Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to check and operate permaculture water systems.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
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 for working with permaculture water systems | 1.1 Discuss work requirements with supervisor and seek clarification where necessary 1.2 Assess requirements for water and natural water flows 1.3 Conduct checks on tools and equipment to be used 1.4 Prepare materials required for water systems work |
2. Set up water systems equipment | 2.1 Handle water systems equipment 2.2 Position water systems equipment 2.3 Check pumps, bores and other water delivery mechanisms and report any issues 2.4 Position and secure water control devices |
3. Carry out water systems operations | 3.1 Operate water systems as required 3.2 Check required head and water levels are achieved and maintained in active systems to ensure sufficient water flow 3.3 Monitor progress of water flow in passive systems 3.4 Carry out water system changes and record 3.5 Shift water system equipment |
4. Clean and store water system equipment | 4.1 Clean equipment and prepare for storage 4.2 Load equipment for transport 4.3 Store equipment |
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 to set up a permaculture water system
set up water systems
monitor water flows
place system components in a way that gives most effect and greatest yield
inspect earthworks for passive water catchment, storage and movement
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices in relation to water systems
behaviour of water in the natural environment
reading natural water flows
operation of permaculture water systems, such as:
irrigation systems
water collection and storage containers (tanks, dams)
recycling
waste-water systems
water conservation approaches
swales
contour banks
mulch pit and path systems
dams
chinampas
free-flowing water (streams, rivers)
aquaculture systems
aquaponics systems
productive water bodies (lakes, the sea)
earthworks for passive water catchment, storage and yield
components of a water system and their cleaning and storage requirements
water conservation and management principles and practices including working with passive systems, swales, terraces, dams and other earthworks
passive harvesting, movement and nutrient adding systems including appropriate earthworks
biological filtering of water into and out of a permaculture water system
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.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)