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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Set up field for surface irrigation systems
  2. Undertake surface irrigation work as directed
  3. Basic maintenance tasks are carried out as directed
  4. Monitor soil moisture and drainage
  5. Observe and report on plant response
  6. Clean and store surface irrigation equipment

Required Skills

Required skills include

Ability to

prepare materials tools and equipment for surface irrigation work

handle materials and equipment

observe required head and water levels in head ditch

monitor irrigation times for enterprise fields to deliver sufficient volume

open and close check valves

carry out surface irrigation operating tasks as directed

follow directions to operate pumps and valves

start and pull siphons

check siphons for even water flow

observe for uneven water distribution or drainage

record and report maintenance activities

report faults

follow safe work procedures including manual handling

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of

purpose and principles of surface irrigation

identification characteristics and operation of surface irrigation structures and components

system malfunctions and their likely causes

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

OHS procedures relating to general activities involved in irrigating field crops using surface irrigation

Evidence Required

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

Overview of assessment

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following

handle and shift loads

operate check clean and store irrigation equipment

set up field for gravity fed irrigation

estimate and monitor water levels and volumesflow

identify adverse environmental impacts of gravity fed irrigation system and take appropriate action

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

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances


Range Statement

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. 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) may also be included.

Surface irrigation systems may include:

any systems that apply water across the surface of a levelled or contoured area. These include furrow, border and basin irrigation.

Basic maintenance tasks may include:

performing basic maintenance tasks under supervision to maintain structures such as banks, head walls and canals, and to maintain equipment such as pumps, gates and siphons.