Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and monitor a quarantine-approved laboratory that meets Department of Agriculture (DA) certification.
It applies to senior seed analysts 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. Interpret and communicate quarantine requirements | 1.1 Keep and update information on quarantine requirements impacting on laboratory 1.2 Distribute clear information on the responsibilities of individuals to maintain the laboratory's quarantine compliance 1.3 Explain to all personnel the implications of non-compliance within the laboratory |
2. Ensure that work practices are compliant | 2.1 Plan work practices to ensure compliance 2.2 Implement testing procedures so that methods and equipment are fit for purpose 2.3 Implement systems to ensure the accuracy and/or efficiency of equipment 2.4 Coach and mentor team members to manage their responsibilities around maintaining quarantine compliance in the laboratory |
3. Monitor, analyse, adjust and report performance | 3.1 Identify, rectify and report actual and potential problems with quarantine compliance 3.2 Minimise potential non-compliance through on-going analysis and supervision activities 3.3 Advise laboratory personnel of strategies to improve compliance 3.4 Communicate new and improved procedures to laboratory personnel 3.5 Maintain systems, records and reporting procedures according to DA requirements |
4. Investigate, rectify and report non-conformance | 4.1 Investigate and manage incidents and occurrences of non-compliance 4.2 Provide on and/or off job training for laboratory personnel to acquire and apply competencies to meet compliance 4.3 Redesign or adjust work practices to ensure that non-compliance is not repeated |
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:
maintain and monitor a quarantine approved laboratory that meet Department of Agriculture (DA) certification
initiate appropriate action to rectify potential problems or instances of non-compliance
keep required records complete, current and secure as required by DA
design and negotiate changes to work processes and procedures to meet DA compliance
provide coaching and mentoring support to laboratory personnel to change work practices
provide information to laboratory staff on DA compliance
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
DA requirements for a quarantine approved laboratory
compliant laboratory systems, records and reporting procedures
enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)
relevant health, safety and environment requirements
statutory and legal compliance requirements
coaching and mentoring strategies
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 testing (SDT)