Assessor Resource

AHCPHT503
Manage a controlled growing environment

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage controlled growing environments.

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. Identify crop requirements

1.1 Determine crop growth and production requirements according to a documented production plan

1.2 Research environmental parameters for optimal growing conditions for the specific crop, using available information resources

1.3 Identify and record controlled growing environment factors

2. Determine requirements for controlled growing environment

2.1 Identify, cost and confirm availability of structures, machinery, equipment and resources required to control environmental conditions

2.2 Identify detrimental environmental impacts associated with the controlled growing environment system

3. Prepare a management plan for controlled growing environment

3.1 Determine management objectives for controlled growing environment consistent with production plan and market requirements for crop quantity and quality

3.2 Develop a schedule of environmental control procedures according to controlled environment management objectives

3.3 Evaluate and report staff training needs with regard to operation and maintenance of environmental control systems

3.4 Document a budget supporting the controlled environment management plan and seek approval

3.5 Communicate the schedule of environmental control procedures clearly to staff

4. Manage controlled growing environment

4.1 Identify controlled environment indicators and thresholds for remedial action for monitoring

4.2 Develop monitoring frequency and schedule according to the requirements of the production plan and communicate to staff

4.3 Record, analyse and apply all monitoring data to ensure optimal plant development

4.4 Document and report remedial action undertaken

4.5 Monitor costs of the controlled growing environment system against budget

4.6 Record and report budget adjustments

4.7 Evaluate recorded information, budget data and production outputs and document operational achievements towards management objectives in a report

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 a management plan to cover staff training, budgets, operating procedures and remedial actions

develop environmental monitoring procedures

evaluate and document the achievements towards management objectives

identify the growing requirements of the crop

prepare specifications for controlled growing infrastructure

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for managing controlled growing environments

controlled environmental conditions in regard to crop plant physiology, growth stages, and product quality and quantity

legislation and regulations relating to the controlled environment systems

market requirements for crop quantity and quality

monitoring, analysis and recording systems

plant physiology and biochemistry

quality production methods and techniques for a range of controlled environment plants

staff training requirements

techniques and methods of implementing optimal growing conditions for a range of horticultural crops

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. Identify crop requirements

1.1 Determine crop growth and production requirements according to a documented production plan

1.2 Research environmental parameters for optimal growing conditions for the specific crop, using available information resources

1.3 Identify and record controlled growing environment factors

2. Determine requirements for controlled growing environment

2.1 Identify, cost and confirm availability of structures, machinery, equipment and resources required to control environmental conditions

2.2 Identify detrimental environmental impacts associated with the controlled growing environment system

3. Prepare a management plan for controlled growing environment

3.1 Determine management objectives for controlled growing environment consistent with production plan and market requirements for crop quantity and quality

3.2 Develop a schedule of environmental control procedures according to controlled environment management objectives

3.3 Evaluate and report staff training needs with regard to operation and maintenance of environmental control systems

3.4 Document a budget supporting the controlled environment management plan and seek approval

3.5 Communicate the schedule of environmental control procedures clearly to staff

4. Manage controlled growing environment

4.1 Identify controlled environment indicators and thresholds for remedial action for monitoring

4.2 Develop monitoring frequency and schedule according to the requirements of the production plan and communicate to staff

4.3 Record, analyse and apply all monitoring data to ensure optimal plant development

4.4 Document and report remedial action undertaken

4.5 Monitor costs of the controlled growing environment system against budget

4.6 Record and report budget adjustments

4.7 Evaluate recorded information, budget data and production outputs and document operational achievements towards management objectives in a report

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 a management plan to cover staff training, budgets, operating procedures and remedial actions

develop environmental monitoring procedures

evaluate and document the achievements towards management objectives

identify the growing requirements of the crop

prepare specifications for controlled growing infrastructure

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for managing controlled growing environments

controlled environmental conditions in regard to crop plant physiology, growth stages, and product quality and quantity

legislation and regulations relating to the controlled environment systems

market requirements for crop quantity and quality

monitoring, analysis and recording systems

plant physiology and biochemistry

quality production methods and techniques for a range of controlled environment plants

staff training requirements

techniques and methods of implementing optimal growing conditions for a range of horticultural crops

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
Determine crop growth and production requirements according to a documented production plan 
Research environmental parameters for optimal growing conditions for the specific crop, using available information resources 
Identify and record controlled growing environment factors 
Identify, cost and confirm availability of structures, machinery, equipment and resources required to control environmental conditions 
Identify detrimental environmental impacts associated with the controlled growing environment system 
Determine management objectives for controlled growing environment consistent with production plan and market requirements for crop quantity and quality 
Develop a schedule of environmental control procedures according to controlled environment management objectives 
Evaluate and report staff training needs with regard to operation and maintenance of environmental control systems 
Document a budget supporting the controlled environment management plan and seek approval 
Communicate the schedule of environmental control procedures clearly to staff 
Identify controlled environment indicators and thresholds for remedial action for monitoring 
Develop monitoring frequency and schedule according to the requirements of the production plan and communicate to staff 
Record, analyse and apply all monitoring data to ensure optimal plant development 
Document and report remedial action undertaken 
Monitor costs of the controlled growing environment system against budget 
Record and report budget adjustments 
Evaluate recorded information, budget data and production outputs and document operational achievements towards management objectives in a report 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPHT503 - Manage a controlled growing environment
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:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPHT503 - Manage a controlled growing environment

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: