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

MSS027010A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Undertake complex environmental project work

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS027010A - Undertake complex environmental project work
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to carry out complex environmental project activities and/or coordinate the activities of concurrent projects. Personnel are required to review and confirm the requirements of each project/activity, organise and carry out project activities, oversee the progress of projects/activities and finalise the work in each case. They may be responsible for all or some project deliverables, work in teams on aspects of projects, and may liaise with multiple clients. They work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or enterprise environmental manager. The unit does not cover procurement of project resources and contract management.
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 managementoccupational hygiene monitoring (e.g. air, noise and radiation)water supply and treatment, storm and wastewater managementsolid and hazardous waste managementsite remediation or rehabilitationresource efficiency (e.g. energy, water and waste auditing).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 Not applicable.
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: Review and confirm project requirements with manager
  • Confirm own role, limits of responsibility and reporting requirements for assigned projects/project activities
  • Review enterprise project management procedures and controls
  • Review background information for each project/project activity to clarify intended outcomes, key stakeholders, drivers and likely constraints
  • Analyse project plans and clarify roles and responsibilities of project team members, deliverables, timeframes, stakeholder involvement and available resources
  • Negotiate any necessary changes to project plans in accordance with enterprise project management procedures
  • Update project plans with confirmed information for milestones, resources, team members and stakeholder details, as appropriate
       
Element: Organise and undertake project activities
  • Use appropriate project management tools to achieve efficient integration and sequencing of projects/activities
  • Consolidate schedules of activities, timeframes and milestones on a single planning management framework to enable efficient monitoring of each project/project activity
  • Identify possible/actual clashes in activities and negotiate alternatives with project managers and/or own manager, as appropriate
  • Carry out own project tasks in accordance with relevant project plans and manage any variations in accordance with enterprise project management procedures
  • Capture, record and store required project information and data
  • Support project team members to achieve project milestones and assigned outputs with resources available
  • Seek manager’s advice when challenges are beyond own technical competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required
       
Element: Manage the progress of multiple projects/activities
  • Anticipate risks to progress or achievement of project outcomes and notify relevant personnel in accordance with risk management plans
  • Monitor completion of project activities and progress against targets and milestones
  • Negotiate and/or implement corrective actions, as necessary, with project team members/managers in accordance with enterprise project management procedures and controls
  • Develop solutions in response to project problems or unforseen/changed circumstances in consultation with project managers and/or own manager, as appropriate
  • Provide regular project reports in accordance with project plans and enterprise project management procedures
       
Element: Finalise project activities
  • Provide deliverables for each project/project activity in accordance with the specified timeframe and quality standards
  • Ensure all project records are accurate and complete
  • Evaluate project processes to identify unresolved issues and recommend opportunities for improvement of future projects/project activities
  • Provide timely and accurate project reports in accordance with enterprise project management procedures and using the specified style, language and formatsArchive project information and return borrowed/unused resources in accordance with enterprise project management procedures
       


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:

analysing complex technical briefs and refining project plans

planning and managing the efficient implementation of complex and/or concurrent projects/project activities

providing own outputs in accordance with project plans

supporting, communicating and consulting with project teams to achieve quality outcomes on time and within budget

analysing and solving project management problems

monitoring progress of projects/activities and evaluating outcomes

maintaining accurate records

providing regular updates/briefings and reports of project progress and outcomes

recommending ways of improving future project processes and management systems.

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:

relevant MSS027000A series units.

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

Resources may include:

enterprise project management procedures and tools

background information for environmental sites/projects/programs

enterprise information management systems.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of plan refinements, project schedules, budgets, records, outcomes and reports associated with complex projects/activities that the candidate has managed or undertaken

feedback from managers and project team members about the candidate’s ability to effectively coordinate and support complex project work

questioning/interview to assess understanding of project management principles and the candidate’s ability to solve significant problems with projects

observation of the candidate’s interactions with project team 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 project management procedures and controls

analysing complex technical briefs and project plans

managing logistics of multiple projects/activities

managing self, time and costs

using project management tools to plan, monitor and evaluate projects

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 a wide range of team members, project managers, stakeholders and community members to achieve project outcomes

using enterprise information management systems and 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 and approval requirements/processes relevant to site/projects/project activities

enterprise business goals, key performance indicators and key result areas

site/project 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/projects/project 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 and 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

