This unit applies to restoration managers designing a natural area restoration project.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop a design brief

1.1. The client is consulted to establish the purpose and requirements of design.

1.2. The ecological aims and objectives for the restoration project are developed and confirmed with client.

1.3. The design brief is developed and scope of extent of project is agreed with the client.

1.4. The project budget is prepared in liaison with the client.

1.5. A base plan of the site is obtained or prepared.

1.6. Existing site data and information is reviewed prior to visiting the site.

2. Undertake a site analysis

2.1. The project site is visited and inspected at the first stage of the design work.

2.2. Physical elements and features of the site, its physical and biological condition and the presence of threats are quantified and mapped onto the base plan.

2.3. Soil, topography, aspect, habitat resources, existing vegetation and climatic factors are recorded on the base plan and in the site report.

2.4. Legal requirements and constraints on restoration work are assessed.

2.5. The potential for natural regeneration is assessed and the limiting factors are identified and recorded.

2.6. Options for passive and active interventions are determined.

2.7. Other relevant information is assessed and recorded.

3. Develop a concept design

3.1. Concept design is prepared to illustrate location and layout of the proposed restoration project according to the design brief.

3.2. Consultation with the client is undertaken to establish agreement on options and approaches for development in accord with the proposed ecological aims and goals.

3.3. A professional graphic format is used to present the concept design with supporting written information and justification or reasons for the proposed actions.

4. Produce a final design

4.1. A detailed plan is prepared and drafted according to the design brief, concept design and enterprise guidelines.

4.2. Information on the design is relevant and precise and must clearly communicate the project works is a sequential manner.

4.3. Plan, notes and specifications are included on the design to give an interpretation of the plan, to establish the quality and standard of the works, and the responsibilities of the contractor during implementation.

4.4. Appropriate construction and engineering principles are applied to restoration design according to accepted industry standards and regulations.

4.5. Further design documentation is organised and/or prepared according to the design brief and enterprise guidelines.

Required skills

use a range of graphic techniques for illustrating design concepts

source and review site data

assess ecological restoration needs and prescribe solutions

carry out natural resource mapping for a site

prepare a concept design

use a professional graphic format

interpret legislation and regulations in relation to natural area restoration works.

prepare a Bill of Quantities

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

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 complex workplace measures

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

design process.

construction principle and practices

graphical presentation and drafting techniques

recognition of plant species and a range of ecological communities

natural regeneration potential and limits

ecological restoration theory and techniques

drafting techniques

cost estimating

calculations of materials, labour, machinery and equipment

environmental implications of restoration works.

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:

establish the project purpose, scope and extent, and costs and benefits

prepare a base plan incorporating landforms, soils, fauna and flora and habitat

determine options for natural area restoration and incorporate into a concept design

produce a final design with supporting documentation, including costings.

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.

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

Restoration projects include:

seeding/planting of vegetation

release and/or protection of native animal species

weed and pest animal control

assisted natural regeneration

protection of remnant plant species and communities

maintenance and protection of sites of cultural or natural significance.

Unit sector

Natural area restoration

This unit contains employability skills.