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.

Which impacting legislation may be included?
State soil conservation acts, relevant OHS provisions, environmental, pollution control acts, native vegetation and water reform acts, local government act.

Which earthworks constructions may be included?
Dams, bank and drain, waterways, land rehabilitation and water ponding schemes.

Which water requirements may be included?
The consideration of the volume of run off from the catchment profile, size and shape of storage.

Which types of dams may be included?
Gully embankment, hillside, excavated, ring, turkey nest, spread bank.

Which types of banks may be included?
Graded, diversion, trainer, back push, absorption, water spreading, water ponding.

Which factors involved in dam planning may be included?
Site attributes, soil investigations, proposed storage capacities, predicted run off, cost considerations.

Which factors involved in determining bank profiles may be included?
Specification, dimensions, spacing, optimum gradients, cost considerations.

Which category of treatment for land rehabilitation may be included?
Gully fill and shaping, pipe installation, contour ripping, tree planting along rip lines.

Which works plans may be included?
Maps, supporting documentation, construction details (including surveys), specific notes, soil disturbance minimisation.

What maps may be relevant to this standard?
Site map detailing relevant physical and environmental site conditions.

Which factors should be considered in selecting the dam site and shape?
S/E (storage/excavation) ratio, ground slope, soil type, stability of spillway, type and volume of material available.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in planning conservation earthworks requires evidence that conservation earthworks have been appropriately planned according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to plan conservation earthworks must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different structures, soil types and topography.
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 environmental, planning and groundwater legislation.
Relevant environmental, planning and earthwork construction standards and Codes of Practice.
Earthwork structures.
Erosion control and design principles.
Natural areas (particularly topsoil) protection and rehabilitation principles.
Soils and soil formation.
Levels and levelling survey plans and titles.
Earthmoving principles.
Total catchment issues.
Land use and land development strategies.
Legal issues.
Environmental issues.
Country code.
Managing peak water flows.
Subsurface and surface drainage principles and systems.
Limitations of design aids provided for industry.

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 client needs.
Carry out site investigations including surveying.
Develop a strategy to protect natural areas.
Develop the strategy to utilise earthworks.
Recommend appropriate construction equipment.
Prepare detailed project costing.
Prepare a detailed works plan.
Negotiate agreed project outcome.

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
By discussing conservation earthworks planning at meetings or formally in writing with clients and stakeholders. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Planning conservation earthworks will require detailed information to be collected, analysed and organised by research and consultation. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Planning conservation earthworks requires designing strategies and processes. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Planning conservation earthworks will require development and management of work teams to achieve outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Complex mathematical techniques relating to surveying, planning and design could be applied. (3)

Solving problems
While planning conservation earthworks, technical, organisational and cultural problems may arise requiring complex solutions. (3)

Using technology
Planning, presentation and design technology may be required. (3)