This unit applies to the provision of support to others undertaking gardening work.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for gardening work

1.1. The required materials, tools and equipment are identified according to lists provided and/or supervisor's instructions.

1.2. Checks are conducted on all materials, tools and equipment with insufficient or faulty items reported to the supervisor.

1.3. Techniques used when loading and unloading materials demonstrate correct manual handling and minimise damage to the load and the vehicle.

1.4. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and checked prior to use.

1.5. Gardening support is provided according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements, and according to workplace information.

1.6. OHS hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

2. Undertake gardening work as directed

2.1. Instructions and directions provided by supervisor are followed and clarification sought when necessary.

2.2. Gardening work is undertaken in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner according to enterprise guidelines.

2.3. Interactions with other staff and customers are carried out in a positive and professional manner.

2.4. Enterprise policy and procedures in relation to workplace practices, handling and disposal of materials is observed.

2.5. Problems or difficulties in completing work to required standards or timelines are reported to supervisor.

3. Handle materials and equipment

3.1. Waste material produced during gardening work is stored in a designated area according to supervisor's instructions.

3.2. Materials, equipment and machinery are handled and transported according to supervisor's instructions and enterprise guidelines.

3.3. A clean and safe work site is maintained while completing gardening activities.

4. Clean up on completion of gardening work

4.1. Materials are returned to store or disposed of according to supervisor's instructions.

4.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and supervisor's instructions.

4.3. Work outcomes are reported to the supervisor.

Required skills

follow safe work procedures

prepare materials, tools and equipment for gardening work

undertake gardening work as directed

handle materials and equipment

clean up on completion of gardening work

use literacy skills to read and follow a range of basic instructions

use oral communication skills/language competence to communicate effectively with others

use numeracy skills to complete basic calculations

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds.

Required knowledge

safe work practices

planting techniques

garden tools and equipment

maintenance practices for planted areas

repair and maintenance of garden features

OHS and environmental protection legislation and enterprise procedures.

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 evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare materials, tools and equipment for gardening work

undertake gardening work as directed

handle materials and equipment

clean up on completion of gardening work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Gardening work may include:

maintenance of planted areas including:

watering

fertilising

staking

mowing

pruning

weeding

collecting rubbish

maintaining garden facilities including:

assisting with repair and upkeep of site furniture and structures

paths and paved areas

garden features

assisting in preparation of areas for planting

installing trees and shrubs (containerised and bare-rooted)

planting of annual and perennial beds.

Tools and equipment may include:

secateurs

knives

spades

forks

trowels

rakes

hoes

spray equipment

augers

buckets

brooms

wheelbarrows

hoses and hose fittings

ancillary equipment such as:

stabilising materials

weed mats

stakes

tree guards.

Workplace information may include:

procedures for disposing of waste materials

work instructions or verbal instructions from the supervisor.

Hazards may include:

solar radiation

dust

noise

air- and soil-borne micro-organisms

chemicals and hazardous substances

sharp hand tools and equipment

manual handling

holes

slippery and uneven surfaces.

Unit sector

Parks and gardens

This unit contains employability skills.