Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCNAR502A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct biological surveys

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCNAR502A - Conduct biological surveys
Description This unit covers the processes involved with conducting biological surveys and defines the standard required to: identify the scope, objectives and constraints for a biological survey according to client requirements, the biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy; assess the availability of current data and determine data collection and processing needs; identify biological indicators that are repeatable and statistically representative; document survey methods and indicators as a survey plan; schedule survey activities and establish access to the site; conduct a biological survey with data collection staged and recorded according to the survey plan; produce a biological survey report with detailed analysis and conclusion, including a description and assessment of the specified biological components.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to land restoration managers.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Carry out preliminary design activities for the biological survey
  • Survey scope, objectives and constraints are identified according to client requirements, biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy.
  • All current data relevant to survey requirements is sourced, collated and evaluated according to enterprise policy.
  • Processes for data collection are developed, consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints.
  • Processes for data processing are developed, consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints.
  • A survey design that reflects client requirements and survey scope, objectives and constraints is developed and presented to the client for discussion and approval.
       
Element: Determine requirements of the biological survey
  • Survey indicators are identified and constraints and opportunities for data collection identified and evaluated.
  • Data collection points are identified that are repeatable and statistically representative for the biological survey.
  • OHS hazards associated with conducting a biological survey are identified; risks assessed and controls developed according to enterprise guidelines, costed and documented in the survey design.
  • Tools, equipment and machinery required for the biological survey are identified, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.
  • Scheduling of survey activities and surveyor access are determined according to the survey design.
  • Survey procedures and schedules are documented according to scientific conventions and the survey scope and objectives, and are presented to appropriate personnel and the client for briefing and acceptance.
       
Element: Conduct the biological survey
  • Field visits are conducted to verify and consolidate previously collected data and to gather further information on species frequency, distribution, and health and/or habitat values.
  • The biological survey is conducted according to the survey design and enterprise policy.
  • Survey activities are monitored for accuracy, compliance to the survey design and out-of-specification procedures or events.
  • Staged data collection is undertaken according to survey design, survey scheduling and surveyor access requirements.
  • All monitoring and survey data is recorded promptly and accurately, according to the specifications of the survey design.
       
Element: Compile a biological survey report
  • Analysis of collected data is undertaken according to industry policies and guidelines.
  • Conclusions about the biological survey are drawn from relevant information and are based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments.
  • A biological survey report is produced which conforms to industry standards for presentation, structure and content, and is presented to the client for acceptance.
  • The report describes biological survey findings according to the survey scope and objectives, identifies areas requiring remedial action for improvement and details recommendations for action.
       


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 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

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

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:

identify the scope, objectives and constraints for a biological survey according to client requirements, the biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy

assess the availability of current data and determine data collection and processing needs

identify biological indicators that are repeatable and statistically representative

document survey methods and indicators as a survey plan

schedule survey activities and establish access to the site

conduct a biological survey with data collection staged and recorded according to the survey plan

produce a biological survey report with detailed analysis and conclusion, including a description and assessment of the specified biological components.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills

research and evaluate information

assess survey findings and produce written reports and conclusions based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments

comply with legislative requirements

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

biological classification systems

plant/animal recognition

environmental factors that impact on vegetation/animal populations

ecological principles and terminology

energy flows and trophic structures of communities

legal requirements relating to the protection and clearance of vegetation and/or animal species

assessment, reporting and client liaison procedures and best practice techniques

enterprise work team management guidelines

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

hazard identification, assessment and control.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

The scope of biological surveys may include:

the size of the area to be surveyed

the type of plant/animal community and the quantity and species within the community that are to be directly surveyed

regularity and replication of survey periods

the extent of analysis and recommendations required.

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
Survey scope, objectives and constraints are identified according to client requirements, biological components to be surveyed and enterprise policy. 
All current data relevant to survey requirements is sourced, collated and evaluated according to enterprise policy. 
Processes for data collection are developed, consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints. 
Processes for data processing are developed, consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints. 
A survey design that reflects client requirements and survey scope, objectives and constraints is developed and presented to the client for discussion and approval. 
Survey indicators are identified and constraints and opportunities for data collection identified and evaluated. 
Data collection points are identified that are repeatable and statistically representative for the biological survey. 
OHS hazards associated with conducting a biological survey are identified; risks assessed and controls developed according to enterprise guidelines, costed and documented in the survey design. 
Tools, equipment and machinery required for the biological survey are identified, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel. 
Scheduling of survey activities and surveyor access are determined according to the survey design. 
Survey procedures and schedules are documented according to scientific conventions and the survey scope and objectives, and are presented to appropriate personnel and the client for briefing and acceptance. 
Field visits are conducted to verify and consolidate previously collected data and to gather further information on species frequency, distribution, and health and/or habitat values. 
The biological survey is conducted according to the survey design and enterprise policy. 
Survey activities are monitored for accuracy, compliance to the survey design and out-of-specification procedures or events. 
Staged data collection is undertaken according to survey design, survey scheduling and surveyor access requirements. 
All monitoring and survey data is recorded promptly and accurately, according to the specifications of the survey design. 
Analysis of collected data is undertaken according to industry policies and guidelines. 
Conclusions about the biological survey are drawn from relevant information and are based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments. 
A biological survey report is produced which conforms to industry standards for presentation, structure and content, and is presented to the client for acceptance. 
The report describes biological survey findings according to the survey scope and objectives, identifies areas requiring remedial action for improvement and details recommendations for action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCNAR502A - Conduct biological surveys
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCNAR502A - Conduct biological surveys

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

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Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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