Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to sample seed on arrival at a processing plant and after processing for quality and certification purposes. Workers operate with some judgement and discretion and work would normally be carried out under minimal supervision within enterprise requirements and procedures.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
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. Sample seed before cleaning or processing | 1.1 Prepare the seed lot for sampling in accordance with job requirements 1.2 Select sampling equipment for use in accordance with the type of seed and the job requirements 1.3 Inspect samples visually for contaminants 1.4 Record or report results of sampling 1.5 Direct seed load for storage as appropriate 1.6 Label, record and store samples |
2. Sample seed after processing | 2.1 Prepare the seed lot for sampling in accordance with job requirements 2.2 Select sampling equipment for use in accordance with the type of seed and the job requirements 2.3 Take samples using specified sampling techniques 2.4 Batch and label samples 2.5 Package samples with accompanying notation and forward to relevant authorities |
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:
carry our moisture testing, temperature and seed density tests in accordance with enterprise requirements
complete relevant sampling documentation
package and label seed samples
prepare samples for despatch
recognise common weed seeds and other seed contaminants
record workplace information about seed samples
sample graded and/or treated seed
sample seed from a truck on arrival at a processing plant using appropriate sampling techniques
sample seed in bulk containers and/or sacks using appropriate sampling techniques
select and evaluate the sampling equipment to provide a representative sample within the guidelines of the relevant certification authority
take seed samples for testing by other agencies
use appropriate recording and labelling techniques
use tools for sampling and prepare a sample for despatch
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of seed sampling
correct methods of sampling
personnel protective equipment used for sampling treated seed
relevant workplace records and other documentation
seed handling and the importance of seed moisture content at all stages of the cleaning process
the controlling bodies of seed movement - Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and other certification agencies
seed types that require sampling
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 processing (SPO)