Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What site conditions may be included?
Plant and animal community health, soil types, moisture content, pH levels, salinity, texture, compaction, aspect, pollutants, toxicity, climate, buildings, road works and shade.

Which natural area restoration techniques are relevant to this standard?
Assisted natural regeneration, hand planting, mechanical planting, direct seeding and mechanical sowing.

Which methods of maintenance are included?
Watering, mulching, fertilising, protection, staking and weeding.

What protective structures may be necessary?
Signs, fences, barriers, clothes, stakes and mulches.

What areas may be included in the plans?
Local plans and park and reserve management plans.

Which OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Codes of practice, enterprise policies and procedures, and certification/licensing of personnel.

What permits/licences may be included?
Permits/licences may cover fire, vehicle operation (including heavy vehicles), access to specific places, working near threatened species, and for herbicide application.

What sorts of legislative requirements might be relevant to this standard?
Local Government, National and International, Native Title, National and International Heritage agreements.

What would constitute a threat within the context of this standard?
Interactions with human activity, fire, seasonal flooding.

Which methods of observation and measurement may be included?
Recording of incidents or events, recording of counts, recording of locations by reference to physical features or through GPS, use of monitoring equipment and manual recording of results, checks of automatic recording equipment and telemetry links.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in managing natural area restoration programs requires evidence that a natural area restoration program has been successfully managed according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to manage natural area restoration programs must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different environments, plant species, timelines and natural area restoration techniques.
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:

Plant species and community recognition.
Natural regeneration potential and limits.
Ecological restoration theory and techniques.
Factors affecting the timing and method of plant establishment.
Identification of plant and animal threats to treated areas.
Principles and methods relating to the prevention and control of pests and diseases.
Safety requirements when handling and using hazardous goods.
Soils and nutrients, plant selection and culture.
Calculations for materials.
Legislative requirements.
Preparation of plans and specifications.
Occupational Health and Safety.

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:

Inspect and assess site for restoration.
Plan natural area restoration program.
Monitor natural area restoration works.
Review natural area restoration program.

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
Through written and verbal briefing of field staff. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Preparation of plans and specifications from site assessment and analysis. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Scheduled and resourced according to enterprise guidelines. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Collaborating with and supporting those involved in restoration programs. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculation and costing of materials, labour, machinery. (1)

Solving problems
Reviewing works and making recommendations for changes in future programs. (2)

Using technology
Communication systems and information management systems. (2)