This unit of competency supports the application of sound communication, planning, organisational, problem-solving, time-management, team-management and survival skills; the ability to implement safety procedures for a team in remote locations; and a sound understanding of technology. The skills and knowledge acquired upon completion of this unit would support the needs of employees in surveying.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may impact on this unit. Incorporate these requirements according to state, territory and federal legislation.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Plan a survey expedition.

1.1 Maps, photos and other available data are used to plan survey expeditions.

1.2 Objectives and principal work activities are defined.

1.3 Equipment preparation is designated to relevant personnel according to organisational policy.

1.4 Logistical considerations are incorporated into the expedition planning to ensure that supplies support the location, duration and size of the survey expedition and anticipate the material needs of the team.

1.5 Information is included in the plan relating to identified risks and contingencies, resources, technology details and techniques to be used to collect data in the specified format.

1.6 Supplies are obtained according to inventory and securely stowed for a survey expedition.

1.7 Emergency supplies and equipment are prepared.

1.8 OHS requirements are planned and adhered to.

1.9 Skills and knowledge are updated to accommodate changes in expedition and equipment.

2Organise the survey expedition.

2.1 Survey camp site is prepared and maintained in line with OHS requirements.

2.2 Processes are put in place to ensure all personnel observe OHS practices.

2.3 Environmental impact from camp activities is minimised.

2.4 Tasks are allocated to appropriate personnel and supervisory processes, checks and measures are implemented.

3Apply remote safety and survival skills.

3.1 Emergency requirements for survival are discussed to ensure that they are available when required.

3.2 Emergency survival and search and rescue techniques are applied.

3.3 Safety procedures are followed whenever helicopters are in the vicinity.

3.4 OHS requirements for emergency situations are applied, if required.

3.5 Management mechanisms are implemented to measure, record and report progress of activities in relation to the agreed schedule and plans.

3.6 Contingencies and constraints are managed to ensure expedition meets specifications.

3.7 Quality assurance processes are implemented based on the project plan.

4Conduct follow-up activity.

4.1 On return, equipment is unloaded and stored in prescribed storage area according to organisational guidelines.

4.2 Required documentation is completed.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

analytical skills

communication skills to:

consult effectively with clients and colleagues

impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means

computer skills (high technical user level) to complete business documentation

conducting navigation operations (high level)

expedition planning (high level)

literacy skills to:

assess and use workplace information

locate and interpret legislation and other written documentation

prepare and manage documentation

read and write technical reports

research and evaluate

numeracy skills to:

conduct image analysis

interpret and analyse statistics

perform mental calculations

record with accuracy and precision

undertake high level computations

operate four-wheel drives

organisational skills to:

coordinate technical and human resource inputs to research activities

prioritise activities to meet contractual requirements

managerial skills

spatial skills to:

display proficiency in the operation of spatial data capture equipment

exercise precision and accuracy in relation to spatial and aspatial data acquisition using electronic equipment

solve problems relating to height, depth, breadth, dimension, direction and position in actual operational activity and virtual representation

understand implications of height, depth, breadth, dimension and position to actual operational activity and virtual representation

team leadership.

Required knowledge and understanding:

emergency survival techniques

expedition planning processes

industry requirements and standards

operations of camping equipment

organisational policies and guidelines

principles of leadership

safe work practices

statutory requirements for the operation of vehicles

survey technical skills.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example unit CPPSIS5024A Perform geodetic surveying computations.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of matching objectives with resources to ensure expeditions proceed in a safe, organised and timely manner, particularly in:

applying known solutions to a range of immediate site problems

accessing and interpreting design information to identify the components to be measured and monitored

displaying ability to function effectively and take care of others in emergency situations

displaying survival skills

planning resources

leading a team.

Specific resources for assessment

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book

assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements

registered training provider of assessment services

relevant guidelines, regulations and codes of practice

suitable venue and equipment.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Context of assessment

Holistic: based on the performance criteria, evidence guide, range statement, and required skills and knowledge.

Method of assessment

Demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).

Demonstrated competency in a range of situations, that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing induction information. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment requires that the clients' objectives and industry expectations are met. If the clients' objectives are narrowly defined or not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of spatial information services requirements to assess competency.

Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge (in assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning or written assessment, questions are to be identical).

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

All practical demonstration must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each State or Territory.

Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (recognition of current competencies [RCC] or recognition of prior learning [RPL]), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Assessment processes will be appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

Objectives may include:

agreed client requirements

written survey specifications.

Principal work activities may:

focus on the expedition's survey activities.

Equipment may include:

camp equipment

surveying instruments

vehicles.

Relevant personnel may include:

colleagues

staff or employee representatives

expedition team members

surveyors.

Organisational policy may include:

code of ethics

company standards

legislation relevant to the work or service function, including equal employment opportunity (EEO)

manuals

OHS policies and procedures

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, teamwork responsibilities and delegations

remote area operations, such as catering and camping requirements.

Contingencies may include:

equipment failure

injury to personnel

personnel turnover

observation errors

obstructions to project plan

weather.

OHS may include:

Australian standards

development of site safety plan

guidelines for survival in remote areas

guidelines for hygienic food preparation and storage

identification of potential hazards

inspection of equipment and supplies

safe operation of gas and electric appliances

training staff in OHS requirements

use of personal protective clothing

use of safety equipment and signage.

Supervisory processes may include:

delegating

implementing activity

monitoring

overseeing practices

reviewing

setting objectives

targeting.

Emergency requirements may include:

food

fire

shelter

water.

Emergency survival and search and rescue techniques may include:

detection and use of emergency food and water supplies

maintenance of positive mental attitudes

map reading

navigation

principles of emergency search and rescue operations

special vehicle operation.

Quality assurance may include:

internal and external

product or service measurement against set criteria

standard verification

target monitoring.

Required documentation may include:

expedition report

field records

survey plots.

Unit sector

Spatial information services

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.