Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a plant pest survey strategy to determine the presence, distribution and prevalence of a pest.
Pests may be weeds, vertebrate or invertebrate pests or a combination of these.
The work may be conducted as part of an emergency response to an incursion or as part of routine surveillance, and must be conducted in accordance with established standards and protocols.
This unit applies to individuals who have been appointed or engaged to undertake a role within a pest incursion response. They may also be involved with planning responses to emergency animal diseases and aquatic animal diseases.
This unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They are accountable for the work of others within broad parameters and analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities.
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. Obtain and analyse biological information for survey design | 1.1 Identify the biological and dispersal characteristics of the pest 1.2 Determine impact of climate on reproduction rates and the predicted distribution of the pest 1.3 Identify the geographical distribution of the host 1.4 Analyse information to determine priority areas to be surveyed |
2. Develop survey methodology | 2.1 Determine particular type of survey to be designed according to phase of incursion 2.2 Determine field data collection methodology in consultation with technical experts 2.3 Incorporate quality assurance standards that apply to survey methodology and documentation 2.4 Select appropriate diagnostic tests for use in confirming pest presence in samples 2.5 Include procedure for sustainability and biosecurity in survey plan 2.6 Develop instructions for survey teams |
3. Determine the resources required | 3.1 Determine and document resources required for survey activities in conjunction with technical experts |
4. Obtain approval for the survey design | 4.1 Document survey design according to protocols and standards 4.2 Submit survey design to appropriate authorities for approval |
5. Determine post-survey review processes | 4.1 Determine review processes to evaluate implementation and effectiveness of survey program |
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 survey strategy in accordance with local, regional, State/Territory and national pest management strategies
write work instructions for survey teams
work with other technical experts
analyse biological information for survey design
develop survey methodology appropriate for target pest, environment and terrain
prepare plans to workplace and authority standards
develop review processes according to workplace requirements
apply biosecurity measures in the context of own work
apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate detailed knowledge of:
biometric principles to biological survey design
the biology of groups of pests and pathogens relevant to the survey
the types and distribution of hosts relevant to the survey
requirements for ensuring the
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
pest biology, behaviour and lifecycles
diagnostic tests for use in confirming pest presence in samples
resources required for survey activities
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must take place in a functioning control centre, or a control centre established for a pest response simulation exercise.
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)