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.
Inspections of catchments and surrounding areas may require:
interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public
visual observation
implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements
bushcraft
eradication of feral animals and noxious plants
identification of declared flora
fire suppression procedures
knowledge of system layout
use of gauging stations, telemarkers or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
Changes to environmental conditions may include:
weed infestations
erosion or bank stability
blue green algae outbreaks
dead stock
storm debris affecting waterways

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 inspect and report on surface catchment areas and associated rivers, lakes, water bodies, dams, water storages and groundwater areas to identify potential risks to water quality, the environment and the public including:
interpreting work requirements and inspecting specific catchment locations
monitoring and reporting environmental conditions
investigating breaches and complaints
compiling reports
contributing to catchment security procedures
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.