Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

Which methods for determining pest population distribution may be used?
Animal counts (including spotlight and aerial counts, faecal counts, warren, burrow, den and nest counts), and tracking pads and feeding stations.

Which relevant Federal, State legislation and local regulations may be included?
Environmental protection, pest animals, use of firearms (including licensing requirements and exemptions) humane treatment of animals, activities in nature reserves and heritage areas, poisons and veterinary substances, identification and reporting of suspected outbreaks of exotic disease, OHS regulations and common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.

Which resources may be required for this standard?
Tools, equipment, materials and human resources.

What forms of documentation may be included?
Observation sheets and count summary records.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in surveying pest animals requires evidence that a count has been safely and effectively organised and completed according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to conduct counts to measure abundance of pest animals must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different pest animals, survey techniques and locations.
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:

Pest behaviour and habitats.
Relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
Environmental protection legislation.
Zoonoses and exotic diseases.

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:

Plan activities.
Manage time.
Count, add and record observations.
Apply spotlighting techniques.
Document and summarise observations.

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
Liaise with team members and colleagues during count activities and report activities. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Implement information gathering techniques. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organise own work activities. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Collaborate with team during count activities. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Record and collate data. (3)

Solving problems
Determine scope of the count activities. (3)

Using technology
Collate data, document findings and develop the report. (2)