This unit is applicable to a person employed in a technical capacity to collect, collate, analyse and report on hydrological data for use in floodplain management, asset protection and water allocation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Collate and evaluate catchment information

1.1. Data collection priorities are determined in consultation with supervisor or team where appropriate.

1.2. Sources of information are used to access catchment information.

1.3. The accuracy and currency of information is evaluated and additional data requirements are identified.

1.4. Land uses within the catchment are identified.

1.5. Management units within the catchment are determined.

2. Analyse the hydrological processes of a catchment using available data

2.1. Natural ground and surface water processes within the catchment are analysed.

2.2. Man-made ground and surface water movement within a catchment are identified.

2.3. Man-made impacts on water quantity within the catchment are determined and analysed.

2.4. Appropriate representative sites for field surveys are identified for the collection of additional data where required.

3. Design and implement field surveys and assess findings

3.1. Objectives, locations and resource requirements for site assessments are determined in consultation with supervisor or team.

3.2. Physical entities and processes, including threats, within representative management units are assessed.

3.3. Site data is collected according to enterprise policies, practices and guidelines.

4. Report on catchment hydrology

4.1. A written overview on catchment hydrological behaviour is prepared, according to enterprise guidelines and templates.

4.2. A visual overview of catchment hydrological behaviour is presented to meet the needs of stakeholders.

4.3. Advice and guidance on remediation measures consistent with catchment management objectives is outlined.

Required skills

access and collate existing hydrological information

analyse surface and groundwater hydrological processes in catchments

undertake field site assessments for the collection of hydrological data

identify and evaluate non-sustainable practices in catchments

estimate and assess the impact of hydrological events

present and interpret hydrological data in an appropriate form

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 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

hydrological cycle

chemical and physical properties of water

rock and soil types including weathering processes

fluvial geomorphology including:

drainage basin function

factors influencing stream flow rates

interactions between ground and surface water

stream hierarchy and ordering

human impacts on surface water quality and quantity

hydrogeology including:

aquifer types and properties

aquifer discharge and recharge

rates of water movement through aquifers

human impacts on groundwater quality and quantity

sustainable use of ground and surface water including:

uses of water in catchments

water allocation

policies and strategies determining water use.

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 candidate must be able to locate, collect and assess a wide range of hydrological data. This data must then be interpreted and presented according to the requirements of the task. The candidate must be capable of determining the movement of water within a catchment from existing data and report on the impacts of environmental change on water quantity and quality in a catchment

Context of and specific resources for assessment

For valid assessment to take place candidates should have access to:

equipment used to analyse water quality and quantity

hydrological data in electronic form

geological maps and appropriate remotely sensed data

water management plans.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sources of information may include:

hydrological information

previous monitoring studies

geological data

hydrogeological data

land use studies

aerial photography

satellite imagery

maps

water quality and or irrigation data

environmental management studies

anecdotal information from land owners.

Field surveys may include:

slope analysis

land uses

soil surveys

occurrence of erosion and sedimentation

bed and bank stability

water quality and quantity.

Management objectives may include:

erosion control

water quality

salinity reduction

sustainable irrigation and environmental flows

flood protection

ground water usage.

Threats may include:

erosion and sedimentation

pest plant and animal infestation

loss of biodiversity

salinity

poor land use practices

point and diffuse sources of pollution

nutrient management issues.

Remediation measures may include:

fencing

revegetation

installation of sediment control structures

flood control structures

pest plant control

implementation of nutrient management strategies

changes to agricultural practices

community awareness programs.

Management objectives may include:

erosion control

water quality improvement

salinity reduction

sustainable irrigation environmental flows

flood protection

ground water usage.

Unit sector

Natural resource management

This unit contains employability skills.