Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a pest management plan that applies to a large or regional level. It also describes the skills and knowledge required to gain agreement and commitment from stakeholders to implement the plan.
Pest management plans are used by land managers who practice sustainable land management principles and require a collaborative approach with neighbouring landholders.
This unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They demonstrate deep knowledge in specific technical areas, are able to analyse and synthesise information and analyse, design and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, 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. Determine goals of the plan | 1.1 Determine scope of the plan 1.2 Determine the need for, and establish a steering committee, where necessary 1.3 Determine consultation requirements 1.4 Conduct and document consultation with stakeholders to determine goals 1.5 Assess and document options for controlling pest populations, changing land management or production practices, in terms of economic factors, technical difficulty, practical feasibility, and social and environmental acceptability |
2. Set specific objectives for the pest management plan | 2.1 Define and document objectives to be achieved in consultation with stakeholders 2.2 Define roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in delivering objectives |
3. Identify activities required to achieve specific objectives | 3.1 Determine and document activities required to achieve objectives in consultation with stakeholders 3.2 Prioritise activities and seek commitment from relevant stakeholders, where relevant 3.3 Conduct risk management for community, environment, work health and safety and production 3.4 Ensure activities align with pest management plan, environmental sustainability policies and biosecurity plans or legislation 3.5 Determine monitoring, evaluation and reporting methods |
4. Determine performance criteria for objectives | 4.1 Determine measurable performance criteria in terms of target pest population levels, economic impacts and environmental impacts |
5. Publish the plan | 5.1 Check the plan meets all biosecurity, legislative and national and State or Territory strategic policies 5.2 Submit draft plan to stakeholders for review 5.3 Finalise plan and seek endorsement by key stakeholders 5.4 Publish and distribute plan according to organisational requirements |
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:
produce a pest management plan that contains objectives and management options which comply with relevant legislation and best practice principles of pest management
consult with stakeholders to reach agreed upon outcomes from identified objectives
scope geographical area, landscape and land uses within area and with stakeholders
develop pest management plan according to defined pest problem
align pest management plan to biosecurity plans or legislation
develop pest management plan in accordance with sustainable land use principles, economic feasibility, environmental acceptability and statutory requirements for pest control
develop, evaluate and document all management options to control, eradicate or prevent pest populations
achieve approval of the plan by key stakeholders
conduct risk assessments and cost-benefit analyses of the range of management options available in order to select the best option for the specific context
apply work health and safety policies and procedures in the context of own work
include appropriate animal welfare Code of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures in the plan
apply appropriate sustainability practices in the plan
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
planning techniques
concepts of the strategic approach to pest management, the importance of monitoring and the effectiveness of management evaluation
relevant local, regional, State/Territory and national pest management strategies
Federal, State or Territory legislation and regulations relating to pest management activities
principles of integrated pest management
types of monitoring technology available
land use processes, ecological systems and production systems
pest management options and strategies
techniques used to validate target pest population and distribution data supplied by stakeholders, and methods of obtaining other relevant data
how to measure or estimate economic losses and environmental impacts from pest presence
Federal and State or Territory legislation and regulations relating to property, stock and duty of care
target pest biology and lifecycles
potential diseases or toxicity risks
pest population dynamics and economic and environmental thresholds
wildlife issues and how to minimise risks to non-target species as well as deal with pest behaviour
environmental protection legislation
basic requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant Codes of Practice
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)