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 sampling site locations may be relevant to this standard?
Rivers, estuaries, lakes, dams, wetlands, waterways, coastal foreshores and waters, intertidal areas, national parks, and rural lands.

What types of samples may be included?
Macro invertebrates, aquatic vegetation, intertidal organisms, soil and water.

What environmental legislation may be included?
Fisheries Management Acts, threatened species conservation acts.

What equipment may be included?
Electronic machines, probes, grabs, nets, dredges, plankton nets, water sample bottles, bailer, still and video cameras, specialised machinery, identification keys and preserving equipment, kick seines, containers for holding and sorting samples, plastic buckets, hand-held magnifying glasses, tweezers or forceps, small vegetable brushes, wading boots, rubber gloves, thermometer, yardstick, sample record and assessment form, pencils, and clipboard and relevant field guides.

Which occupational health and safety requirements may be included?
Codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction, and enterprise-specific occupational health and safety procedures, policies or standards.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in collecting and preserving biological samples requires evidence that biological samples have been appropriately collected and preserved for a given site according to prescribed enterprise procedures, standards and principles, collecting schedules and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to collect and preserve biological samples must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different locations, environments, samples and collecting 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:

Hydrological cycle.
Field procedures for biological sampling and preservation.
Collecting equipment and methods.
Preservation equipment and processes.
Basic habitat assessment.
Water quality issues.
Fauna and flora recogition relevant to sampling activities.
Relevant environmental legislation.

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:

Plan for collection.
Prepare equipment and resources.
Carry out biological sampling and preserving procedures.
Complete collection of biological sampling activities.

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
Recording information regarding collecting and preservation activities. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through completion of record sheets, taking of samples for external analysis and recording of observations. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Using appropriate equipment and in accordance with enterprise guidelines. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Cooperation with others in collecting and preserving activities. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through recording scope and extent of activities and samples collected, using results and reporting to supervisor. (2)

Solving problems
Dealing with unforeseen situations when carrying out collecting and /or preserving. (2)

Using technology
Use of field equipment and machinery. (2)