What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in monitoring weather and climate conditions requires evidence of the ability to monitor and interpret weather and climate information, communicate warnings and concerns, identify resource requirements and dangers. In addition, it requires an ability to minimise loss and damage to staff, livestock, crops, natural resources, property, and produce and to implement alternative livestock or other programs and continue to monitor weather changes.

The skills and knowledge required to monitor weather and climate conditions must be transferable to another rural workplace. For example, if competence is evident in monitoring weather and climate conditions for a large sheep property it should also be evident for a small cattle property or a different climatic zone.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

working knowledge of climate and weather

weather and climate conditions and its impact upon farming and grazing activities

effects of wind and rain on wind chill

relevant legislative health and OHS requirements especially as they relate to weather and climate monitoring and preparations for hazardous weather

enterprise and industry policies for monitoring weather and climate conditions and recording and reporting weather and climate conditions.

If applicable to the activities of the enterprise:

effects of shearing and/or parturition and wind chill exposure

effects of wind chill on metabolism of animals

effects of prolonged dry periods on pastures and animal production and natural resources.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

relate forecasts to impact on current operations and activities

relate weather and climate conditions and changes to decision-making and prevention of loss and damage

monitor physical signs in the context of available information

communicate information.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

In discussing conditions and changes with weather and climate information agencies and colleagues.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

In analysing and interpreting data from weather and climate information sources on weather predictions and changes.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

To plan activities and resources to minimise impact of adverse weather and climate on livestock, crops and staff.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

To collate all available information on weather and climate and to organise resources and minimise loss and damage.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?

To analyse and interpret weather and climatic condition and changes in weather and climate.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

To minimise impact of adverse weather and climate and to implement appropriate tactics and strategies when weather and climate changes unexpectedly.

7. How can the use of technology (2) be applied?

To access a range of information resources and record information.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available

Where might weather and climate information be sourced?

Radio, television, internet, e-mail, fax, telephone, newspapers, word-of-mouth, weather station on property, and interpretive tools.

What might weather and climate information include?

Reports, warnings, data collected from property weather station, and grazier alerts.

What warnings might be issued or relevant?

Fire, flood, wind, rain, hail, storm, cyclones, gale, snow, dust, frost, heat wave, grazier alerts, rapid changes in temperature or weather conditions.

What preventative actions might be reviewed?

Provision of shelter, shedding sheep and moving stock, covering or moving fodder, fire fighting equipment and preparing firebreaks, auxiliary power, supplies, securing equipment and buildings, assuring water supply and rescheduling work tasks.

Who might be considered to be relevant personnel?

Other staff and colleagues, owners and managers, and neighbours.

What loss and damage needs to be minimised?

Staff, livestock, crops, fodder, and produce, buildings sheds and/or other physical resources.

Where might regular updates be obtained?

Radio, television, internet, e-mail, fax, telephone, newspapers, word-of-mouth, weather station on property, and interpretive tools.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.