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 types of land use may be included?
Clearing of native vegetation and changes to drainage practices.

What are the relevant Federal, State legislation and local regulations which may apply to this standard?
Environmental protection, noxious weeds, activities in nature reserves and heritage areas, OHS regulations, and common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.

Who might other stakeholders be?
Land managers in the region, local recreational land users, regional land management bodies, local regulatory authorities and landcare committees.

How might supporting and validating data be obtained?
By direct observation, GIS, satellite information and air-flown MSS.

Which forms of workplace documentation may be included?
Enterprise procedures, instructions related to scientific practices and use of keys, manuals and scientific works, preparing records of observations and documenting photographs and samples.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in investigating suspected breaches of natural resource management legislation requires evidence that investigations have been carried out according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice, that an appropriate judgement has been made and has been documented in a final report. The skills and knowledge required to investigate suspected breaches of natural resource management legislation must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different NRM legislation, investigation procedures, evidence collection and suspected breaches.
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:

Relevant Federal and State legislation and regulations on natural resource management issues.
Interpreting aerial photographs, maps and GIS.
Communicating with stakeholders.
Agency policies and procedures.
Formats for compiling reports.
Assessment approaches for area of notification.

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:

Respond to advice of change in land use.
Carry out site investigation.
Collect site evidence.
Compile final report.

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
There is essential 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
Verbally, in writing and through photographs and other evidence. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through collection of evidence according to enterprise and legislative guidelines. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Through site investigations according to enterprise and legislative guidelines. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In collection of evidence, conducting investigation and preparation of reports. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through analysis of data collected during investigations. (1)

Solving problems
Through making judgements based on evidence and dealing with unforeseen situations as they arise. (2)

Using technology
In gathering and presenting information. (1)