Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What might be included in natural area restoration works?
Restoration works may include assisted natural regeneration, planting and direct seeding, weed and animal control, conservation earthworks, erection of structures such as signs, fencing, plant protection devices, construction of pathways and visitor facilities, and erosion control.

What documentation is likely to guide the supervision of restoration works?
Documentation may include species lists, vegetation maps, drawings, plans, specifications, contracts, bill of quantities and quotations, engineer reports and computations.

What might be considered potential environmental impacts in relation to proposed restoration works?
Damage to vegetation and habitats, soil disturbance, erosion, pollution of water courses through changes in runoff/drainage profiles, compaction of soil from vehicles, loss of topsoil condition, pollution by release of chemicals (e.g. fuel, oil, pesticide), increased fire risks, off-target herbicide impacts, and hazards from disposal of debris.

What OHS hazards may apply to those working on project works?
Hazards may come from the disturbance of services, from solar radiation, dust, noise, through traffic movements, dehydration, stings and bites, potential hazards from moving machinery and machinery parts, and unsafe use of powered equipment and hand tools.

What suitable controls are likely to be implemented?
Suitable controls should be in line with enterprise guidelines and may include workplace practices that direct cleaning and storing of materials and equipment, appropriate use of personal protective equipment such as sun, noise and dust protection, safe operation of machinery and equipment, correct manual handling of materials and equipment, appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers, and basic first aid services on site.

What issues that cause delays are likely to be identified?
Delays/alterations to the scope of works may include industrial disputes, inclement weather, site access problems, labour/material shortages, and equipment breakdowns.

What does practical completion refer to in this competency standard?
Practical completion occurs when all developmental works as set out in a contract have been completed to the client's satisfaction. Usually a period of consolidation or maintenance of works and a defects liability period commence at this point.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supervising natural area restoration works requires evidence that the work can be scheduled, supplies of materials and equipment can be coordinated, and the program can be monitored, and the site can be prepared for hand over within given timelines and within environmental impact tolerances. The skills and knowledge required to supervise natural area restoration works must be transferable to different work environments. For example, this could include remote areas, urban bushland, coastal or wetland 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 competency standard are listed below:

Strategies and techniques to avoid negative environmental impacts.
Work programming.
Responsibilities and requirements of contracts and other relevant documentation.
OHS responsibilities of an employer.
Team leadership.
Common and scientific names of native plants.
Common names of weeds, native and pest animals.
Importance and value of local provenance species.
Natural area restoration techniques.
Ability to assess restoration potential of sites.
Basic plant and animal ecology.
Knowledge of different ecosystems.
Map and plan reading.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

Inspect and assess site for restoration needs and potential.
Inspect and assess personnel for work quality.
Read and interpret the associated documentation for natural area restoration projects.
Calculate material and resource requirements.
Coordinate a team to achieve optimum performance.
Communicate with personnel at all levels.
Document results clearly and concisely.

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
There is essential 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
Ideas and information may need to be communicated with management and/or the client as the natural area restoration works progress. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on personnel and resource requirements may need to be collected, analysed and organised according to the scope of the work to be supervised. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities may need to be planned and organised to ensure that the needs of management and/or the client are met and that the natural area project works are completed on time. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Team work may be applied to ensure that all project works are completed successfully. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques may be applied when ordering the materials required for the natural area restoration works. (3)

Solving problems
Problem solving skills may be applied when time delays are experienced due to inclement weather. (3)

Using technology
Technology may be used to communicate and record progress of natural area restoration works. (3)