Elements and Performance Criteria
- Determine water quality monitoring program requirements
- Survey client to identify scope, objectives and constraints of project and intended use of the data.
- Research, collate and evaluate background information relevant to survey type and site.
- Determine water quality indicators to be measured, frequency and volume of sampling required to meet scope, objectives and constraints of project.
- Determine that procedures required for data collection and processing and reporting format are consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints of program and legislative requirements.
- Seek estimates of costs involved and/or sources of funds for the program as required by the client and according to enterprise policies and procedures.
- Provide a survey strategy to client that reflects project requirements, scope, objectives and constraints for discussion and approval.
- Undertake a site analysis
- Identify and record physical and biological features at the site of the monitoring program.
- Identify and record resource management factors that are contributing to water quality.
- Survey biota as required to meet the scope and objectives of the program.
- Identify and assess OH&S hazards and risks associated with conducting the sampling program.
- Identify and evaluate sampling points for safety, accessibility and opportunities for repeatable data collection.
- Plan monitoring program
- Evaluate information gathered to select suitable monitoring sites for repeatable monitoring and to obtain representative samples.
- Source and cost laboratory and field equipment, tools, machinery and other material required for the monitoring program, assess for suitability/reliability and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and enterprise personnel.
- Confirm surveyor access to site with land manager for the duration of the monitoring program.
- Determine and document OH&S controls and emergency procedures required for the program to be presented to appropriate personnel according to enterprise policies and guidelines.
- Document methods of data collection, monitoring and field techniques for field operators according to enterprise policies and guidelines.
- Present to appropriate personnel and the client for briefing and acceptance, survey schedules and procedures developed in accordance with enterprise guidelines and relevant legislation.
- Monitor water quality
- Carry out surveying tasks out in line with monitoring plan and enterprise/agency guidelines/protocols and in accordance with OH&S guidelines.
- Store and transport and treat samples with regard to temperature, maximum holding periods and other variables and according to enterprise/agencies guidelines and policies.
- Monitor surveying process for accuracy, compliance with the survey plans and procedures, OH&S policies and regulatory requirements.
- Assess and evaluate for errors and inconsistencies, implementing contingency plans when problems arise with the monitoring plans and procedures.
- Evaluate program
- Analyse data collected according to industry policies and guidelines and scientific standards.
- Outcomes, conclusions and/or trends from the monitoring program are drawn from relevant information including industry standards for interpretation of water quality data and are based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments.
- Advice is sought from client as to satisfaction with monitoring program in terms of the process and outcomes.
- Provide report on outcomes to client with recommendations for changes and improvements any further monitoring activities.