Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to investigate causes of pest control failure after the implementation of a pest management plan.
Pests may be weeds, vertebrate or invertebrate pests or a combination of these.
Treatment may be any measure used to decrease the pest population and the damage caused by it.
This unit applies to regional pest control officers and managers who take personal responsibility for their own work and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse and synthesise information and analyse, design and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems.
Individuals operating in this field are required to hold current chemical handling certification and a first aid certificate. 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 planning techniques used | 1.1 Determine and assess management techniques used in the pest management plan 1.2 Assess the level of community and stakeholder consultation carried out 1.3 Evaluate the level of commitment gained from the community and stakeholders 1.4 Assess whether the definition of the pest problem is correct 1.5 Assess staff understanding of the pest and the damage caused 1.6 Determine monitoring techniques used and assess suitability |
2. Assess treatment failure | 2.1 Assess whether damage caused by the pest after treatment is within expectations 2.2 Determine pre-treatment and post-treatment pest infestation levels by monitoring pest management plan records and inspection 2.3 Determine expected pest population after treatment using available information 2.4 Assess the difference between expected and monitored population 2.5 Assess treatments and application techniques used 2.6 Determine whether failure is due to product failure or pesticide resistance if pesticides are involved 2.7 Determine operator’s qualifications and experience in applying a particular pest treatment where appropriate |
3. Evaluate solutions to the failure | 3.1 Assess possible solutions to the failure 3.2 Determine best option for solution based on cost, appropriateness to the problem and timing 3.3 Review pest management plans and implementation plans as required and advise stakeholders, personnel and contractors of the changes |
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:
investigate and assess a pest treatment failure
find solutions to the failure
analyse pre-treatment and post-treatment pest infestation levels
assess planning techniques used
evaluate solutions to the failure
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
how to survey pest populations to determine infestation levels
monitoring techniques
how to assess whether the definition of the pest problem is correct
range of pest treatments appropriate to context
a deep understanding of a variety of pest control measures
the principles that underpin the strategic approach to managing pests
Federal, State or Territory legislation and regulations relating to pest management activities
chemical, biological, physical and habitat techniques for pest management
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)