This unit applies to the process of work undertaken by greenkeepers and sports turf curators in preparing turf surfaces for match play and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare the site to be mown

1.1. Services affecting the turf surface are located using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor.

1.2. Permanent obstacles and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and controls implemented.

1.3. Movable obstacles are removed before and replaced after mowing.

1.4. Abnormal conditions or changes in the appearance of the site are reported to the supervisor.

2. Prepare equipment for mowing

2.1. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected that are appropriate to the task being undertaken.

2.2. The mower is calibrated and adjusted to height according to the manufacturer's guidelines and documented work procedures.

2.3. Pre-operational checks of tools, equipment and machinery are completed according to manufacturer's specifications and documented work procedures.

2.4. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

2.5. Suitable safety equipment is selected and erected at the work site during work periods.

3. Mow playing surface

3.1. Grass appearance is assessed against enterprise guidelines and changes in appearance are reported.

3.2. The mower is matched to any implement attached to it according to manufacturer's guidelines and industry practice.

3.3. Continuous oversight of mowing activities is maintained according to enterprise work procedures.

4. Undertake final preparation of playing surface

4.1. Mark out tools appropriate for the task being undertaken are selected.

4.2. Lengths and angles are measured to locate markers and match play equipment according to enterprise work procedures and industry practice.

4.3. Marking out is completed according to the intended playing surface use and enterprise work procedures.

4.4. Markers and play equipment are placed where necessary according to enterprise work procedures.

4.5. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to enterprise work procedures.

Required skills

inspect and check machinery

erect safety equipment

handle manual loads correctly

use turf machinery and equipment

calibrate machinery

measure quantities, area, volume, ratios and application rates

measure distances, angles and calculate areas

calculate material requirements

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

read and interpret work procedures

communicate effectively with team members and supervisor

utilise proforma recording, reporting and work procedure documents

co-ordinate own activities with the work group

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

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

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

Required knowledge

various requirements of turf species and their cultural requirements

characteristics and growth rates of turf species and cultivars

different soil preparations for use of the turf playing surface

effective and safe use of tools and machinery

high performance uses of turf surfaces

purpose of turf surface preparation in maintaining turf presentation

competition playing requirements affecting preparation of the turf surface

irrigation and drainage system design and operational techniques

effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions

influences on the selection of tools, machinery and safety equipment

potential public nature of turf renovation work sites

hazards and responsibilities working near public access

environmental impact of turf works.

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 the condition of the existing surface with advice from senior greenkeepers for subsequent routine preparations, treatments and turf cultural practices

prepare a turf surface or sports playing field according to the rules of the game

use turf surface preparation machinery and equipment safely according to manufacturers specifications to achieve the desired playing surface outcome.

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.

Turf species may include

all high performance turf species and cultivars.

Unit sector

Turf

This unit contains employability skills.