Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What must be taken into account when preparing a collection plan?
The collection plan must take into account the institution's collection policy, collection management policy, master plan, interpretive plan, facilities (existing and proposed) within the institution, principles of species management and disposition policy.

What OHS requirements may have to be considered?
Animal care for captive animals has a range of associated risks from bites, envenomation, kicks or scratches. All duties should reflect an awareness of and a respect for these risks.
Safe work practices are used in packaging and handling loads, including animals. Appropriate safe handling techniques are used to reduce muscle load on exertion.
Some captive animal facilities may expose personnel to risks such as zoonoses, release of infective agents (both animal and human) and chemical spillage.

Who may internal and external personnel include?
Internal personnel may include conservation coordinators, species coordinators, TAG representatives, curatorial unit staff and staff from across the institution.
External personnel may include representatives of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks (ARAZPA) and TAGs; species coordinators; and other zoological institutions, wildlife authorities, government departments and bodies.

What factors may be considered when evaluating the merits of each species?
Factors to be considered may include conservation needs, display value, provenance and associated plans.

What types of databases and other resources may be used?
Animal management software may include ISIS (International Species Information System), REGASP, ARKS (Animal Record-Keeping System) and SPARKS (Single Population Analysis and Records Keeping System).
Plans may include the Australasian Species Management Plan (ASMP) Regional Census and Plan, management plans, studbooks and husbandry manuals.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

initiate and undertake analyses of species management and collection planning
interpret and undertake analyses of studbooks
write and interpret a strategic plan for a regional population of a species
liaise extensively with internal and external personnel on behalf of the institution in respect to collection planning
manage animal records
provide reports to management as required.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

institutional collection planning policies and procedures, institutional master plan and other relevant policies and procedures, including OHS
relevant international, federal, state or territory legislation and codes of practice
excellent working knowledge of international agreements and conventions including the World Zoo Conservation Strategy, conservation status categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
ASMP Regional Census and Plan
biology and husbandry of animals in a captive animal environment
animal management software such as ARKS, ISIS, REGASP and SPARKS.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

ability to implement institutional policies and procedures
ability to determine appropriate genetic pairings
ability to determine appropriate demographic management
word processing, spreadsheet and database skills
literacy skills to read and implement institutional policies and procedures, including OHS; critically analyse material; and record accurately and legibly information collected
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the institution, including questioning techniques, active listening and consulting with management
written skills to prepare and write reports
numeracy skills to complete mathematical calculations relating to species management
interpersonal skills to work with people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds
problem-solving skills to use available resources and develop a species management plan.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate captive animal workplace
equipment and / or resources normally used in the workplace
institutional policies and procedures and the institutional master plan
relevant legislation, codes of practice, international agreements and conventions
ASMP, ASMP Regional Census and Plan and institutional collection plans
husbandry manuals and studbooks
breeding programs
section records
databases and other relevant software, including species and animal management software.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a captive animal workplace.
There must be access in this situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
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 key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. 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
By writing a strategic plan for a regional population or species. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By presenting reports, including recommendations, to senior management. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By managing the review and analysis of regional and internal collection plans. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By working and supervising others on agreed tasks. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By applying mathematical processes to collection planning issues such as genetic pairings and demographic management. (3)

Solving problems
By determining the merits of a species or specimens for inclusion in the institution's collection plan. (3)

Using technology
By using electronic databases to access information. (2)