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

AHCPMG304A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Release biological agents

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCPMG304A - Release biological agents
Description This unit covers the process of releasing biological control agents for weed or pest animal control in an experimental or field situation and defines the standard required to: source suitable biological control agents for target plant species; identify the site and release methodology; documentation of release is kept and effected landholders informed; biological agent releases are monitored and follow up planned.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit relates to releasing biological agents which is likely to be under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress.
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: Establish the scope of agent release
  • Target plant species are located and identified consistent with integrated pest management strategy where applicable.
  • Incidence and density of the target population are estimated and recorded according to enterprise procedures where appropriate.
  • Suitable biological control agents are identified and sourced consistent with enterprise procedures and/or integrate pest management strategy.
       
Element: Identify the site and release methodology
  • Release site is identified in line with target species and integrated pest management strategy.
  • Release methodology is established and scheduled in line with established agency advice or enterprise practice.
       
Element: Carry out on-site tasks
  • Permits and landholder co-operation are established to facilitate release program.
  • Release is carried out within enterprise or industry guidelines regarding weather or other conditions.
  • Release is completed as scheduled according to release methodology and details are recorded in laboratory and field records following enterprise procedure or industry standard.
       
Element: Monitor and report on biological agent releases
  • Biological agent release site is monitored to evaluate effectiveness and spread to target species consistent with the integrated pest management strategy where appropriate.
  • Regular reports are provided to landholder and regulatory authorities.
  • Records are completed as required by agency requirements.
  • Biological agent releases are scheduled according to agent and target biology consistent with the integrated pest management strategy.
       


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:

source suitable biological control agents for target plant species

suitable biological control agents are sourced for target plant species

identify the site and release methodology

documentation of release is kept and effected landholders informed

biological agent releases are monitored and follow up planned.

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

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

establish the scope of agent release

establish the scope of agent release

work effectively in a team situation in the lab or field

identify relevant pest species

identify the site and release methodology

operate relevant vehicles and plant

carry out on-site tasks

observe effectively and report accurately

monitor and report on biological agent releases

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

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

Required knowledge

insect, animal and/or plant identification principles

use of identification keys

pest physiology and growth

relevant legislative requirements

safe handling techniques

environmental legislation and risks of releasing biological agents.

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

Biological control agents may include:

control agents for insects, fungi, plants, and pest animals.

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
Target plant species are located and identified consistent with integrated pest management strategy where applicable. 
Incidence and density of the target population are estimated and recorded according to enterprise procedures where appropriate. 
Suitable biological control agents are identified and sourced consistent with enterprise procedures and/or integrate pest management strategy. 
Release site is identified in line with target species and integrated pest management strategy. 
Release methodology is established and scheduled in line with established agency advice or enterprise practice. 
Permits and landholder co-operation are established to facilitate release program. 
Release is carried out within enterprise or industry guidelines regarding weather or other conditions. 
Release is completed as scheduled according to release methodology and details are recorded in laboratory and field records following enterprise procedure or industry standard. 
Biological agent release site is monitored to evaluate effectiveness and spread to target species consistent with the integrated pest management strategy where appropriate. 
Regular reports are provided to landholder and regulatory authorities. 
Records are completed as required by agency requirements. 
Biological agent releases are scheduled according to agent and target biology consistent with the integrated pest management strategy. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPMG304A - Release biological agents
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPMG304A - Release biological agents

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: