This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise trees and their environmental and social benefits.

This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined activities, work in a structured context, apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement, and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence for and demonstrate:

locating trees on streets using maps

examining and recording form, structures and local environment of tree

examining and recording shape, colour and size of leaves

examining and recording features of buds, branches and bark

examining and recording flower type, colour and shape

examining and recording features of fruit if present

using all relevant available senses to assist in tree recognition

examining tree for general condition

observing signs and symptoms of diseases, pests and problems that assist in recognition of tree

recording condition of tree and signs and symptoms of diseases, pests and problems on hazard identification form and report to supervisor

using field guides and photographs to assist in tree recognition

recognising tree using common name and botanical name where possible

requesting confirmation of tree recognition from work team in common and botanical names as required

examining tree for existing habitat use and food source supply

recognising environmental benefits provided by tree in current location

recognising value of benefits to the client and community

recording tree features and observations of tree recognition process

noting key features observed in the process of tree recognition

informing client or organisation as required.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

methods of locating trees on streets using maps

form, structures and local environment of tree

shape, colour and size of leaves

features of buds, branches and bark

flower type, colour and shape

features of fruit if present

use of sensory methods in tree recognition

general condition of trees

signs and symptoms of diseases, pests and problems that assist in recognition of trees

hazard identification forms

field guides and photographs that assist in tree recognition

recognition of common names of trees and botanical name where possible

tree examination for existing habitat use and food sources

environmental benefits provided by trees

recognition of value of tree benefits to the client and community

methods of recording tree features and observations of tree recognition process

key features of trees observed in the process of tree recognition

methods of informing client and organisation of tree recognition.

It is an industry requirement for competency in this unit that assessment requires methods of assessment that focus on the process of recognition, incorporating the use of multiple reference sources and pathways to recognise trees.

Assessment must provide for a minimum ofthirty-five (35)different trees local to the region.

Assessment must be demonstrated consistently over time in a suitable range of contexts and have a productivity-based outcome. No single assessment event or report is sufficient to achieve competency in this unit.

Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment, however determination of competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions.

The mandatory equipment and materials used to gather evidence for assessment include:

equipment:

field guides

camera/phone camera

trees and tree samples

materials:

tree recognition form

disease profile form

hazard identification and risk control form

work site operations form

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs in the assessment of arboriculture units of competency.

Assessment must be conducted only by persons who have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Arboriculture (ARB)