Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and maintain a seed reference collection that can be used in the identification of seeds and which enables the quality control of laboratory procedures. This unit does not include the identification of seeds.
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. Acquire responsibility for a seed reference collection | 1.1 Review standard operating procedures for maintaining a seed reference collection 1.2 Check existing seed reference materials to ensure labels and records are up to date 1.3 Confirm procedures for introducing new seeds to the collection 1.4 Establish record keeping and staff access arrangements |
2. Maintain a seed reference collection | 2.1 Review storage conditions to ensure that they comply with SOPs 2.2 Monitor storage conditions to ensure specimens remain in good condition 2.3 Update collection and records as new seeds are added 2.4 Advise management of indicators of deterioration of seeds in collection |
3. Update the reference collection | 3.1 Update reference collection as new seeds are identified and identification has been appropriately verified 3.2 Document information about seed specimen and add to the reference collection 3.3 Source new verified specimens as required to maintain currency and relevance of the collection |
4. Provide seed reference materials on request | 4.1 Provide seed reference material with action taken to prevent contamination 4.2 Verify external requests for access to the seed reference collection and seek approval before being processed 4.3 Maintain records of access to collection and removal of seeds from collection |
5. Maintain a safe work environment | 5.1 Observe safety and biosecurity protocols when handling and processing seed reference materials 5.2 Dispose of redundant, diseased and outdated seed safely and appropriately |
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:
communicate with clients and others
keep workplace records
prepare, maintain and update a seed collection for the identification of seeds
source new materials
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
enterprise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
quarantine and isolation procedures
relevant health, safety and environment requirements
seed biology
seed reference collections - what they are, when and why they should be used
storage requirements of different seed varieties
taxonomic nomenclature
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)