This unit involves applying well-developed skills with some discretion and judgement under routine supervision. It requires taking responsibility for own work output.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess requirements for pest control

1.1. Vertebrate pest control requirements are assessed and clarified according to enterprise objectives.

1.2. Inspections are carried out to ascertain type and severity of pest infestations.

1.3. Control agents and methods of application to prevent, control or manage vertebrate pests are determined.

1.4. Control program is developed for implementation according to enterprise requirements.

2. Prepare to implement control program

2.1. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2.2. Equipment and materials required to support the implementation of control program are arranged.

2.3. Relevant licences and permits are obtained according to legislative requirements.

2.4. Safe working practices are observed and followed according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

3. Control vertebrate pests

3.1. Control program is implemented according to OHS, legislative and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Safeguards are employed to ensure that targeted pests are controlled and all other species remain unharmed.

3.3. Integrated health management is considered and implemented as required.

3.4. Environmental impacts are assessed and controlled according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

4. Complete control program

4.1. Carcasses and control agents are disposed of according to environmental and industry codes of practice.

4.2. Control program and outcomes are reviewed and evaluated for future best practice and planning management.

4.3. Equipment and work areas are cleaned and returned to operating order according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

4.4. Relevant information is documented and maintained to industry standards and enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

use a first aid kit

select and use agricultural chemicals safely

communicate effectively in verbal and written form with enterprise personnel and suppliers

read and interpret chemical labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety signage or decals

calculate vertebrate pest numbers and estimate resources and materials appropriate to implement control program

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

legislative and industry requirements for the disposal of vertebrate pests and control agents

types of vertebrate pests

control methods and techniques

safety signage

sustainable livestock management

relevant provisions of Native Vegetation Acts with particular attention to potential soil degradation and destruction of flora and fauna

relevant provisions of OHS and animal welfare legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures.

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:

use and handle hazardous substances

carry out inspections to assess infestations

identify species and nature of vertebrate pest

calculate vertebrate pest numbers and estimate resources and materials appropriate to implement control program

determine control methods with due care and humane treatment

dispose of carcasses according to established industry standards.

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.

Vertebrate pests may include:

animal species, such as wild birds

rats and mice

feral cats

feral pigs

foxes

those identified in biosecurity codes of practice.

Unit sector

Vertebrate pests

This unit contains employability skills.