples requires evidence that samples have been appropriately collected and preserved for a given site according to prescribed enterprise procedures, standards and principles, collecting schedules and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to collect and preserve samples must be

What processes should be applied to this unit of competency?
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
How can communication of ideas and information (3) be applied?
Recording information regarding collection and preservation activities.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised (3)?
Through completion of record sheets, taking of samples for external analysis and recording of observations.
How are activities planned and organised (3)?
Using appropriate equipment and in accordance with enterprise guidelines.
How can team work (3) be applied?
Cooperation with others in collecting and preserving activities.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?
Through recording scope and extent of activities and samples collected, using results, and reporting according to enterprise guidelines or SOPs.
How can problem-solving skills (3) be applied?
Dealing with unforeseen situations when carrying out collecting and/or preserving.
How can the use of technology (2) be applied?
Use of field equipment and machinery.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
There is essential information about