Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:57 AM AWST

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Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS025013
State Code
BAK71
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/08/2016
Field of Education
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
08/08/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to plan and conduct desktop and field activities designed to collect and interpret information about the characteristics and condition of specific wetlands. This work assists environmental scientists and planners to develop wetland inventories, assess and monitor the condition of wetlands and/or develop wetland management plans.This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as stormwater management; clean water (e.g. catchments, supply and environmental flows); environmental services (e.g. monitoring of water quality); and environmental compliance, auditing and inspection.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor
  • 1.1 Clarify the scope and objectives of assigned activities, constraints and wetland components involved and any conservation measures or management plans in place.
  • 1.2 Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.
  • 1.3 Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.
  • 1.4 Confirm assessment indices and data collection plan details for target wetland.
  • 1.5 Clarify the use of survey proformas, data collection forms and/or field identification guides, as necessary.
2 Source and assess available wetland data
  • 2.1 Locate and obtain existing wetland data and review its relevance and accuracy.
  • 2.2 Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.
  • 2.3 Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • 2.4 Use available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and any environmental issues relevant to the study.
  • 2.5 Identify any significant information gaps.
3 Plan and organise assigned field activities
  • 3.1 Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.
  • 3.2 Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.
  • 3.3 Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.
  • 3.4 Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.
  • 3.5 Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.
  • 3.6 Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.
4 Conduct wetland survey and monitoring activities
  • 4.1 Observe and record wetland characteristics and evidence of disturbance using survey proformas, field identification guides and digital photography, as appropriate.
  • 4.2 Collect reliable point positional data and attribute environmental data/samples for each location in accordance with data collection plan.
  • 4.3 Verify any existing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of wetland location/type.
  • 4.4 Collect representative water, soil and/or (micro)biological samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.
  • 4.5 Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.
  • 4.6 Ensure that monitoring data/samples are collected at the same locations and during similar seasonal/climatic conditions.
5 Finalise field work
  • 5.1 Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.
  • 5.2 Ensure all samples and data are labelled and stored safely to ensure integrity and traceability.
  • 5.3 Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.
  • 5.4 Clean and test equipment before storage.
6 Contribute to assessment of wetland condition
  • 6.1 Review field observations, measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.
  • 6.2 Use given formulae and tables to assign scores, parameter values, index values and health index/rating, where appropriate.
  • 6.3 Analyse data relating to wetland characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.
  • 6.4 Identify environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices.
  • 6.5 Report findings using a format and style that suits their intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.
  • 6.6 Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.
7 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 7.1 Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  • 7.2 Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.
  • 7.3 Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D7708 MSS025013A Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEQ86 MSS025028 Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands Unit of competency