Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with maintaining structures 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 for maintenance work | 1.1 Identify and check the required materials, tools and equipment and prepare according to lists provided and/or supervisor’s instructions 1.2 Adopt work practices which maximise productivity and time efficiency and minimise waste and resource use 1.3 Follow structure maintenance instructions and directions provided by supervisor and seek clarification when necessary |
2. Undertake repairs and maintenance of structures | 2.1 Gather information on the permaculture structure requiring maintenance 2.2 Work on the structure as instructed and according to permaculture work principles 2.3 Report any problems or difficulties and seek clarification where necessary |
3. Apply finishes and ensure safety of fixings | 3.1 Apply finishes if required 3.2 Ensure fixings such as gate closure mechanisms are safe for all users 3.3 Check the maintained structure to ensure the work is satisfactory |
4. Clean up on completion of work | 4.1 Return any materials, tools and equipment to the storage area 4.2 Leave the work area tidy and safe 4.3 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:
prepare for maintenance work
maintain permaculture structures
clean up on completion of work
carry out reporting requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices related to structures in a permaculture system
tools and equipment used
permaculture structures, such as:
fences
gates
animal housing and enclosure
animal feeders and waterers
plant protection
light reflection and exclusion structures
seating
ponds, wicking systems and rain gardens
storage structures for materials
compost systems
water storage structures
water harvesting and distribution structures
propagation systems
fireplaces and fire pits
root cellars
bee hives
structural and safety issues associated with maintaining structures
environmentally safe finishes and materials
principles of repurposing and reuse of materials
creative solutions to common and simple problems with permaculture structures
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)