Assessor Resource

PSPSCI501A
Provide high-level scientific technical support

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the provision of high-level technical support at an experienced, unsupervised level with responsibility in a defined technical area for experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical functions. It includes determining and organising high-level technical duties, obtaining and recording information, and assessing and reporting data.

In practice, the provision of high-level scientific technical support overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as acting ethically, providing leadership, coordinating resources, gathering and analysing information, working safely.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

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 specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage

PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis

PSPGOV511A Provide leadership

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

provision of high-level scientific technical support at an experienced, unsupervised level with responsibility in a defined technical area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols

operating procedures/work instructions

industry standards

scientific/technological equipment and machinery related to the research environment

personal protective equipment

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing high-level scientific technical support

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing high-level scientific technical support, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

provision of high-level scientific technical support at an experienced, unsupervised level with responsibility in a defined technical area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

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.

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

technical leadership to influence others to meet required outputs

using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

reading formal documents such as legislation and instructions and applying them in the workplace

analysing/manipulating mathematical data and problem solving

using technology for word processing and data management

writing technical reports requiring precision of expression

operating machinery and experimental equipment

applying occupational health and safety and environmental requirements related to working in a scientific/technological research environment

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

experimental procedures and scientific methods

analytical techniques/statistical analysis

the scientific area (broad understanding)

legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technical environment

standard operating procedures and/or work instructions

leadership of others in a scientific/technical environment

occupational health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation

technical support work relevant to specialist area (well-developed knowledge)

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Technical duties may include

surveys

sampling

experiments

trials

tests

assays

surveillance

collecting specimens

inspections

identification of plants or animals

identification of pests

operation, calibration and maintenance of experimental equipment

diagnostic processes

producing specimen images

Processes may include:

experimental processes

observation

field trials

Resources may include:

design specifications

technical manuals

componentry

radioactive samples

specimens

plants

seeds

chemicals

personal protective equipment

Equipment may include:

prototypes

test rigs

tools

diagnostic instruments

laboratory equipment

experimental equipment

farm equipment

Other legislative requirements may include:

quarantine or protection requirements

copyright and intellectual property legislation

Australian standards

Individuals may include:

other technical staff

supervised staff

contract workers

super-ordinates

research officers

farmers

Irregularities may be dealt with by:

problem solving

checking source information

checking data input

repeating tests/trial measurements

referring problem to other staff

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
Outputs for defined technical area are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are determined in accordance with organisational requirements 
Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are organised in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Risk management strategies, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined and explained to junior staff as necessary 
Resources and equipment are organised and their preparation is supervised in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Technical and supervisory duties are carried out independently in accordance with organisational requirements 
Technical leadership is provided and individuals are influenced to meet required outputs in accordance with organisational requirements 
Collection and recording of information are carried out and/or supervised in accordance with planned processes and timelines 
Information is monitored and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Risk management strategies, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements 
Data input and records maintenance are monitored in accordance with organisational requirements 
Data is manipulated, results are assessed and irregularities dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Reports are prepared and presented in accordance with organisational and task requirements 
Outputs for defined technical area are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are determined in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are organised in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Risk management strategies, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined and explained to junior staff as necessary. 
Resources and equipment are organised and their preparation is supervised in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Technical and supervisory duties are carried out independently in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Technical leadership is provided and individuals are influenced to meet required outputs in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Collection and recording of information are carried out and/or supervised in accordance with planned processes and timelines. 
Information is monitored and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Risk management strategies, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Data input and records maintenance are monitored in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Data is manipulated, results are assessed and irregularities dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 
Reports are prepared and presented in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSCI501A - Provide high-level scientific technical support
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

PSPSCI501A - Provide high-level scientific technical support

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: