Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

Which relevant legislation may be included?
State Noxious Weeds Acts, Clean Water Acts, Local Authority regulations and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

Which pests may be relevant to this competency standard?
Weeds and vertebrate pests of crops, pastures, rangelands, native vegetation and waterways.

Which relevant Federal or State legislation and local regulations may be included?
Environmental protection, noxious weeds, farm chemicals, vertebrate pests, use of firearms (including licensing requirements and exemptions), humane treatment of animals, activities in nature reserves and heritage areas, poisons and veterinary substances, identification and reporting of suspected outbreaks of exotic disease, OHS regulations and common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.

What pest control advice may be relevant to this standard?
Providing an interpretation of legislative requirements and reference to appropriate source of advice where required.

What enterprise policies and procedures developed may be specified?
Accurate record keeping, observation procedures, inspection procedures, storage protocols and protocols for preparation and serving of notices.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in managing the implementation of legislation requires evidence that correct legal procedures and protocols have been observed in the implementation of legislation. The skills and knowledge required to manage the implementation of legislation must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this includes different legislation and situations.
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 Commonwealth, State and Local legislation and regulations.
Pest control treatments relating to pests dealt with under legislation and regulation.
Integrated Pest Management principles.
Legislation relating to gathering and presentation of evidence.
Conflict resolution.
Group skills relating to presentation of advice.
Record keeping systems.
Time management for self and others.
Protection of the environment.
Use of pest control agents.
Ecological and production systems.
Policy and procedure development.
Presenting evidence in court.

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:

Establish procedures to identify infestations and location.
Administer the implementation of ruling legislation.
Negotiate with stakeholders.

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
Advice and assistance to landholders. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through monitoring programs and activities. (3)

Planning and organising activities
According to enterprise guidelines. (3)

Working with others and in teams
In the preparation for presentation in court of evidence and findings. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In collation of evidence and use of record-keeping systems. (2)

Solving problems
In investigation of breaches and non-compliance of legislation. (3)

Using technology
In the collection and presentation of evidence. (2)