This unit applies to the construction of new soil profiles in residential, commercial and public recreational open space development and residential and rural property development in new projects and in the complete renovation of existing soil profiles in urban and regional areas.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Survey the construction site

1.1. Surveying equipment is set up and used according to industry standards.

1.2. Existing levels are surveyed and temporary benchmark established. Details are recorded accurately and legibly according to industry standards.

1.3. New levels are set according to specifications and pegs placed according to industry convention.

1.4. Contour map with reduced levels and a cross section is developed and drawn using accepted industry symbols and mapping conventions.

2. Prepare for construction work

2.1. Enterprise work team, contractors and design consultants are identified and, where required, engaged.

2.2. Work tasks are scheduled in a logical, timely and effective manner in consultation with the supervisor.

2.3. Materials required are estimated and costed according to accepted industry practice and ordered.

2.4. Plans for the new construction profile are obtained or developed.

3. Set out site for construction

3.1. Soil profile construction requiring set out.

4. Excavate the construction site

4.1. Excess soil is removed and the construction site cleared with the stockpile being placed in a designated area according to enterprise work procedures.

4.2. The base is graded to the level and slope specified in the base design.

4.3. The base of the profile is prepared over the entire site according to the construction plan.

4.4. Sub-surface irrigation system components and fittings are installed to the required depth and design specified in the construction plan.

4.5. Install drainage system.

5. Install soil profile

5.1. Quantities of material required are calculated and measured according to the construction plan.

5.2. Soils and growing media are selected for sustainable use and according to the construction plan.

5.3. Each profile layer is installed and compacted to reflect the final contour.

5.4. The interface between profile layers is uniform and unbroken according to the construction plan.

5.5. Soil amendments are prepared and implemented.

5.6. The finishing soil surface is given a final levelling and consolidated, ready for planting, according to the construction plan and enterprise work procedures.

Required skills

draft basic working plans

survey site levels and dimensions

install drainage and irrigation systems

measure materials, interpret , survey and assess site measurements, and interpret and apply test results

coordinate work group, contractors and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete construction in a timely and cost effective manner

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

practical understanding of the range and use of materials, tools, equipment and machinery available for construction of soil profiles, including soil amendments and base construction materials

soil and growing media types suitable for sustainable landscapes

practical understanding of the range of construction methods that may be used to construct soil profiles and the association of construction methods with site limitations, environmental implications, and end use of the site

practical understanding of surveying principles and techniques

soil testing techniques and the application of results to the construction process

awareness of the comparative environmental implications associated with construction and excavation activity, drainage and irrigations systems, soil amendments and waste disposal procedures

AS4419-2003 and AS4454-2003.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

determine construction requirements from plans

survey and create working plans for construction sites

excavate earthworks and establish working and finished levels

install drainage and sub-surface irrigation components

install sustainable soils and growing media

implement a construction project.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Constructing profiles may include:

construction sites

landscaping sites

land developments

farms

land management operations

restoration projects.

This standard does not cover high performance turf sporting surface constructions.

Unit sector

Soils and media

This unit contains employability skills.