Assessor Resource

AHCIRG434
Manage surface irrigation systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to manage a surface irrigation system.

It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Ensure the surface irrigation system is prepared for operation

1.1 Assess staff training needs for carrying out pre-start checks and routine servicing and arrange training for those that require it

1.2 Program or adjust the irrigation controller to meet the required schedule

1.3 Develop procedures for adjusting valves and checking filters and emitters

2. Develop and implement start-up and shutdown procedures for a surface irrigation system

2.1 Develop start-up procedures for the system

2.2 Provide training in priming pumps and setting gates to commence irrigating

2.3 Develop shut down sequence and isolation procedures

2.4 Specify soil conditions for operation and maintain tracks to reduce compaction

3. Measure performance of a surface irrigation system

3.1 Record variations in pressures at the head works and control valves

3.2 Water flow rates are measured and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

3.3 Measure and record water flow rates

3.4 Identify and record variations in water flow and distribution

3.5 Measure and record pump performance parameters as necessary

3.6 Measure and record variations in pump performance parameters where relevant

3.7 Inspect distribution, drainage and water measurement systems and identify and fix malfunctions in system and record actions

3.8 Identify and record factors external to the system that may cause interference

4. Review system performance status

4.1 Record system pressures and variations

4.2 Record system flow rates and variations

4.3 Calculate and record distribution uniformity and mean application rates

4.4 Determine and record watering depth

4.5 Measure quantity and quality of tail water, and amount of water reused

4.6 Calculate energy use and water efficiency and compare to industry benchmarks

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

develop procedures and providing training to staff to:

carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems

carry out shut down procedures

check pressure at the head works and control valves

set up pipes, system equipment and outlets

use siphons

develop procedures for starting up, carrying out operational checks and shutting down

identify and record variations in water flow and distribution

identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and take appropriate remedial action

implement and follow workplace health and safety and environmental requirements

measure and recording water flow rates

provide supervision and training

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of surface irrigation management

calculating irrigation efficiency using records to review an irrigation system

critical measures for moisture availability:

evapotranspiration

field capacity

infiltration rates

readily available water

water holding capacity

wilting point

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

main components of surface irrigation systems

physical soil characteristics such as infiltration rate, water holding capacity and wetted volume in the root zone

pump types used in surface irrigation systems and their operating requirements

pump types used in surface irrigation systems and their operation

set up of headwater, tail water, channels and beds

soil moisture testing techniques

water in soils and plants

water requirements of plants and crops consistent with sound environmental management

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Ensure the surface irrigation system is prepared for operation

1.1 Assess staff training needs for carrying out pre-start checks and routine servicing and arrange training for those that require it

1.2 Program or adjust the irrigation controller to meet the required schedule

1.3 Develop procedures for adjusting valves and checking filters and emitters

2. Develop and implement start-up and shutdown procedures for a surface irrigation system

2.1 Develop start-up procedures for the system

2.2 Provide training in priming pumps and setting gates to commence irrigating

2.3 Develop shut down sequence and isolation procedures

2.4 Specify soil conditions for operation and maintain tracks to reduce compaction

3. Measure performance of a surface irrigation system

3.1 Record variations in pressures at the head works and control valves

3.2 Water flow rates are measured and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures

3.3 Measure and record water flow rates

3.4 Identify and record variations in water flow and distribution

3.5 Measure and record pump performance parameters as necessary

3.6 Measure and record variations in pump performance parameters where relevant

3.7 Inspect distribution, drainage and water measurement systems and identify and fix malfunctions in system and record actions

3.8 Identify and record factors external to the system that may cause interference

4. Review system performance status

4.1 Record system pressures and variations

4.2 Record system flow rates and variations

4.3 Calculate and record distribution uniformity and mean application rates

4.4 Determine and record watering depth

4.5 Measure quantity and quality of tail water, and amount of water reused

4.6 Calculate energy use and water efficiency and compare to industry benchmarks

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

develop procedures and providing training to staff to:

carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems

carry out shut down procedures

check pressure at the head works and control valves

set up pipes, system equipment and outlets

use siphons

develop procedures for starting up, carrying out operational checks and shutting down

identify and record variations in water flow and distribution

identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and take appropriate remedial action

implement and follow workplace health and safety and environmental requirements

measure and recording water flow rates

provide supervision and training

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of surface irrigation management

calculating irrigation efficiency using records to review an irrigation system

critical measures for moisture availability:

evapotranspiration

field capacity

infiltration rates

readily available water

water holding capacity

wilting point

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

main components of surface irrigation systems

physical soil characteristics such as infiltration rate, water holding capacity and wetted volume in the root zone

pump types used in surface irrigation systems and their operating requirements

pump types used in surface irrigation systems and their operation

set up of headwater, tail water, channels and beds

soil moisture testing techniques

water in soils and plants

water requirements of plants and crops consistent with sound environmental management

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
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
Assess staff training needs for carrying out pre-start checks and routine servicing and arrange training for those that require it 
Program or adjust the irrigation controller to meet the required schedule 
Develop procedures for adjusting valves and checking filters and emitters 
Develop start-up procedures for the system 
Provide training in priming pumps and setting gates to commence irrigating 
Develop shut down sequence and isolation procedures 
Specify soil conditions for operation and maintain tracks to reduce compaction 
Record variations in pressures at the head works and control valves 
Water flow rates are measured and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures 
Measure and record water flow rates 
Identify and record variations in water flow and distribution 
Measure and record pump performance parameters as necessary 
Measure and record variations in pump performance parameters where relevant 
Inspect distribution, drainage and water measurement systems and identify and fix malfunctions in system and record actions 
Identify and record factors external to the system that may cause interference 
Record system pressures and variations 
Record system flow rates and variations 
Calculate and record distribution uniformity and mean application rates 
Determine and record watering depth 
Measure quantity and quality of tail water, and amount of water reused 
Calculate energy use and water efficiency and compare to industry benchmarks 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG434 - Manage surface irrigation systems
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCIRG434 - Manage surface irrigation systems

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: