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

MSS027009A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Coordinate site remediation or rehabilitation activities

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS027009A - Coordinate site remediation or rehabilitation activities
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to oversee the day-to-day environmental remediation or rehabilitation activities at a site in accordance with an established management plan. Personnel assist with the planning and implementation of specific remediation/rehabilitation activities, liaise with contractors and consultants, and monitor both the progress and effectiveness of the activities. They work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or enterprise environmental manager.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency is applicable to environmental site coordinators, environmental managers and senior environmental officers working in a range of industry sectors, such as:environmental monitoring, sampling and field testing (e.g. air, water, soil and noise)geotechnical servicesnatural resource management (e.g. wetlands)landfill managementsite remediation or rehabilitation services (e.g. mine, construction and industrial).Note that the term ‘manager’ is used to refer to management of a function, project and /or program and does not necessarily imply line management.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Path 1MSS025006A Collect and evaluate groundwater dataMSS025007A Perform sampling and testing of soilsMSS024008A Recognise common geological landforms and samplesPath 2MSS025006A Collect and evaluate groundwater dataMSS025007A Perform sampling and testing of soilsMSS025013A Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands
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: Confirm scope of site remediation and/or rehabilitation activities with manager
  • Locate and review legislative, regulatory, licensing/ approval and planning requirements that apply to the site
  • Review background information, site remediation/ rehabilitation management plan and any relevant reports
  • Review site remediation/rehabilitation goals and strategies, key stakeholders and their issues and likely constraints
  • Review the technical specifications and plans for each activity
  • Confirm the roles and responsibilities of the enterprise staff, consultants and contractors involved; the work requirements and timeframe for each activity
  • Confirm own role, limits of responsibility and reporting requirements for the coordination of assigned activities
       
Element: Plan and organise activities
  • Consolidate schedules of activities, timeframes and milestones on a single planning management framework to enable efficient coordination of each activity
  • Use appropriate project management tools to achieve efficient integration and sequencing of activities
  • Ensure that forward planning takes into account variables such as seasonal factors, availability of equipment, seeds and plants and site access
  • Identify possible/actual clashes and negotiate solutions with other staff, consultants, contractors and/or own manager, as appropriate
       
Element: Liaise with site personnel and community members
  • Confirm that staff, consultants and/or contractors understand the timing and technical specifications for their assigned remediation/rehabilitation activities
  • Confirm that staff, consultants and/or contractors are aware of hazards and understand site safety procedures and their environmental management obligations
  • Provide timely, authorised information to community members about remediation/rehabilitation activities in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • Solve problems and address issues/complaints arising from remediation/rehabilitation activities within scope of responsibility
  • Refer complex problems, issues and complaints to relevant personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures
       
Element: Monitor progress of activities
  • Anticipate risks to progress and notify relevant personnel
  • Monitor completion of activities and progress against work requirements and milestones
  • Develop solutions in response to problems or unforseen/changed circumstances in consultation with site personnel and/or own manager, as appropriate
  • If necessary, negotiate and/or implement adjustments to work programs with site personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • Record and store required information for each activity
       
Element: Monitor the effectiveness of activities
  • Conduct, or arrange for, site inspections to check if work requirements for each activity have been met
  • Conduct, or arrange for, the monitoring of specified environmental parameters to assist with the evaluation of remediation/ rehabilitation activities
  • Examine results of regular surveys, inspections and environmental monitoring to identify significant trends in data, performance indicators or non-conformances
  • If necessary, clarify any significant remediation/ rehabilitation performance issues with the consultant or contractor involved to ensure details are fully understood
  • Seek manager’s advice when challenges are beyond own technical competence or when further input from environmental specialists may be required
       
Element: Report the progress and effectiveness of activities
  • Provide regular reports to relevant personnel about the progress and environmental performance of assigned remediation/rehabilitation activities
  • Report any instances of potential/actual environmental management non-conformance and incidents and the actions taken in each case
  • Report opportunities and recommendations for improved coordination of remediation/rehabilitation activities accordance with enterprise procedures
       
Element: Maintain records of activities
  • Ensure all required records are legible, accurate and satisfy enterprise/legislative requirements
  • Store records of remediation/rehabilitation activities to enable easy access and review by authorised personnel
       


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.

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 a working knowledge of remediation/ rehabilitation principles to analyse complex technical briefs and develop/refine plans

planning and coordinating the efficient implementation of site remediation/rehabilitation activities

supporting, communicating and consulting with site personnel and/or community members to achieve quality outcomes on time and within budget

analysing and solving project management problems

monitoring progress of activities and assisting with the evaluation of outcomes

maintaining accurate records of activities

providing regular information and reports of progress and outcomes of activities

recommending ways of improving the coordination of future activities.

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 candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSS025014A Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites.

