Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function such as after:
RTE3512A Prepare raw materials and compost the feedstocks
RTE3513A Prepare value-added compost-based products
RTE3713A Carry out workplace OHS procedures
RTE3714A Maintain and monitor environmental work practices.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.
Assessment must confirm one's ability to:
calculate a compost recipe that is consistent with the technology and method available from combinations of raw materials
produce a compost recipe that will achieve defined product specifications
document compost production plan consistent with plant capabilities and site constraints.
Context and specific resources for assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and must be assessed in a commercial-scale composting facility or in a situation that reproduces and/or simulates operational conditions.
For valid assessment, one should have opportunities to participate in exercises, case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge specified in this unit.
The candidate should also have access to the following resources:
a range of load-shifting equipment
hand tools and equipment such as temperature probe, oxygen probe, mulch fork, gloves and shovel
personal protective equipment
raw materials for assessment, recognition and preparation
drying oven for testing
electronic balance or scales
batch recording forms and compost recipe forms
water and irrigation system
compost recipe calculators, either manual or electronic
Wilkinson, K et al 2001, Guide to Best Practice - Composting Green Organics, second edition, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Victoria.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency must allow for application in a broad industry context, and should be transferable to a range of work environments, including the ability to deal with unplanned events. For example, this could include work within composting operations of varying scale; processing a range of different raw materials; producing a range of different composts and value-added products to meet the demands of different markets; located in an urban or rural context with varying environmental constraints; and using various equipment, practices, technologies and management systems.