Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.
Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.
All field work will be performed according to legislative and environmental requirements and industry guidelines and Codes of Practice.

In the field the worker and supervisor would generally have access to the following
written fieldwork procedures, standard operating procedures and operating manuals
basic test procedures (validated and authorised)
basic sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)
safety requirements for equipment, materials or products
permits for wildlife capture and handling
animal welfare and ethics requirements, Codes of Practice
cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements
environmental requirements related to disposal of waste
incident and accident/injury reports
instructions to comply with new legislation, standards, guidelines and codes
first aid kit and survival manual.

Items of equipment may include
pH meters, dissolved oxygen probes, portable colourimeters, field microscopes, hand centrifuges, sieves and filters
chemical field test kits
environmental monitoring systems
equipment required for the collection of samples and animals
equipment required for ensuring the wellbeing of animals
equipment suitable for the safe collection and disposal of biological and non- biological wastes
basic first aid equipment
data loggers
communication systems, such as two-way radio, conventional codes and symbols for signalling
tools, vehicle recovery equipment and spare parts
navigation and communication equipment, including global positioning system.

Hazards may include
solar radiation, dust, noise
personnel getting lost
incidents or emergencies, such as snake or animal bites
severe weather conditions
manual handling of heavy objects
vehicle and boat handling in rough/remote conditions
moving machinery, hand tools.

Safety procedures may include
use of personal protective equipment, such as sunscreen, hat, safety glasses, gloves, safety boots
'stay with vehicle' and other basic survival techniques
use of a regular communication schedule
handling, storage and disposal of all hazardous materials/waste in accordance with MSDS, labels, enterprise procedures and regulations.

Health, safety and environment
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.
All operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.
Critical aspects of competency

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. In particular, assessors should look to see that the candidate:

completes tasks (associated with the organisation, set up, maintenance and close down of a field camp) efficiently and safely
collects samples in accordance with enterprise procedures and legislative requirements
maintains and stores samples in accordance with special requirements for continued wellbeing, viability and integrity of sample
records data according to enterprise procedures and legislative requirements
prepares documentation accurately and in accordance with requirements
performs all fieldwork in accordance with safety and environmental requirements.
disposes of wastes in accordance with safety and environmental requirements.

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:

terminology relevant to the physical chemistry, biology and ecology of samples and specimens
enterprise procedures relating to sample collection, maintenance and storage
enterprise procedures relating to field testing of samples
specific legislation and Codes of Practice related to sample and animal collection
principles of safety relating to fieldwork, such as use of LPG, operation of generators, use of protective clothing
communication procedures using two-way radio and satellite phone
basic field survival strategies, such as map reading, use of compass, 'stay with vehicle' in the event of accident or emergency
documentation in accordance with enterprise procedures and legislative requirements
relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

Assessment context and methods
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of performance during field trips with a focus on sample collection and storage, accurate documentation, field testing of samples, collection of environmental data, safety aspects of fieldwork and basic field survival skills, team work
paper exercises associated with organisation of fieldwork, fieldwork operations and basic field survival strategies
role plays with a focus on accident and emergency situations requiring use of communication procedures and basic field survival strategies
oral or written questions.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

PMLORG301A Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
PMLCOM300B Communicate with other people.

Resource implications

Resources may include:

enterprise procedures, regulations and Codes of Practice
relevant field equipment, samples, test kits and reagents.

This competency in practice
On a field trip to determine the biodiversity of an island fringing reef, a technical assistant assisted in constructing a grid map of the study area. The assistant was then asked to count the number of six different species of plant in part of the grid, taking care to minimise the impact on the environment. The assistant was also required to accurately record the data on a map to show the location of each plant using a predetermined key. The survey was successfully completed because enterprise procedures were followed.
A technical assistant was asked to appropriately pack and safely transport water sampling and monitoring equipment to a distant field site. Firstly, the assistant checked that all the equipment was in working order and that he/she was able to use and maintain it. Given that the technical assistant was licenced to operate a small boat and was a competent underwater diver he/she was also asked to perform a simple underwater survey of macrophytes in a lake in the study area. This was done using standard safety and operating procedures and the results were recorded on a grid map and in the daily log book.

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively
Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks
Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)