This unit could be applied in a variety of workplaces that undertake or contract project works in catchments and waterways. Works projects could be undertaken with community based participants, enterprise colleagues and/or contractors.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Inspect and assess catchment and waterways sites for inclusion in a works program

1.1. The environmental outcomes and priorities of the works program are established.

1.2. Site assessments are undertaken to confirm the physical characteristics and health of catchment and waterways.

1.3. The range of likely operating conditions, hazards and sensitive environments are assessed for impact on any proposed works project/s.

1.4. The heritage and cultural values of sites are assessed.

1.5. Potential project partners and investors are consulted on the scope and purpose of the works program.

2. Plan works projects

2.1. Project priorities are determined in consultation with stakeholders based on catchment plans, project impact and availability of funding.

2.2. The requirements for permits, licenses and other authorisations are met.

2.3. Equipment and materials required for project/s are determined and sourced using enterprise guidelines.

2.4. Terms and conditions of project work are confirmed with project partners and investors.

2.5. Plans and specifications for works project/s are prepared according to enterprise guidelines.

2.6. Project documentation is completed and details are finalised and communicated, as required.

3. Monitor works project/s

3.1. Monitoring program is established using data collection guidelines, data collection parameters and timelines.

3.2. Data benchmarks for evaluating the outcomes of project/s are established.

3.3. Occupational health and safety (OHS) arrangements are monitored against legislative requirements and other relevant policies.

3.4. The ongoing requirements of contractors and project workers are met.

3.5. Appropriate and timely support that meets the requirements of the project is provided.

3.6. The condition of the project site is monitored to ensure it is left in an agreed condition.

4. Review works program

4.1. Individual projects are evaluated to ensure compliance with agreed outcomes.

4.2. Sites are assessed to determine whether projects are meeting the environmental outcomes.

4.3. Changes to the works program are recommended to better achieve catchment and waterways priorities.

4.4. A relational data management system is used for recording monitoring data and reporting to stakeholders.

Required skills

assist in project planning and requirements for implementation

provide support to project partners during project implementation

monitor the impact of projects on sustainable catchment management

monitor and ensure the regulatory requirements of works project

record, review and report on works project utilising enterprise methods

develop waterway monitoring programs including the selection of representative water quality and macro invertebrate monitoring sites incorporating the use and maintenance of relevant equipment and indicator

identify examples of degraded catchments and waterways

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

wetland and floodplain processes and function including:

factors that influence stream flow

stream dynamics

stream formation

eutrophication

impacts of land use on waterways

indicators of catchment health including:

pest plant and animal infestations

vegetation decline

soil erosion

stream bank erosion

water quality decline

water quality parameters including:

physical and chemical properties of water

biological indicators of water quality

use of relational data management systems

data input

data analysis

data output

project planning including:

establishing priorities

monitoring and reviewing

working with partner, investors and contractors

resource and equipment requirements

regulatory requirements

responsibilities under the OHS Act

permits and licences required for on-ground works

local cultural and heritage values.

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 research and determine the environmental conditions of project worksites in relation to the wider catchment and be able to determine the physical and human resources necessary for project success. The candidate must be able to determine suitable monitoring procedures and evaluate the environmental benefits of the works program utilising existing techniques and reporting guidelines.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Specific resources required for assessment of this unit include access to monitoring equipment used in the collection of catchment health data such as Waterwatch kits, pH meters and EC meters.

Assessment of this unit could take place in conjunction with VBP584 Provide technical advice on sustainable catchment management.

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.

Environmental outcomes may include:

reductions in salinity

increase in vegetation cover

improvements in water quality parameters

reducing or stabilising erosion

nutrient losses from land to water

protection of heritage or cultural values.

Site assessment may include:

an environmental assessment

establishing conditions before works

identifying cultural significance

assessing access issues for equipment and machinery

assessing access issues for workers

establishing seasonal issues i.e. site saturation or dryness for works.

Works project details may include:

landholder contact details

description of project works

partner details

funding amounts

permits and approvals

contractor requirements

resources.

Monitoring programs may include:

monitoring programs that contribute data to assess indicators of catchment health such as:

Waterwatch

Saltwatch

index of stream condition

macro invertebrate monitoring sites

SEPP water quality monitoring

stream flow management plans

EVC mapping

Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

Data benchmarks may include:

quantitative data for site or catchment

social indicators such as Landcare membership

qualitative history of management and attitudes to sustainable catchment management.

Contractor and project workers requirements may include:

management of materials and equipment resources and invoicing

resource procurement

timesheets

OHS.

Unit sector

Natural resource management

This unit contains employability skills.