Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify what ‘animal care' means in a workplace and how one's own individual responsibilities contribute to animal care as a whole within a specific workplace or industry.
It may or may not include hands-on animal care but more importantly includes being part of a whole system that supports and contributes to animal care.
The unit also includes contributing to animal care through the use of an appropriate mix of technical skills, handling unexpected contingencies in relation to animal care, and reflecting on animal care procedures in order to make improvements to one's own work. All activities are carried out under supervision.
This unit is designed for use in a Pathway qualification or skills set. It should not be used in a qualification that has a direct job outcome.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify and plan appropriate animal care approach | 1.1 Identify workplace approach to working with animals, and describe in relation to work activity 1.2 Identify individual responsibilities in contributing to animal care 1.3 Identify workplace products, services, operations and customers 1.4 Identify safe work practices relevant to work activity 1.5 Identify appropriate capture and restraint requirements and equipment, where required 1.6 Map out animal care strategy based on workplace requirements and individual responsibility, and apply to work activity |
2. Contribute to animal care using a mix of technical skills | 2.1 Organise food preparation equipment according to task needs 2.2 Recognise common animal behaviours for the species and take appropriate action 2.3 Care for animals and feed and water according to animal welfare standards and health and safety procedures and standards 2.4 Identify tools and equipment and use safely and according to enterprise requirements 2.5 Accurately count stock levels as required 2.6 Groom animals according to enterprise and animal welfare policy as required |
3. Work with others and handle unexpected contingencies | 3.1 Respond to requests that effect work activity and animal care courteously, clearly, professionally and efficiently 3.2 Seek assistance with issues relating to animal care from other staff when required and in a timely manner 3.3 Keep key personnel informed of progress of animal care activity and provide clear explanations regarding issues in regards to animal care 3.4 Identify and report on physical and behavioural hazards |
4. Reflect on animal care procedures | 4.1 Reflect on personal performance in relation to working with animals and discuss possible improvements with supervisor 4.2 Apply improvements to work practice 4.3 Identify possible improvements to animal care procedures and discuss with key personnel |
Evidence of Performance
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 that they can:
apply basic principles of animal ethics and welfare
adapt and modify activities depending on differing workplace contexts and environment
apply animal-observation skills
apply relevant industrial or legislative requirements
identify and use equipment, tools and other technology required to complete workplace tasks
follow relevant work health and safety and environmental protection procedures and requirements
identify species using common names
interpret and follow a designated work plan or set of instructions for a job
keep required records of workplace activities
plan a daily routine to complete required workplace tasks
applying technical skills in animal care including:
preparing and providing food and water
grooming
counting stock
recognising common animal behaviours and determining required response
recognise and adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interaction with staff and others
recognise limitations, ask for help and seek clarification or information about work requirements and procedures
demonstrate appropriate initiative to deal with problems or refer them where appropriate to relevant person, and complete tasks
apply time-management skills
use basic interpersonal and communication skills, including listening, questioning and receiving feedback
use routine capture and restraint procedures
work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to complete tasks
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
basic principles of animal ethics and welfare
codes of practice relating to work requirements
diseases and pests, disease prevention and routine health care
feeding and watering procedures
hazards in the workplace
health and safety requirements relating to care of animals
capture and restraint procedures
techniques for grooming animals
common animal behaviours and appropriate responses
quarantine requirements
terminology relevant to animal care
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Common (CMN)