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.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Prepare for field work | 1.1 | Review job request to identify the equipment required and the appropriate meteorological parameters to be measured. |
| 1.2 | Identify hazards and workplace safe work procedures associated with the site, test methods and equipment used. |
| 1.3 | Confirm site location, access, timing and any client requirements. |
| 1.4 | Assemble all required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose. |
| 1.5 | Stow equipment/materials to ensure their safe transport, as necessary. |
| 1.6 | Arrange transport to site, as necessary. |
| 1.7 | Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to others, as necessary. |
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2 | Perform basic meteorological measurements | 2.1 | Select an appropriate location for the meteorological equipment at the site to achieve valid readings for the required parameters. |
| 2.2 | Install and check instrumentation and any recording/data logging equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly. |
| 2.3 | Confirm calibration status of meteorological equipment. |
| 2.4 | Perform measurements using ‘ground level’ meteorological equipment. |
| 2.5 | Collect meteorological data using physical or electronic methods. |
| 2.6 | Ensure wind direction sensors are aligned or corrected to true north rather than magnetic north. |
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3 | Verify meteorological data | 3.1 | Ensure that quality requirements for data are met. |
| 3.2 | Perform any required corrections, calculations and data manipulations and identify significant trends in data. |
| 3.3 | Check for anomalous data and take appropriate corrective action. |
| 3.4 | Verify that processed data meets requirements. |
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4 | Interpret and apply meteorological information | 4.1 | Relate meteorological data to weather maps and other sources of meteorological data. |
| 4.2 | Associate meteorological conditions with related weather maps. |
| 4.3 | Compare weather patterns and data for different time periods and geographic locations. |
| 4.4 | Interpret meteorological data in terms of local atmospheric conditions. |
| 4.5 | Use meteorological data to interpret and/or assist with processing air and/or noise monitoring data. |
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5 | Maintain a safe work environment | 5.1 | Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others. |
| 5.2 | Minimise environmental impacts of meteorological measurements and generation of waste. |
| 5.3 | Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures. |
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6 | Report data and finalise documentation | 6.1 | Report field data in the required formats and expected timeframe. |
| 6.2 | Complete all required documentation. |
| 6.3 | Maintain the security and confidentiality of data and documentation in accordance with workplace requirements. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
siting and setting up basic ‘ground level’ meteorological monitoring equipment and collecting reliable field data on at least two (2) occasions
analysing, interpreting and summarising the key features of at least two (2) sets of meteorological data
explaining the purpose and objectives of meteorological monitoring tasks, including:
information and analysis required
end users of information
significance of outcomes for broader programs
accurately interpreting maps, aerial photos, instructions, specifications, procedures and/or manuals associated with job role
planning and organising resources for efficient meteorological data collection
setting up, checking and operating meteorological equipment at a field site in accordance with manuals and/or workplace procedures
accurately recording and/or storing field data
assessing quality of field data and interpreting significant features and anomalies
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
verifying that processed data meets quality requirements
comparing collected/processed data with other meteorological data sets, associating meteorological parameters, interpreting results and drawing logical conclusions
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
accurately reporting field data and site observations
following procedures for working safely and minimising environmental impacts and waste.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
distinction between weather and climate and an awareness of climate change science
composition and structure of the atmosphere, especially the lower atmosphere
solar energy spectrum and link to atmospheric conditions
seasonality, effects of latitude and continental geography
atmospheric motion (horizontal and vertical)
lifting (orographic, convective and frontal)
basic pressure/temperature/volume principles
high and low pressure cell formation
weather effects (e.g. precipitation, temperature and wind strength/direction)
local wind effects (e.g. sea breeze, city breeze, katabatic winds and anabatic winds)
forms of atmospheric moisture and humidity
atmospheric conditions related to wind direction
measurement of atmospheric conditions (e.g. precipitation, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction)
interpretation of weather maps (e.g. symbols used, terminology, interpretation and forecasts)
historical and geographic comparison of weather data
scalar and vector wind speed and direction calculations
wind run
operation, calibration and maintenance of meteorological equipment
effects of instrument set-up, such as different sampling intervals and averaging times.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of meteorological field/processed data and field records generated by the candidate
review of candidate’s interpretation of meteorological data sets for accuracy and completeness
feedback from supervisors that the candidate is able to safely site, set-up and operate basic ‘ground level’ meteorological monitoring equipment; generate verified meteorological data; accurately interpret data sets and report the findings within the agreed timeframe.
oral and/or written questions to check the candidate’s understanding of basic meteorology, in-field measurement of meteorological parameters and interpretation of data sets, relevant workplace procedures
observation of the candidate working in the field with a focus on:
identification of monitoring site according to defined criteria
safe, reliable set-up and operation of equipment
accurately recording and storing basic meteorological data.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
access to suitable sites and vehicle
meteorological monitoring equipment; camera; consumables; calculator, computer and relevant software or laboratory information system
documentation, such as site information and history, maps, aerial photos; workplace procedures governing siting and operation of meteorological monitoring equipment and data collection; and equipment manuals.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.