Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to observe, record and report on the presence of plants or animals against criteria provided by a supervisor or as required under legislation or regulations.
All work is performed according to Community guidelines and cultural protocols.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for own work. This includes undertaking defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
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. Plan and organise observations | 1.1 Prepare a defined process for observation and seek agreement from supervisor 1.2 Obtain equipment for observation 1.3 Note requirements of legislation, protection agreements and enterprise procedures for species |
2. Collect and record information | 2.1 Identify and record presence of plants or animals, according to enterprise requirements 2.2 Collect plants or animal samples according to enterprise requirements and animal welfare codes of practice, where applicable 2.3 Follow protection and quarantine requirements under legislation, protection agreements and enterprise procedures for biosecurity 2.4 Make sure observation activities minimise degradation and disturbance to the environment, plants and animals 2.5 Carry out observation activities in accordance with work health and safety policies and procedures |
3. Report data | 3.1 Record and organise information on observed plants or animals according to enterprise recording and database arrangements 3.2 Communicate information to supervisors 3.3 Plot and describe locations of an organism using maps, Global Positioning System (GPS) and grid references |
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:
observe and accurately identify species of animals or plants in a natural area
record and report observations in required format
carry out a survey of plants and animals in a natural area in a manner that minimises disruption or degradation to the environment
apply work health and safety practices in the context of own work
use maps or GPS to accurately plot or describe locations
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
criteria used to group species
common, Indigenous and scientific names of plants or animals
biological species occurring in the study area
undesirable plants (weeds) and animals
the basic requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals included in the observation activity described in the relevant Codes of Practice, if animals are being observed
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must comply with community protocols and guidelines and be supported by Elders and Custodians of Country.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for assessment.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Indigenous Land Management (ILM)