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

information about site processes and work schedules

information about emergency preparedness and response

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

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

job hazard analyses

safe work procedures, work method statements

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

Complex environmental project work

Complex environmental project work may include developing, evaluating/updating and implementing environmental management and/or monitoring programs associated with:

planning, operation or closure of construction, infrastructure, industrial and mining sites

rehabilitation of sites

revegetation of sites

management of pests

acid sulphate soils

acid rock drainage

wetlands

stormwater systems

air quality, dust and emissions/odours

water quality and water supply/use issues

contaminated sites (e.g. hydrocarbons)

waste, stockpiles and waste rock dumps

protection of biodiversity

acquisition and commissioning of complex equipment

significant quality improvement projects

set-up and operation of remote sensing sites

set-up and operation of groundwater bores

investigating a multifaceted or difficult environmental complaint, non-conformance or incident

Background information

Background information may include:

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

site or project history

client history and correspondence

information about site processes and work schedules

records of consultations with stakeholders

emergency plans and safety procedures

site access protocols and permits

maps (road and topographical)

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

enterprise environmental management plans for site

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

manufacturer information or manuals for environmental equipment

relevant case studies and good practice models

Project plans

Project plans may include:

purpose, scope, inclusions and exclusions

objectives, milestones, output/project deliverables and their acceptance criteria and quality standards

performance criteria/indicators, expected outcomes/measurable benefits and evaluation criteria

project management framework for:

planning, implementation, closure and governance

communications with stakeholders

cost estimates, budget and financial management

procurement and contract management

risk analysis and control measures

quality control and assurance procedures

occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

record keeping and reporting

specific roles and responsibilities of team members

work breakdown structure, schedules and timeframes

available facilities and resources (e.g. equipment and personnel)

Project management tools

Project management tools may include:

project management software and tools, such as:

Gantt and bar charts

program and evaluation review technique (PERT) charts

critical path method

cost schedule control system

logistics support analysis

life cycle cost analysis

spreadsheets

electronic and manual recording systems

Project information and data

Project information and data may include:

schedules, records of time spent and progress

costs, expenditure, invoices, payments, quotations and purchases

records of equipment used

emails and correspondence

records of consultations

sampling, monitoring, survey or in-field test data and results

progress reports and draft plans/procedures

project outputs

final reports/briefings/recommendations

Solutions to project problems

Solutions to project problems may include:

researching and applying models of good practice or relevant findings from case studies

seeking input from environmental specialists

reducing costs

seeking additional resources to meet deadlines

negotiating an extension to a deadline

redefining completion or quantity or quality of project outputs/outcomes

sharing ideas to generate improved work processes

changing roles and responsibilities within project team

outsourcing project components

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
Confirm own role, limits of responsibility and reporting requirements for assigned projects/project activities 
Review enterprise project management procedures and controls 
Review background information for each project/project activity to clarify intended outcomes, key stakeholders, drivers and likely constraints 
Analyse project plans and clarify roles and responsibilities of project team members, deliverables, timeframes, stakeholder involvement and available resources 
Negotiate any necessary changes to project plans in accordance with enterprise project management procedures 
Update project plans with confirmed information for milestones, resources, team members and stakeholder details, as appropriate 
Use appropriate project management tools to achieve efficient integration and sequencing of projects/activities 
Consolidate schedules of activities, timeframes and milestones on a single planning management framework to enable efficient monitoring of each project/project activity 
Identify possible/actual clashes in activities and negotiate alternatives with project managers and/or own manager, as appropriate 
Carry out own project tasks in accordance with relevant project plans and manage any variations in accordance with enterprise project management procedures 
Capture, record and store required project information and data 
Support project team members to achieve project milestones and assigned outputs with resources available 
Seek manager’s advice when challenges are beyond own technical competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required 
Anticipate risks to progress or achievement of project outcomes and notify relevant personnel in accordance with risk management plans 
Monitor completion of project activities and progress against targets and milestones 
Negotiate and/or implement corrective actions, as necessary, with project team members/managers in accordance with enterprise project management procedures and controls 
Develop solutions in response to project problems or unforseen/changed circumstances in consultation with project managers and/or own manager, as appropriate 
Provide regular project reports in accordance with project plans and enterprise project management procedures 
Provide deliverables for each project/project activity in accordance with the specified timeframe and quality standards 
Ensure all project records are accurate and complete 
Evaluate project processes to identify unresolved issues and recommend opportunities for improvement of future projects/project activities 
Provide timely and accurate project reports in accordance with enterprise project management procedures and using the specified style, language and formatsArchive project information and return borrowed/unused resources in accordance with enterprise project management procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS027010A - Undertake complex environmental project work
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

MSS027010A - Undertake complex environmental project work

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: