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

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to operate and check irrigation, stock and domestic supply systems to ensure the delivery of water including:

interpreting irrigation or drainage requirements

operating, adjusting and monitoring irrigation or drainage system in a given area

ensuring that water is delivered to schedule

identifying and reporting problems and irregularities

completing relevant records and reports.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

identify and respond to operational problems

produce basic reports and logs

operate communications equipment

give and receives instructions

follow plans, charts and instructions

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

communicate with customers and other employees

work effectively as part of a team

perform work-related calculations

operate irrigation or stock and domestic supply system

check channel flow and water deliveries

use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace

identify control system faults.

Required knowledge:

impact of the principles of hydraulics on the operation of flows

layout of drainage or irrigation system

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

service requirements specified in customers' contracts

risk factors and potential hazards involved with water system

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of system, site and plant

flow measurement procedures

control systems.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Orders and schedules for water delivery may require:

interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public

meeting customers' contracts or supply orders and requests

visual and electronic observation

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements.

Flow rates or sources may include delivery by:

irrigation channel

pipeline

water tanker.

Organisational procedures and legislative requirements may include:

relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations

codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs

relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements.

Equipment used may include:

personal protective equipment

hard copy chart recording systems

mechanical flow usage meters

basic hand and power tools

on- and off-road vehicles

communication equipment

bar pulling equipment

computerised equipment.