This unit relates to surveying pest animals which requires some judgement and discretion, and would be normally carried out under minimal supervision within enterprise guidelines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess the scope of the count

1.1. Target pest animal is confirmed.

1.2. Location of habitats and range of movement of target pest animal is confirmed.

1.3. Item(s) of direct evidence of pest animal to be counted are determined.

1.4. Time required to complete the survey is estimated.

1.5. Hazards associated with the survey are identified in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.

1.6. Environmental risks associated with the survey are identified in accordance with statutory and local authority requirements.

1.7. Resources required to complete the survey are identified.

2. Prepare to conduct the count

2.1. Location and boundaries for the count are mapped in accordance with the pest animal management strategy and monitoring program.

2.2. Time and duration of the count are checked and relevant personnel notified.

2.3. Precautions to minimise hazards associated with the count are taken in accordance with OHS standards.

2.4. Precautions to minimise environmental risks associated with the count are taken in accordance with statutory and local authority requirements.

2.5. Resources required to complete the count are checked for serviceability in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and relevant policies.

2.6. Where the count involves aerial observation, precautions to minimise associated hazards are taken in accordance with industry practice.

3. Conduct count and record observations

3.1. Equipment is operated in accordance with the statutory requirements and industry practice.

3.2. Count is conducted within the boundaries of the specified location in accordance with the pest animal management strategy and monitoring program.

3.3. Precautions to minimise hazards associated with the count are implemented in accordance with OHS standards.

3.4. Precautions to minimise environmental risks associated with the count are implemented in accordance with statutory and local authority requirements.

3.5. Observations of direct evidence of target pest animal are recorded in accordance with the pest animal management strategy and monitoring program requirements.

4. Clean and store equipment and materials

4.1. Equipment and materials are cleaned and stored in accordance with relevant standards and policies.

4.2. Observation record documents are compiled and filed in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

plan activities

manage time

count, add and record observations

apply spotlighting techniques

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 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

pest behaviour and habitats

relevant legislative and regulatory requirements

environmental protection legislation

zoonoses and exotic diseases.

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:

identify the target pest animal and its associated behaviours

define the geographical parameters for the count

apply survey principles and techniques

undertake accurate observations and recording.

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.

Surveying pest animals may include:

ground and aerial counts of pest animals.

Unit sector

Vertebrate pests

This unit contains employability skills.