Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise seed crop establishment. It applies to workers on properties where commercial seed production is undertaken.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Prepare planting plan | 1.1 Determine from the organisation’s production plan the seed crop and method of planting to be used 1.2 Assess and calculate the resources required for the planting operations from the area to be sown, the method of planting to be used, and the available timelines 1.3 Set the target dates for planting, including the sequencing for planting across paddocks or crop areas, in line with the overall production/management planning for the organisation 1.4 Select and organise the chemical applications required pre- and post-planting to occur at an appropriate time 1.5 Prepare the plan to ensure that any potential detrimental environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated, including the proper disposal of containers, drums and other waste 1.6 Identify and assess Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards 1.7 Implement and oversee staff carrying out safe work practices for planting 1.8 Seek, identify and obtain any approvals required for the planting operations 1.9 Determine measurable indicators, specifications and targets, based on the production/management plan and the method, resources, and seed to be used |
2. Determine scheduling and key responsibilities | 2.1 Determine scheduling for planting, taking into consideration the range of geographic and resourcing factors, as well as operations that will be occurring at the same time as the planting 2.2 Determine the key responsibilities for specific preparatory processes that are required before planting 2.3 Determine key responsibilities for specific implementation processes 2.4 Determine and put in place recordkeeping requirements and procedures to ensure compliance with the range of applicable regulations 2.5 Clearly document the plan, including scheduling and key responsibilities relating to the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both managers and operators |
3. Monitor and adjust the planting plan | 3.1 Adhere to monitoring points outlined in the implementation plan 3.2 Carry out checks to ensure that OHS procedures are being observed and followed 3.3 Carry out checks to ensure that the site environmental requirements are being observed and followed 3.4 Communicate regularly with operational staff and contractors to ensure smooth operation and progress 3.5 Carry out checks to ensure that the documentation required by the organisation, or other regulating bodies, is completed clearly and accurately during the progress of the planting process 3.6 Initiate and take action where any corrective action or amendment to the planting plan is required |
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:
determine planting scheduling for planting and the key responsibilities for preparatory and implementation processes
carry out pest, weed and disease control either pre- or post-planting if required
identify the seasonal conditions which affect crop establishment
plan the planting operation including timing and resources required
supervise staff and monitor the planting operation
monitor the planting operation
adjust the planting plan
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for supervising seed crop production
crop establishment requirements
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
equipment servicing requirements
integrated pest and weed management techniques
legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures for workplace health and safety and environmental management
management practices and processes to minimise environmental impacts such as noise, soil degradation and debris from planting operations
Plant Breeder’s Rights and open market seed
the equipment that is required for a range of tillage methods, and pest and weed control prior to planting
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
Seed production (SPD)