Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Work requirements may include:
confirmation of site availability
confirmation of statutory approvals, including:
vegetation clearing approval
riverine protection permits
use of borrow approvals
preparations for conditions included in statutory approvals for work
site boundaries
borrow and spoil areas
boundary protection
location, timing and type of work activity
extent of the work
access roads
specifications for depth, width and gradient
utility location
safe work methods
Hazards may include:
damage to other utilities
soil types and suitability to cut
those associated with particular plant and equipment
Legislative and organisational requirements may include:
relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements
Drainage and diversion arrangements may include:
statutory approvals and conditions
environmental
Equipment may include:
hand and power tools
on- and off-road vehicles
off-road plant
lifting and winching equipment
compressors
rotating lasers
profiles
automatic level
pneumatic spaders and attachments
motorised cutting equipment
portable pumps
communication equipment
breathing apparatus
gas detection equipment
rescue equipment
appropriate personal protective equipment
Site preparation may include:
installation of temporary erosion control structures
cultural heritage monitors
safety barricades
removal of vegetation, debris, silt and soil
Environmental improvements or controls may include:
revegetation processes
drainage measures
sedimentation control

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to construct open earthen channels and drains by:
planning work and preparing work site according to given specifications and instructions
cutting channels to specification
compacting soil
taking soil samples
checking that work meets specifications
cleaning and storing equipment
restoring work site
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
relevant codes, standards and government regulations
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.