Assessor Resource

AHCILM501A
Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to those who conduct field research into natural resource and cultural areas for resource management and related purposes. It is often done prior to, or in conjunction with, the development of a resource management plan.

This unit covers the process of conducting field research into natural resource and cultural areas for resource management and related purposes and defines the standard required to: use a range of electronic and manual recording systems to support research; identify stakeholders including current tenure, Indigenous history and community interest; review existing knowledge; develop research objectives, staff, resources and design; conduct field investigations to investigate impacts on fauna, flora and natural resources of the site; report on the field investigation.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

use a range of electronic and manual recording systems to support research

identify stakeholders including current tenure, Indigenous history and community interest

review existing knowledge

develop research objectives, staff, resources and design

conduct field investigations to investigate impacts on fauna, flora and natural resources of the site

report on the field investigation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

review existing knowledge

identify stakeholders

develop research approach

conduct field investigations

develop process for involving decision-makers

report on the field investigation

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

conservation legislation, charters, Codes of Practice relating to natural and cultural resource areas

various systems and processes for assessing significance

ecology and biological diversity including aspects of living organisms, habitats and communities, and interactions between species

geological diversity including aspects of stratigraphy, palaeontology, paedology, and soil classification

relationships between geology and flora/fauna in natural resource environments

microbiology including entomology for the area under assessment

population dynamics and control approaches

monitoring including life cycles and food chains

general understanding of range of cultural issues

accepted scientific processes, including conservation processes and charters

historical research processes

research processes into cultures, religions, political systems, and arts and crafts.

geography, societies and related economics

general understanding of impacts of natural resources, such as geological settings, ecological processes, and interaction between natural and cultural processes

monitoring including fabric deterioration, damage and likely causes of deterioration and damage

relevant international, national and local legislation and agreements as applying to park/reserve, including a good understanding of the concepts and potential operation of the Burra Charter, guidelines associated with the Charter and other ICOMOS

legislation under which enterprise operates and research is commissioned

grouping of Indigenous peoples appropriate to the area under review, and their cultural heritage

processes defined in the Draft Guidelines for the Protection, Management and Use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Heritage Places

links between Indigenous heritage and natural resources.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Field research techniques may include:

identification of ecosystems and mapping of cycles and species

recording species, populations, densities and health of the species

field observations and manual recording

taking, preserving and examining samples

capturing and examining wildlife

taking photographic records

tracking individual specimens by manual and electronic means

establishing databases and loading records

planning information collection to cover specific seasonal impacts

to obtain longitudinal data.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Existing information gathered through investigation and enterprise recording processes is examined to determine key features. 
Oral evidence, where it exists, is reviewed. 
Sites are inspected to assess condition and availability of further information. 
Information, records and places previously destroyed or damaged or under threat are identified as factors to be incorporated in the assessment process, strategies and plans. 
Scope of information is assessed for adequacy against the requirements of legislation, Codes of Practice and protocols. 
Appropriate database, geographic information system and other electronic and manual recording systems are identified for data collection according to enterprise procedures. 
Sources of expertise in research environments, identification of pollution, degradation and disturbance, and national and international issues and agreements are identified and accessed within and external to the enterprise. 
Areas of inadequate information are identified and recorded. 
Stakeholders are identified in conjunction with local communities and groups, and government documentation and interviews. 
The current and relevant past land tenure for the place/area is investigated and recorded. 
Indigenous interests are determined through culturally appropriate approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals. 
Proper protocols are applied and key consultations conducted in approaches to regional and community organisations and individuals. 
Privacy requirements are complied within, according to the directions of stakeholders and according to legislative and enterprise requirements. 
Process of identifying stakeholders may be completed under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group. 
Objectives of the field research are determined in conjunction with those commissioning the research according to enterprise procedures. 
Objectives are used to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation. 
The types of investigation and techniques selected are assessed for hazards and risks in designated environment, including the special OHS requirements, access issues, and management of the research in a range of weather and area conditions. 
Existing information and data records are reviewed to determine the starting point(s) for the fieldwork. 
Research methodology is consistent with the research objectives and in accordance with established natural resource management practice. 
Required resources are identified to establish and maintain the research program within the required time schedules and are appropriate to the environments that will be encountered. 
Personnel are selected for their competency in research techniques and safe operation in the expected environmental/cultural conditions. 
Stakeholders to be included in the consultation process are identified. 
Costs of field research are estimated and submitted for approval according to enterprise procedures. 
Sampling and recording processes are established for research information according to enterprise requirements, best practice and scientific standards. 
Consultation and fieldwork undertaken to obtain information required to meet investigation objectives. 
Previously determined methodology is adjusted in light of progressive results and stakeholder feedback. 
Observations, records and monitoring are in accord with scientific practice and coordinated to meet research objectives. 
Impacts from areas external to area under investigation are identified. 
Equipment, techniques and people deployed to carry out investigations. 
Each field operation is documented and approved according to legislative and enterprise requirements for work in the research environment. 
Where required, appropriate equipment and skills are sourced for the capture, management and sampling of animal species. 
Information is analysed for impact on previously held hypothesis and other resources. 
Information on stakeholders is used to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals, and cultural dimensions. 
Issues to be addressed with interest groups are defined. 
Consultation and decision-making process is developed to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner. 
Appropriate time is provided for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues. 
Decision-making group, such cultural reference groups and other groups are formed where assistance is required to direct investigation, access information, to address issues and/or review the significance of place/area. 
Stakeholders are consulted on draft findings. 
The basis for the determination of outcomes is documented to legislative requirements, the organisation's policies and practices, and international and national processes. 
The determination of significance is submitted to the organisation and its external review processes, as required by legislation and Codes of Practice. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCILM501A - Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources
Assessment task 1: [title]

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCILM501A - Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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