AHCPMG306
Determine pest control techniques


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select a pest control technique for a strategic approach to pest management.

Pests may be weeds, vertebrate or invertebrate pests or a combination of these.

This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.


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 targeted pest

1.1 Identify the target pest, pest biology and lifecycles

1.2 Confirm the location and extent of the pest problem

1.3 Confirm target pest behaviour and movement patterns

1.4 Assess the impact of the pest on assets

2. Assess techniques

2.1 Identify purpose of control program and determine desired outcomes

2.2 Discuss with supervisor suitability of eradication, containment, reduction or a combination of these techniques, and to what degree control is required

2.3 Identify biosecurity risks associated with control methods

2.4 Determine legislative, economic or social constraints on pest control techniques

2.5 Identify non-target species and any constraints that they may impose

2.6 Determine whether urban areas are involved and their impact on the planning of control techniques

3. Plan the control

3.1 Source information on a variety of techniques applicable to the type of pest

3.2 Identify necessary permits, licenses or clearances required to carry out pest control activities

3.3 Assess the relative humaneness of pest control techniques, where target pests include animals

3.4 Determine control measures to address identified constraints

3.5 Identify safety hazards associated with control measures and apply relevant work health and safety policies and procedures to manage risks

3.6 Discuss techniques with supervisor to determine which technique, or combination of techniques, would best suit the situation to obtain the desired outcome, while minimising the risk to non-target species, in particular spray drift

3.7 Determine monitoring techniques to be used

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:

assess the impact of pests on assets

identify the target pest

determine the desired outcomes of pest control

plan appropriate control techniques

use a variety of monitoring techniques to determine pest numbers

identify non-target species that may be at risk during a control program

follow work health and safety policies and procedures when applying pest control techniques

awareness of biosecurity in the context of own work

use appropriate animal welfare practices in the context of own work


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

pest lifecycles and behaviours, including modes of dispersal, biology and reproduction

the features of target and non-target species

habitats of target and non-target pest animals

impacts pest control activities can have on native species

licenses, permits and clearances that may need to be obtained

the impact nearby urban areas may have on pest control

the impact pest control can have on nearby urban areas

pest control techniques that may be appropriate for the context of work

key conditions for the survival of pests and methods for eliminating or controlling those conditions

basic requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant Codes of Practice, where target pests are vertebrate animals

how pests can impact assets, including environmental impacts

what the acceptable limits are in relation to pest numbers

the types of constraints that apply to pest control techniques

how legislation regarding declared species applies to pest 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)