Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and coordinate weed control activities.
This unit applies to workers in agriculture, horticulture or land management-based enterprises who are required to carry out the control of weed infestations using cultural, biological and chemical methods to provide effective, economical control of weeds while minimising damage to the environment.
The unit applies to workers who demonstrate autonomy and judgement and take limited responsibility in known contexts.
Individuals operating in this field who use chemicals for weed control are required to hold current chemical handling certification. Other licensing conditions may also apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.
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. Assess weed infestation | 1.1 Record details of weeds and potential for weeds in target area 1.2 Identify the scope, stage and size of the weed infestation that adversely impacts on the landscape or production 1.3 Determine if plant health or growth or production requirements are compromised by level of infestation 1.4 Identify tolerable levels of infestation according to client, legislation, market, environmental and Integrated Pest Management requirements 1.5 Seek professional advice or conduct research on possible approaches to control of the weed infestation 1.6 Identify non-target plant and animal species present in the area 1.7 Assess the site for access, suitability of control measures, work health and safety and environmental risk |
2. Plan control measures | 2.1 Determine suitable control options according to Integrated Pest Management principles, legislative requirements and industry practice 2.2 Identify, assess, and control risks to all stakeholders and the environment, including risks to self, the public, non-target plant and animal species 2.3 Identify appropriate tools, equipment machinery and resources for the planned control measure 2.4 Select appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with work health and safety requirements 2.5 Prepare or select an integrated plan for the control measures or strategies according to Integrated Pest Management principles and environmental sustainability practices 2.6 Prepare documentation for control measures, including work health and safety, safety data sheets, and chemical use according to workplace and legislative requirements |
3. Implement weed control | 3.1 Assess if conditions are appropriate for control plan to proceed and make any necessary adjustments to the plan 3.2 Implement control measures in accordance with Integrated Pest Management plan and standard industry practice 3.3 Ensure that control measures minimise non-target species and environmental damage 3.4 Maintain records and documentation of the control measures applied |
4. Monitor control measures | 4.1 Monitor control measures to identify signs of adverse impact on humans, animals, non-target plants or environment 4.2 Assess effectiveness of control measures in accordance with Integrated Pest Management guidelines and available industry standards 4.3 Report assessment of control measures to client or organisation |
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:
identify range or weeds and beneficial organisms in the work area
plan and coordinate weed control activities
identify threshold levels or tolerance of weeds
identify target weeds at different growth stages
conduct a site hazard identification and risk control assessment for weed control
prepare, maintain and calibrate equipment
select and apply weed management methods appropriate to the context
maintain records of weed management activities
monitor, record and report the effectiveness of methods
minimise damage to non-target species and the environment
apply work health and safety practices in the context of own work
apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
suitable weed control measures and timing of weed control activities based on:
the lifecycle and ecology of a range of relevant weeds in the area
the cyclical nature of weeds and control programs
how weeds grow and spread and methods of weed dispersal
weed characteristics
beneficial organisms in the area
new and emerging weed species present in the area
how plant health or growth requirements can be compromised by infestation levels
economic, aesthetic, health, fire hazard and environmental thresholds for a range of weeds, common to the area
weed control methods and when they should be selected, including prevention strategies
non-target plants common to the area, especially plants with morphological features similar to the target pest plant
key concepts of Integrated Pest Management
risk factors including human, animal health and environmental associated with control measures
factors that affect the efficacy of weed management
how to conduct activities in a manner that avoids or minimises disturbance to other plant or animal species
signs of adverse impact on humans, animals, non-target plants and the environment due to implemented control measures and ways of minimising these adverse effects
a range of site-monitoring techniques that may be used to implement the weed control plan
hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies
types of equipment including personal protective equipment appropriate to the control measure
work health and safety requirements pertaining to the use of cultural, biological and chemical agents
relevant parts of the organisation's pest management plan and survey strategy
legislative requirements relevant to weed control
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Pest Management (PMG)