AHCLPW405A
Monitor biodiversity

This unit covers the process of monitoring biodiversity and defines the standard required to: use monitoring techniques suitable for the environment and species; install and use monitoring equipment; develop systems to capture, maintain and analyse data; make observations and record data on species diversity and abundance; review data to ensure the monitoring process is correctly targeted and implemented.

Application

This unit applies to natural area managers and those seeking information on natural systems or areas.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select monitoring techniques

1.1. Monitoring operations are selected to obtain required data described in monitoring plan and enterprise requirements.

1.2. Range of likely operating conditions, hazards and difficult/sensitive environments are assessed for impact on monitoring.

1.3. Alternative land, sea and air operations are considered to collect data in line with enterprise procedures.

1.4. Operations are trialled to test monitoring scheme for reliability, timeline and safety.

2. Prepare equipment and resources

2.1. Appropriate certificates, licenses and authorisations are obtained according to enterprise and legislative requirements.

2.2. Equipment required for monitoring is sourced according to enterprise procedures.

2.3. Equipment and personnel are transported to monitoring sites without injury or damage according to enterprise procedures.

2.4. Equipment is installed and protected from weather conditions according to manufacturer's specifications, safety and enterprise requirements.

2.5. Equipment and monitoring procedures are tested in field conditions to enterprise and manufacturers' requirements.

3. Monitor biodiversity

3.1. Observations are made according to monitoring plan and to enterprise procedures.

3.2. Data is recorded to monitoring plan and database requirements.

3.3. Location and times of observations are recorded to enterprise requirements.

3.4. OHS requirements are followed to legislative requirements and enterprise policies and procedures.

4. Review data

4.1. Records of monitored data are examined for consistency and accuracy within requirements of the monitoring plan.

4.2. Records are assessed to determine whether the observations and measurements are addressing factors and issues consistent with the monitoring plan.

4.3. Monitoring techniques are adjusted to overcome any deficiency or reported to enterprise procedures for adjustment to monitoring plan.

Required Skills

Required skills

develop monitoring techniques

prepare and install equipment and resources

monitor biodiversity

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

ecosystems

plant and animal classification

monitoring systems for flora, fauna and microorganism populations

accepted scientific processes

parks/reserves, conservation, environmental protection and heritage and tenure systems

set up and use of monitoring equipment

threats, both natural and from human activity, to places of natural significance

international, national and local standards and Codes of Practice

data recording and analysis techniques

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and environmental legislation under which enterprise operates.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

use monitoring techniques suitable for the environment and species

install and use monitoring equipment

develop systems to capture, maintain and analyse data

make observations and record data on species diversity and abundance

review data to ensure the monitoring process is correctly targeted and implemented.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Natural systems or areas may include:

a place

an area

a park/reserve

an ecosystem or part of an ecosystem

a region or catchment

a species or group of species.


Sectors

Unit sector

Lands, parks and wildlife


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable