This unit is applicable to persons who have a catchment management role and are responsible for identifying and managing land degradation as well as providing advice and information on programs and funding for the sustainable management of farms, small properties, recreational land and land used for commercial activities e.g. mining.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Respond to requests for advice

1.1. Enterprise guidelines are followed when responding to requests from land managers.

1.2. Information on location, land management/production objectives and land management concern/s including degradation is sought from land managers.

1.3. State and regional legislation, regulations and strategies relevant to the region are reviewed in relation to potential constraints.

1.4. Options and processes for provision of advice are confirmed with land managers.

2. Identify and analyse land management issues

2.1. A site assessment is conducted to collect information on geological characteristics, ecological processes and biodiversity.

2.2. The site visit is used to collect detailed information on land uses and land management techniques.

2.3. Site information is interpreted to land managers and other relevant stakeholders in a supportive and non-threatening manner.

2.4. The site assessment evaluates the types and levels of land degradation.

3. Provide advice on sustainable land management

3.1. Advice complies with State and regional legislation, regulations and strategies.

3.2. Options for changing land management practices take into account economic factors, technical difficulty, practical feasibility, social and/or environmental acceptability, including the highlighting of examples.

3.3. Advice to land manager includes information on outcomes of analysis, sustainable land management techniques, whole property planning and remediation measures.

3.4. Resource materials and information on supportive programs and funding are provided to land managers.

Required skills

identify and analyse the issues, processes and techniques in sustainable land management

provide advice on sustainable land management

gather information and undertake research

recommend funding programs

recognise limits to advice

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

geology

rock types

weathering

soil formation and soil types

ecological processes

energy flow through ecological systems

matter flow through ecological systems

nutrient cycling

land degradation processes and impacts including:

soil compaction

erosion

tree decline

pest plant and animal infestations

eutrophication

acidification

salinity

fertility decline

catchment Management principles

catchment planning priorities and programs

Victorian Planning Provision Framework

roles and responsibilities of land users in catchments

biodiversity

basic plant identification techniques

animal identification

ecological vegetation communities

whole property planning principles

energy flows

sustainable water management

land capability

extension

principles of extension

funding.

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 source information on legislation, regulations and strategies relevant to the responsibilities of land managers. The candidate must be capable of assessing land management practices in relation to the long-term objectives of a catchment or region. The ability to source and communicate advice on sustainable land management practices to a variety of land managers in a knowledgeable and non-threatening manner is critical.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Specific resources required for assessment of this unit include access to monitoring equipment used in undertaking site assessments and documenting site information.

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.

Land management issues may include:

overgrazing

stock access to waterways

nutrient runoff from intensive farming or industry

riverbed and bank erosion

soil erosion

pest plant and animal infestations

salinity

native vegetation clearing or decline.

Types and levels of land degradation may include:

processes such as erosion

soil structure decline

eutrophication

sedimentation

loss of ecosystem diversity

reduction in water quality

excess nutrients

pollution.

Remediation measures may include:

fencing remnant vegetation

pest plant and animal control

tree-planting

construction of shelterbelts

conservation earthworks

waste water re-use

relocation of stock watering points.

Resource materials may include:

fact sheets such as Landcare notes and Agnotes

information on websites

information on local demonstration sites

before and after pictures of similar issues.

Unit sector

Natural resource management

This unit contains employability skills.