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

Resources may include:

enterprise environmental management plans and procedures, and project management tools

background information for environmental sites and remediation/rehabilitation projects/programs

enterprise information management systems.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of plans, records, outcomes and reports associated with remediation/rehabilitation activities that the candidate has coordinated

feedback from manager, other site personnel and community members about the candidate’s ability to effectively coordinate remediation/ rehabilitation activities

questioning/interview to assess understanding of remediation/rehabilitation principles, project management and the candidate’s problem-solving ability

observation of the candidate’s interactions with site personnel and/or community members.

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 work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

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

Required skills include:

explaining and correctly applying enterprise site remediation/rehabilitation management plans, procedures and the technical details of specific activities

analysing complex technical briefs and project plans

managing logistics of multiple activities

managing self, time and costs

using project management tools to plan, implement and monitor activities

using systematic, logical problem-solving techniques in response to problems and changed/unforseen circumstances

negotiating changes to timelines, roles, responsibilities and resources

communicating and consulting effectively with enterprise managers, consultants, contractors, stakeholders and community members to achieve outcomes

using enterprise information management systems, project management software

recording complex information accurately

writing recommendations and preparing reports involving complex technical issues

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

environmental protection/management terminology, concepts and principles

legislative, regulatory, permit, licensing, approval requirements/processes relevant to site remediation/rehabilitation activities

common site remediation/rehabilitation goals, success criteria and strategies

remediation/rehabilitation planning and design principles, including stakeholder engagement

site remediation and rehabilitation methods and techniques relevant to job role

common examples of environmental parameters, analytical tests, and flora and fauna surveys used to monitor the effectiveness of site remediation/rehabilitation

site characteristics, nature of activities conducted at site, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts

enterprise environmental management plans, procedures, control measures and management actions for site activities

enterprise project management procedures and controls, such as:

project governance requirements

stakeholder management

quality standards

risk management plans

record management and reporting, confidentiality and security of information

quotation, tendering, procurement and contract management procedures, and delegations

financial management procedures

human resource management procedures and industrial agreements

project management principles

interpersonal communication, negotiation and conflict resolution techniques

problem-solving techniques

relevant health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

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

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Australian Heritage Council Act 2003

Native Title Act 1993

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

cultural/heritage protection

vegetation management

nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection

water, water management

soil conservation

pollution and contaminated sites

fisheries, forestry and mining operations

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set

standards covering sampling, testing and/or monitoring of air, water and soils

National Environment Protection Measure (Assessment of Site Contamination)

ANZECC Guidelines for the Assessment of Contaminated Soil

Australian government guidelines, such as the Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry (Mine Rehabilitation)

environmental management plan, rehabilitation program plan, and site information about applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements

information about site processes, work schedules and remediation/rehabilitation processes

information about emergency preparedness and response

monitoring/inspection procedures and management actions to prevent/control environmental impacts or risks

procedures for monitoring remediation/rehabilitation program

sampling and in-situ measurement procedures (e.g. water, air, noise and soils)

job hazard analyses

safe work procedures and work method statements

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

Remediation/rehabilitation plans, programs and activities

Remediation/rehabilitation plans, programs and activities may include details of:

site goals and success criteria

regulatory, licensing and approvals requirements

consultation processes and community engagement

characterisation of site to identify materials and/or contamination present, such as:

materials segregation and selective placement

material budget and schedule

identification of limitations to plant growth

initial site assessment, such as :

protection measures for rare/endangered species and heritage sites

climate

water budget and salt budget

growth media (e.g. harvested topsoils)

remediation/rehabilitation program/activities, such as :

landform design (e.g. placement, height, footprint, drainage, mode of construction, profiles and covers)

management of waste rock, tailings and/or wastewater

removal, containment and/or on/off site treatment of contaminated materials

landform reconstruction, filling of voids/pits and reinstatement of water diversions

topsoil management to preserve soil fertility and biota, treatments and fertiliser use

establishment of vegetation (e.g. controlling weeds, collection and retention of local seeds and propagules, seeding (supply, treatment, spreading and hydro), and hand/machine planting of seedlings, mulching, watering, maintenance and staking/protection)

establishment of fauna communities (e.g. controlling problem animals and constructing habitats)

environmental parameters and monitoring procedures for remediation/rehabilitation program

recording and reporting requirements

Background information

Background information may include:

legislative/regulatory, permit, licence and approval requirements for site

site access protocols and permits

site history, client history and correspondence

site industrial processes and work schedules

records of consultations with stakeholders

maps (road and topographical)

existing databases (e.g. vegetation, topography, soils and regional ecosystem maps)

geological, hydro geological, ecological and meteorological data for site

enterprise environmental management plans for site

emergency plans and safety procedures

enterprise, regulatory or standard methods/procedures for environmental sampling, monitoring or in-field testing

relevant reports, case studies and good practice models for site remediation/rehabilitation

Site personnel and community members

Site personnel and community members may include:

enterprise employees, site and project managers

contractors and subcontractors

suppliers and service providers

consultants (e.g. scientists, planners, engineers and external auditors)

government/regulator representatives and inspectors

community representatives, landowners, traditional owners and community volunteers

