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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess weed infestation

1.1. Identify the scope and size of the weed infestation that adversely impacts on the landscape.

1.2. Identify weeds and record details of the weeds and beneficial organisms.

1.3. Identify tolerable levels of infestation according to client, market, environmental and IPM requirements.

1.4. Determine if plant health or growth requirements are compromised by level of infestation.

1.5. Seek professional advice if required in the assessment of the weed infestation.

2. Plan control measures

2.1. Determine suitable control options according to Integrated Pest Management principles and industry practice.

2.2. Identify the hazards, assess and control risks to others and the environment.

2.3. Identify appropriate tools, equipment and machinery for the planned control measure.

2.4. Select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2.5. Prepare a control plan for the control measure/strategy.

3. Implement control measures

3.1. Implement control measures in accordance with IPM principles, industry practice and control plan.

3.2. Ensure that control measures minimise non-target damage.

3.3. Maintain records of the control measure/s 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 IPM guidelines and/or available industry standards.

4.3. Record assessment of control measures and report to client or organisation.

Required skills

identify a range of weeds and beneficial organisms

identify threshold level of weeds for treatment

conduct a site hazard identification and risk control assessment

prepare a control plan

use appropriate cultural, biological or chemical controls

minimise damage to non-target species

complete records of control treatments

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

economic, aesthetic and environmental threshold for a range of weeds

IPM principles and strategies

lifecycle and biology of weeds

hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies

types of control measures (cultural, biological, chemical) commonly used in industry/sector

types of equipment including personal protective equipment appropriate to the control measure

risk factors including human, animal health and environmental associated with a range of control measures/options

OHS requirements pertaining to the use of cultural, biological, chemical agents.

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:

identify a range of weeds and beneficial organisms

plan and coordinate weed control activities

prepare and calibrate equipment

conduct a site hazard identification and risk control assessment for weed control

apply a range of weed control methods and maintain records

monitor, record and report the effectiveness of controls.

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.

Weeds may include:

the range of significant and noxious weeds of agricultural and horticultural crops, pastures and native vegetation.

Unit sector

Pest management

This unit contains employability skills.