Application
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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
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. |
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 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. |
Range Statement
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. |
Sectors
Unit sector | Natural resource management |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor