AHCILM501
Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct field research into natural resource and cultural areas for resource management and related purposes.

This unit applies to individuals who work autonomously and apply judgement and defined responsibility in known or changing contexts and within broad but established parameters.

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. Review existing knowledge

1.1 Examine existing information gathered through investigation and enterprise recording processes to determine key features

1.2 Review oral evidence, where it exists

1.3 Inspect sites to assess condition and availability of further information

1.4 Identify information, records and places previously destroyed or damaged or under threat as factors to be incorporated in the assessment process, strategies and plans

1.5 Assess scope of information for adequacy against the requirements of legislation, Codes of Practice, Burra Charter guidelines and protocols

1.6 Identify appropriate database, geographic information system and other electronic and manual recording systems for data collection

1.7 Identify and access sources of expertise in research environments, identification of pollution, degradation and disturbance, and national and international issues and agreements within and external to the enterprise

1.8 Identify and record areas of inadequate information

2. Identify stakeholders

2.1 Identify stakeholders in conjunction with local Communities and groups, and government documentation and interviews under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group

2.2 Investigate and record the current and relevant past land tenure for the place/area

2.3 Determine Indigenous interests through culturally appropriate approaches to regional and Community organisations and individuals

2.4 Apply proper protocols and conduct key consultations approaches to regional and Community organisations and individuals

2.5 Comply with privacy requirements according to the directions of stakeholders and legislative and enterprise requirements

3. Develop research approach

3.1 Determine objectives of the field research in conjunction with those commissioning the research

3.2 Use objectives to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation

3.3 Assess the types of investigation and techniques selected for hazards and risks in designated environment, including the work health and safety requirements, access issues, and management of the research in a range of weather and area conditions

3.4 Review existing information and data records to determine the starting points for the fieldwork

3.5 Ensure research methodology is consistent with the research objectives and in accordance with established natural resource management practice

3.6 Identify required resources to establish and maintain the research program within the required time schedules and ensure they are appropriate to the environments that will be encountered

3.7 Select personnel for their competency in research techniques and safe operation in the expected environmental and cultural conditions

3.8 Identify stakeholders to be included in the consultation process

3.9 Estimate and submit costs of field research for approval

3.10 Establish sampling and recording processes for research information according to best practice and scientific standards

3.11 Ensure investigations comply with Burra Charter guidelines and other legislative requirements.

4. Conduct field investigations

4.1 Undertake consultation and fieldwork to obtain information required to meet investigation objectives

4.2 Follow work health and safety, environmental sustainability and biosecurity policies and procedures when working in field

4.3 Adjust previously determined methodology in light of progressive results and stakeholder feedback

4.4 Coordinate observations, records and monitoring in accordance with scientific practice and to meet research objectives

4.5 Determine ecological, biological and geological, microbiological and entomological diversity within specified area

4.6 Identify and record evidence of cultural resources in area

4.7 Identify impacts from areas external to natural and cultural resources in area under investigation

4.8 Deploy equipment, techniques and people to carry out investigations

4.9 Document and approve each field operation according to legislative and enterprise requirements for work in the research environment

4.10 Source appropriate equipment and skills for the capture, management and sampling of animal species

4.11 Analyse information for impact on previously held hypothesis and other resources

5. Develop process for involving decision-makers

5.1 Use information on stakeholders to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals and cultural dimensions

5.2 Define issues to be addressed with interest groups

5.3 Develop consultation and decision-making process to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner

5.4 Provide appropriate time for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues

5.5 Form a decision-making group, such as cultural reference groups and other groups, where assistance is required to direct investigation, access information to address issues or review the significance of place or area

6. Report on the field investigation

6.1 Consult stakeholders on draft findings

6.2 Document the basis for the determination of outcomes to legislative requirements, the organisation's policies and practices, and international and national processes

6.3 Submit the determination of significance report to the organisation and its external review processes as required by legislation and Codes of Practice

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:

use a range of electronic and manual recording systems to support research

identify stakeholders including current tenure, Indigenous history and community interest

review existing knowledge of national and cultural resources and sites using literature reviews, site inspections, consultation and expert advice

develop research objectives and research design

coordinate staff and resources for research project

conduct field investigations to investigate impacts on fauna, flora and natural resources of the site

facilitate a consultation and decision-making process

report on the field investigation to enterprise and legislative requirements

apply work health and safety practices in field investigations

apply biosecurity measures in the context of own work

apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

application of conservation legislation, charters, Codes of Practice relating to natural and cultural resource areas

systems and processes for assessing significance

ecology and biological diversity of the area under assessment, including aspects of living organisms, habitats and communities, and interactions between species

geological diversity including aspects of stratigraphy, palaeontology, paedology, and soil classification of the area under assessment

microbiology including entomology for the area under assessment

accepted scientific processes, including conservation processes and charters

major impacts on natural resources, such as geological settings, ecological processes, and interaction between natural and cultural processes

monitoring requirements including fabric deterioration, damage and likely causes of deterioration and damage

relevant legislation and agreements that apply to area, including a good understanding of the concepts and potential operation of the Burra Charter

legislation under which enterprise operates and research is commissioned


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must comply with Community protocols and be supported by Elders and Custodians of Country.

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

Indigenous Land Management (ILM)