AHCPER104
Support animal care in a permaculture system


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to support animal care in a permaculture system.

All work is carried out to comply with permaculture principles and workplace procedures.

This unit applies to individuals who work alongside a supervisor in most situations and exercise limited autonomy within established and well known parameters. They identify and seek help with simple problems.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment

1.1 Identify and check the required materials, tools and equipment for animal care according to lists provided or supervisor’s instructions

1.2 Check all materials, tools and equipment

1.3 Adopt work practices which maximise productivity and time efficiency and minimise waste and resource use

1.4 Identify hazards and follow instructions and directions provided by supervisor, seeking clarification when necessary

2. Undertake animal care as directed

2.1 Determine requirements of animals under care

2.2 Undertake work with animals in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner

2.3 Identify yields from animals in the permaculture system

2.4 Observe basic indicators of animal health and report any problems to supervisor

2.5 Report any problems or difficulties in completing work to required standards or timelines to supervisor

3. Collect and store yields from animals

3.1 Collect and store yields from animals and waste material produced during work in a designated area

3.2 Handle and transport materials, equipment and machinery

3.3 Maintain a clean and safe work site while working

4. Complete animal care work

4.1 Return materials to store

4.2 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment

4.3 Report work outcomes to the supervisor

4.4 Complete any reporting requirements at the end of the job

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

apply problem solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

collect yields from animals including waste materials for composting or worm farms

clean up on completion of work

identify basic indicators of animal health


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles of animal care in permaculture systems, such as:

grazing systems

animal tractor systems

organic feed and nutrition systems

housing and species combinations for welfare of all species

predator protection, vermin control and weather protection

principles of integrating animals into permaculture systems, such as:

zone and sector planning in relation to appropriate animal species

needs, functions and yields for animals within integrated systems

the following components of animal care: feed, water, shelter, perch space, bedding, symptoms of ill health or stress

animal handling techniques

tools and equipment

repair and maintenance of animal housing and containment


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification (or higher) in Permaculture and/or have completed a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) and/or have completed the Permaculture Demonstrator Skill Set.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Permaculture (PER)