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 is country?
Country is an area of land and/or water with cultural significance to a group.

What ecological concepts may be relevant to this competency standard?
Ecological concepts include niche, habitat, community, ecosystem

How can ecosystems be defined?
An ecosystem is defined by habitat and vegetation and includes the animals of the space, the weather and soil and the cycle of energy and nutrients.

What methods of recording may be relevant to this standard?
Recording may include written documentation, illustration or commitment to memory.

What may be included in environmental changes?
The introduction of pollution, chemicals, weeds, feral animals and introduced pests to the environment.

What chemical substances may be included?
Pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, heavy metals, acid wastes and any other chemicals in the soil, air or water that effect the food chain or other cycles.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in recording information about country requires evidence that information about country has been appropriately acquired and recorded according to community guidelines and protocols. The skills and knowledge required for recording information about country must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different recording media, management practices and approaches and areas within country.
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:

Designated areas and features of country.
Local and/or common names for plants and animals.
Basic ecological concepts.
Protocols and customs relating to disclosure of knowledge about country.

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:

Collect information.
Document information.
Operate according to community guidelines and protocols.

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
Communication of ideas and information can be applied orally, in written or electronic format. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information can be collected, analysed and organised through community consultation with Indigenous peoples. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Activities can be planned and organised according to community guidelines and protocols. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Teamwork can be applied in collecting, sharing, demonstrating and analysing information. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques can be applied in assessing the size of plant and animal communities. (1)

Solving problems
Problem solving skills can be applied in assessing and discussing with Indigenous communities environmental changes to country. (2)

Using technology
The use of technology such as photography can be applied in recording information and assessing environmental impacts with permission from traditional owners. (1)