Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a pest monitoring and evaluation program.
Pests may be weeds, vertebrate or invertebrate pests or a combination of these.
The pest problem may be in a local or broader regional area.
This unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility, and exercise autonomy, in undertaking complex work. They demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area, 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. Research and identify pest monitoring and evaluation requirements | 1.1 Determine monitoring and evaluation requirements 1.2 Assess attitudes, and land management practices, of stakeholders for their relevance and usefulness to the monitoring and evaluation program 1.3 Document how results from monitoring and evaluation will be used |
2. Develop procedures for monitoring and evaluation | 2.1 Identify target pests and select monitoring sites 2.2 Specify timing of sampling, observation systems, level of accuracy required and sample size 2.3 Identify economic and environmental impacts to be monitored 2.4 Identify factors that would trigger an emergency response 2.5 Define how reporting will be carried out and how results of sampling will be verified and analysed 2.6 Develop procedures for monitoring and recording the economic and environmental impacts of pests 2.7 Develop procedures for monitoring and recording pest abundance 2.8 Confirm monitoring program includes a schedule that is aligned to milestones in the pest management plan |
3. Document the monitoring program | 3.1 Design recording documents and forms 3.2 Document all procedures and recording systems and make accessible to relevant personnel 3.3 Ensure pest monitoring program aligns with relevant local, regional, state and national pest management strategies |
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:
develop a pest monitoring and evaluation program, in accordance with the local, regional, State or Territory and national pest management strategies
consult with stakeholders to assess attitudes and land management practices, where relevant
research and identify required operational and performance monitoring
develop procedures for monitoring and evaluation, including how to access relevant techniques and adapt them for the pest management plan
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
procedures for monitoring and recording
pest biology, behaviour and lifecycles and how they influence monitoring procedures
pest population dynamics and economic and environmental thresholds
relevant local, regional, State, Territory and national pest management strategies
Federal, State or Territory legislation and regulations relating to pest management activities
key concepts in the Integrated Pest Management strategy
monitoring and evaluation principles and how they should be included in the management program
reporting and recording procedures, including knowing how to appropriately package information in the correct format and at the appropriate level for the various target groups
how to monitor and record pest abundance and the damage caused by the target pest
target pests and monitoring points
non-target species in the area
potential economic and environmental impacts of pest population
factors that would trigger an emergency response
aims, objectives and milestones in the pest management plan
requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant Codes of Practice, where monitoring plan involves pest animals
potential diseases and toxicity relevant to the area and pests
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)