Site hazards

Site hazards may include:

solar radiation, dust and noise

air and soil borne microorganisms

chemicals, radioactive and other hazardous materials

cuts, crushing and entanglement from tools or moving machinery parts

manual handling of heavy materials and equipment

heavy vehicle traffic on site

slippery, uneven surfaces

Safety procedures

Safety procedures may include:

identifying hazards, assessing and reporting risks

cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery

safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery

safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and other hazardous materials

safe manual handling of items

obeying signage and using safety equipment, such as protective barriers

using specified personal protective equipment

Environmental obligations

Environmental obligations of site personnel may include:

sustainable use of resources

duty of care to protect the site’s natural, cultural and heritage values

not polluting, damaging or degrading the site’s natural resources, ecological processes or biodiversity

avoiding introduction or transfer of weeds or plant/animal pathogens in soils

Monitoring strategies

Monitoring strategies may include:

use of transects to collect data across many types of landscape or ages of revegetation

use of point and quadrat sampling along transects

ecosystem function analysis:

landscape and soil analysis (e.g. rainfall, infiltration, run-off, erosion, plant growth and nutrient cycling)

vegetation analysis (e.g. species composition and structure)

habitat and fauna analysis (e.g. use of indicator species, such as reptiles and ants, and soil-litter biota)

use of remote sensing: (e.g. aerial photography and satellite imagery)

Environmental monitoring parameters for remediation/rehabilitation programs

Environmental monitoring parameters for remediation/rehabilitation programs may include:

air quality

quality of surface water and groundwater

residual contamination in soils

surface (and slope) stability

assessment of erosion, measurement of suspended sediment loads in run-off

performance of constructed covers over mine or industrial/mineral processing waste

properties of soil or root zone media, such as chemistry, fertility and water

plant community structural attributes, such as cover, and woody species density and height

plant community composition, such as presence of desired species, condition and abundance

presence of pest species, such as feral animals and weeds

selected indicators of ecosystem functioning, such as soil microbial biomass and ants

return of selected mammals, reptiles, macro-invertebrates, fish and birds to site

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

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
Locate and review legislative, regulatory, licensing/ approval and planning requirements that apply to the site 
Review background information, site remediation/ rehabilitation management plan and any relevant reports 
Review site remediation/rehabilitation goals and strategies, key stakeholders and their issues and likely constraints 
Review the technical specifications and plans for each activity 
Confirm the roles and responsibilities of the enterprise staff, consultants and contractors involved; the work requirements and timeframe for each activity 
Confirm own role, limits of responsibility and reporting requirements for the coordination of assigned activities 
Consolidate schedules of activities, timeframes and milestones on a single planning management framework to enable efficient coordination of each activity 
Use appropriate project management tools to achieve efficient integration and sequencing of activities 
Ensure that forward planning takes into account variables such as seasonal factors, availability of equipment, seeds and plants and site access 
Identify possible/actual clashes and negotiate solutions with other staff, consultants, contractors and/or own manager, as appropriate 
Confirm that staff, consultants and/or contractors understand the timing and technical specifications for their assigned remediation/rehabilitation activities 
Confirm that staff, consultants and/or contractors are aware of hazards and understand site safety procedures and their environmental management obligations 
Provide timely, authorised information to community members about remediation/rehabilitation activities in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Solve problems and address issues/complaints arising from remediation/rehabilitation activities within scope of responsibility 
Refer complex problems, issues and complaints to relevant personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Anticipate risks to progress and notify relevant personnel 
Monitor completion of activities and progress against work requirements and milestones 
Develop solutions in response to problems or unforseen/changed circumstances in consultation with site personnel and/or own manager, as appropriate 
If necessary, negotiate and/or implement adjustments to work programs with site personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Record and store required information for each activity 
Conduct, or arrange for, site inspections to check if work requirements for each activity have been met 
Conduct, or arrange for, the monitoring of specified environmental parameters to assist with the evaluation of remediation/ rehabilitation activities 
Examine results of regular surveys, inspections and environmental monitoring to identify significant trends in data, performance indicators or non-conformances 
If necessary, clarify any significant remediation/ rehabilitation performance issues with the consultant or contractor involved to ensure details are fully understood 
Seek manager’s advice when challenges are beyond own technical competence or when further input from environmental specialists may be required 
Provide regular reports to relevant personnel about the progress and environmental performance of assigned remediation/rehabilitation activities 
Report any instances of potential/actual environmental management non-conformance and incidents and the actions taken in each case 
Report opportunities and recommendations for improved coordination of remediation/rehabilitation activities accordance with enterprise procedures 
Ensure all required records are legible, accurate and satisfy enterprise/legislative requirements 
Store records of remediation/rehabilitation activities to enable easy access and review by authorised personnel 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS027009A - Coordinate site remediation or rehabilitation activities
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

MSS027009A - Coordinate site remediation or rehabilitation activities

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: