Required skills

Required skills include

site observational skills including the ability to step back question and interpret those observations

researching and summarising existing data and reports

communicating effectively

planning and preparing for field activities

field sampling and monitoring procedures including labelling and traceability

demonstrating correct and safe use of field instruments andor equipment under laboratory and field conditions including field calibration

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

writingcompiling concise and accurate reports

responding effectively to changed or unforeseen circumstances

seeking advice when issuesproblems are beyond scope of competenceresponsibility

working safely for the protection of self and others

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

scientific terminology for environmental and ecological systems relevant to job role

the structure of earth systems including lithosphere hydrosphere atmosphere and biosphere ecosphere

key concepts and principles of geomorphology climate and hydrology

fundamental concepts and principles in chemistry physics geology and biology to support a scientific approach to basic field ecology

energy and material flows and cycles including biogeochemical cycles

the fundamentals of ecology including

ecosphere biome and major ecosystem types

trophic structure of ecosystems and hierarchies

organism population community ecosystem hierarchy habitat and biodiversity

abiotic and biotic components and their interrelationships and dependencies

ecological systems and dynamics stability succession and disruption

specific legislation policies and codes of practice related to ecological field activities

ecological chemical and physical field monitoring procedures relevant to job role

procedures for maintaining storing and transporting samplesspecimens to ensure their wellbeing viability and integrity

relevant health safety and environment requirements including field safetysurvival principles

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include

applying relevant aspects of environmental legislative and planning framework to site appraisal

researching reviewing and summarising site environmental history

identifying key aspects of emergency safety or environmental management plans that relate to a defined field activity

applying a working knowledge of relevant terminology concepts and principles in geology geomorphology hydrology and ecology to provide a scientific systematic appraisal of site environmental condition

planning and performing an ecological study and obtaining relevant reliable data

demonstrating correct use of field instruments andor equipment under laboratory and field conditions including field calibration

applying sampling testing and data quality procedures to accurately perform field tests

recording and reporting appraisal of site condition

working safely

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidates workplace

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Undertake environmental fieldbased monitoring

MSL974007A Undertake environmental field-based monitoring

fieldbased environmental monitoring units such asMSSA Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems or MSSA Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

field-based environmental monitoring units, such as:
MSS024009A Assist with assessing and monitoring stormwater systems or MSS025013A Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

MSSA Process and present environmental data

MSS024004A Process and present environmental data.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team

Resources may include

access to suitable sites and a vehicle

vehicles survey equipment samplingmonitoring equipment cameras consumables and manuals

work program enterprise procedures codes of practice and field protocols

information such as maps and florafauna keys

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of data results and site reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows enterprise procedures survey samplingmeasurement methods and works safely

oralwritten questioning associated with appraisal of environmental site condition

observation of the candidate conducting site appraisals

review of records completed by the candidate

In all cases practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

The language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a worklike environment

Guidance information for assessment

Codes of practice

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Ecological principles and concepts

Earth science principles and concepts

Hydrolgical principles and concepts

Enterprise procedures for field activities

Equipment

Field monitoring activities and skills

Hazards

OHS and environmental management requirements