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

This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined activities with appropriate methods, tools and information, work in a structured context, apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate limited autonomy and 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:

inspecting the form, structures and local environment of tree

examining and describe tree morphology in botanical terms

describing leaf morphology for shape, colour and size

examining and record features of buds, petiole, branchlets, branches and bark

examining and record flower characteristics

examining and record fruit type and characteristics

using all relevant available senses to assist in tree identification

recording useful and key identifying attributes of tree parts

inspecting tree canopy and structures for general health and condition

using observations to recognise signs and symptoms of diseases, pests or deficiencies that assisting in identification of tree

recording relevant data and identify tree where possible at this stage

comparing tree samples to images to recognise genus and species where possible

selecting and using research, reference materials and field guides to define closer identification

using taxonomic keys to analyse specific characteristics of tree to identify species and cultivar where possible

examining tree for existing habitat use and food source supply

identifying environmental benefits provided by tree in current location

rating performance of tree in its current condition in terms of environmental and social benefits

identifying and describing value of benefits to the client and community

recording identification achieved

highlighting key identifying features observed in the process

informing the client or organisation of the results of the identification process.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

form, structures and local environment of tree

tree morphology in botanical terms

leaf morphology for shape, colour and size

features of buds, petiole, branchlets, branches and bark

flower characteristics

fruit type and characteristics

use of sensory methods in tree identification

useful and key identifying attributes of tree parts

tree canopy and structures

general health and condition of trees

signs and symptoms of diseases, pests or deficiencies of trees that assist in tree identification

methods of tree identification

recording of data

using tree samples for identification

comparison of tree samples to images of trees

recognition of genus and species where possible

using research, reference materials and field guides

taxonomy

using taxonomic keys to identify species and cultivar where possible

tree examination for existing habitat use and food sources

environmental benefits provided by trees

performance rating of tree condition

identification of value of tree benefits to the client and community

methods of description of value of tree benefits to the client and community

methods of recording tree identification

key identifying features for identification

methods of informing client and organisation of tree identification.

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

Assessment must provide for a minimum of sixty-five (65) identifications of different trees local to the region.

Assessment must provide for a minimum of ten (10) identifications using a taxonomic key or field guide.

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:

use of multiple reference sources

taxonomic keys

field guides

camera/phone camera

trees and tree specimens

materials:

tree profile and benefits 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)