This unit relates to implementing a maintenance program for an aquatic environment and is usually undertaken according to enterprise guidelines and within established routines, methods and procedures. Some discretion and judgement may be required depending on the type and size of the aquatic environment.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for maintenance activities

1.1. Enterprise guidelines and legislative requirements for the maintenance of the aquatic environment are identified, interpreted and applied.

1.2. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected and prepared for use according to enterprise guidelines and manufacturers specifications.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented.

1.4. Environmental implications associated with maintenance activities are identified and reported to supervisor.

2. Maintain aquatic organisms

2.1. Identification of indigenous, exotic and pest aquatic animals and/or plants is undertaken for the specific aquatic environment.

2.2. Aquatic plant and/or animal monitoring is undertaken and relevant data is recorded, maintained and applied to aquatic plant maintenance activities.

2.3. Aquatic animal and/or plant issues are reported to supervisor, with recommendations for action.

2.4. Control methods are implemented for excess aquatic animals and/or plants, and identified pest animals and/or plants.

2.5. Waste plant and animal material is processed according to enterprise guidelines.

3. Maintain water quality

3.1. Where appropriate, water quality monitoring is undertaken for the aquatic environment and the input water resource according to standards for the end use of the aquatic environment.

3.2. Monitoring data is recorded, maintained and applied to water quality maintenance activities.

3.3. Debris is removed and processed using appropriate equipment according to enterprise guidelines.

3.4. Water quality issues are reported to supervisor, with suggestions for remedial action.

3.5. Where required, water is discharged, environment is cleaned, and water is recharged from the designated storage area or other input water resource.

Required skills

communicate verbally and in writing with work team members, supervisors, contractors and consultants

interpret site plans and maintenance program requirements, and utilise proforma reporting, recording, analysis and work procedure documents

measure materials, and aquatic site dimensions

schedule and implement monitoring activities correctly, and record, interpret and apply monitoring data

coordinate and supervise work group and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete maintenance activities in a timely, and cost effective manner

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

Required knowledge

recognition, physiology and biological characteristics of animals and/or plants specific to the aquatic environment

aquatic systems ecology

relevant legislation regarding water pollution and management

wildlife habitats associated with the aquatic environment

food chain and nutrient cycling in aquatic systems

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

regulations and/or Codes of Practice pertaining to Hazardous Substances

safe systems and procedures for handling, transporting and storing chemicals and hazardous substances taking into account toxicity levels and environmental impacts

regulations, Codes of Practices, enterprise systems and procedures for the safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment in aquatic environments, and in observing correct safety procedures in working from boats or adjacent to large bodies of water

regulations and industry standards for water quality requirements in association with specified use.

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:

recognise desired and pest plant populations and monitor their levels

apply weed control methods where necessary to maintain balance and remove weeds

apply chemicals according to label directions and keep records

maintain water quality to the required standard for the purpose of the aquatic environment.

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.

Maintenance programs may include:

monitoring water quality and the movement of water into and out of the environment.

Unit sector

Parks and gardens

This unit contains employability skills.