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 are enclosures and exhibits?
Enclosures and exhibits include all animal-housing areas that are accessible to the public. They also include long and short-term holding areas for animals off display. Enclosures and exhibits may be for existing species, new single species, multi-species and multi-taxa.

What measures will be included in the evaluation of exhibit performance?
Exhibit performance measures may include the interaction of animals with the public and their habitat, animal husbandry and behaviour, hazard identification and risk management, the durability and appropriateness of enclosure furniture, environmental constraints, problems associated with a simulated environment and feedback from the public and staff.

What type of OHS issues could be relevant in this context?
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.
Some captive animal facilities may expose personnel to risks such as zoonoses, release of infective agents (both animal and human) and chemical spillage.
Keyboard work can cause injury unless the operator is aware of ergonomic issues and the importance of adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Regular breaks from the keyboard should be taken to avoid injury.

What areas may be researched?
Research may include the exhibit theme and its relationship to the institutional master plan, habitat requirements, animal behaviour requirements, animal husbandry requirements, OHS and other legislative requirements, display and interpretation requirements, and horticultural and maintenance requirements.

What graphic requirements may be considered?
Graphic requirements may include placement on exhibits, sources of information and information to be provided on graphics.

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:

research and evaluate enclosures and exhibits
prepare proposals for the design and development or renovation of exhibits and enclosures
manage design groups and liaise with a wide range of internal staff and external suppliers
prepare reports and present them 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 policies and procedures, including OHS
relevant legislation
institutional master plan
principles of exhibit design and requirements for concept briefs
hazard identification and risk management strategies
interaction between animal types and various habitats
recognition of animal, keeper, client and public requirements
criteria for the placement of graphics
internal decision-making processes leading to the approval of new exhibits or the renovation of existing ones.

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 design enclosures and exhibits and prepare concept plans
ability to prepare detailed costings and work plans
ability to interpret architectural designs and plans
ability to critically evaluate information
literacy skills to read and implement institutional policies and procedures, including OHS; interpret written plans and drawings; record accurately and legibly information collected; and select and apply procedures to a range of specialist tasks
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the institution, including presentation and questioning techniques, active listening, training staff and consulting with supervisors
numeracy skills to complete mathematical calculations and manage budgets
interpersonal skills to work with people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds
problem-solving skills to use available resources when developing concept briefs.

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, including OHS
relevant legislation
institutional master plan
enclosure and exhibit designs and proposals
costings and work plans
architectural designs and plans
technical drawings.

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
Through discussion with supervisors and team members when preparing design proposals. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By organising research outcomes into coherent concept proposals. (3)

Planning and organising activities
By planning and organising exhibit design and development. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By managing a design team and liaising with internal and external personnel. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By preparing detailed costings for concept proposals. (2)

Solving problems
By taking into account a wide range of factors when designing a new exhibit or renovating an existing one. (3)

Using technology
By using electronic means to create work plans and graphics and by accessing information using electronic databases and the Internet. (2)