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.

Which designated areas may be included?
Farms, parks, reserves, roadsides or other discrete areas as directed.

Which targets may be included?
Plant and animal species and communities, threatened or endangered species, notifiable or noxious pests or animals, any species not previously identified in the region, weeds or animals which may present a high risk, fire risks and threats, and other targets requiring inspection for research or management purposes.

What types of targets may be relevant to this standard?
Those occurring in crops, pastures, rangelands, natural areas, aquatic and environmental pests.

What are guides and what form do they take?
Various printed forms or electronic databases. They may include drawings and/or photographs in colour or black and white, or a dichotomous key.

What regional variations may be included?
Coastal, arid, semi-arid, tropical and alpine regions.

Which land uses may be included?
Intensive or broad acre cropping, native or improved pastures, and conservation or regeneration areas.

Which land values may be included?
Economic, biological values, agricultural values, environmental values, recreational and social values and public health values.

To whom might samples be submitted for positive identification?
Relevant authorities or other organisations with relevant expertise in identification.

Which relevant legislation may apply to this standard?
Acts and regulations relating to environmental protection, legislation and regulations relating to noxious weeds, native vegetation and wildlife, vertebrate pests, OHS regulations, common law requirements relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.

What forms may documentation take?
Observation sheets and count records, recorded on paper or electronically.

What may be included as resources?
Tools, equipment, materials and human resources.

What types of samples are relevant to this competency standard?
Specimens of plants or animals, photographic records, evidence or examples of plant or animal presence or impact on area.

How might supporting and validating data be obtained?
By direct observation, GIS, satellite information and air-flown MSS.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in carrying out inspections of designated areas requires evidence that an area has been inspected for targets, appropriate records and reports are completed and that materials and equipment are properly cleaned and stored. The skills and knowledge required to carrying out inspections of designated areas must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different inspection targets, recording systems, and designated 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 and classification of local plant and animal species.
Use of simple taxonomic or identification keys.
Characteristics of inspection targets.
Inspection procedures and techniques.
Monitoring techniques.
Reporting protocols.
Map reading.
Relevant land use processes.
Relevant legislative and regulatory requirements including environmental protection legislation.

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:

Define area and target of inspection.
Carry out Risk Assessment and minimisation.
Prepare for inspection.
Carry out inspection.
Identify targets and level of impact on site.
Implement control measures.
Monitor control methods.
Record spatial and temporal information.
Clean and store equipment and materials following inspection.

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
Through reporting to management and work team. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through completion of field notes, photographic records and samples. (1)

Planning and organising activities
According to procedures and policies set out in management plan. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In agreeing with respective work roles of staff involved in carrying out inspections. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Counting and calculations relating to presence of target in designated areas. (1)

Solving problems
Identifying and locating presence and distribution of targets. (1)

Using technology
Communicating with others, monitoring results and keeping records. (1)