Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to access, interpret and apply biodiversity principles and requirements, including monitoring work practices for compliance, and maintaining forest documentation and records.
The unit applies to those who work to identify and protect forest habitats, threatened species, microclimates and landscape features, and who conduct hazard-reduction in an operational forest environment.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare for work | 1.1 Identify and review information on regulatory requirements for the application of biodiversity protection principles for various forest types. 1.2 Identify and interpret key principles and requirements that apply to ecological and biodiversity protection. 1.3 Identify sensitive ecological and biodiversity sites, habitats, landscape features and protection zones in the forest operational plan and maps. |
2. Implement biodiversity protection principles | 2.1 Review work order and identify and clarify ecological and biodiversity requirements. 2.2 Identify endangered communities, threatened species, ecological habitats, sensitive landscape features and protection zones in the field. 2.3 Identify and report existing and potential ecological risks and hazards. 2.4 Apply protection measures for endangered communities, threatened species, ecological habitats and sensitive landscape features and protection zones in line with codes of practice and operational plan. 2.5 Select, apply and verify protection zone methods and materials with appropriate personnel. 2.6 Identify situations requiring specialist advice and seek assistance in line with organisational requirements. |
3. Monitor work practices | 3.1 Monitor and adjust work practices to meet changing conditions 3.2 Monitor and maintain ecological and biodiversity protection work practices in line with codes of practice and operational plan 3.3 Identify and report non-compliant work practices to appropriate personnel 3.4 Identify improved work practices and make recommendations to improve operations |
4. Maintain records | 4.1 Update operational plans with any new threatened species or habitat protection prescriptions. 4.2 Record and report biodiversity protection activities to appropriate personnel. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
access and interpret ecological and biodiversity protection requirements
safely and effectively apply biodiversity protection principles to various types of forests
follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to implementing and monitoring ecological and biodiversity protection of a forest
monitor and maintain ecological and biodiversity protection practices
identify and report non-compliant work practices
complete workplace documentation.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
applicable regulatory and legal requirements that affect forest operations in relation to ecological and biodiversity protection:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act)
Threatened Species Conservation Act
Native Vegetation Act
native forest legislation
private native forest codes
forest operational plans
environmental legislation, policy and procedures
environmental planning and assessment
specific site environmental management plans
relevant codes of practice
water catchment management
surface and ground water conservation requirements
relevant Australian standards and industry standards
hazard reduction policy and procedures
plantation legislation
plantation and reforestation code
fisheries and fish passage
national parks and wildlife legislation
good neighbour policies
award and organisational agreements
heritage and traditional landowner
forest certification, including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) certification
forest operational plans including one or more of the following:
forest operations plan
harvesting plan
plantation establishment plan
coupe plan
roading plan
drainage plan
sediment and erosion control plan
habitats including any area or region where local animals, plants or organisms may live or rely upon for food, water, shelter or breeding purposes:
habitat plants and trees, including:
specific species
burrow
food
roost
nest
recruitment trees
hollow logs
rocky outcrops
rock overhangs
caves
soil mounds
creek or river banks
sheltered valleys or canyons
any other site, feature or zone listed as habitat or potential habitat
protection zones where operational conditions are varied by prescriptions for the management of ecological and biodiversity values including:
buffer zones
filter strips
riparian protection areas
exclusion zones
conservation management plan
regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for ecological and biodiversity protection
established communication channels and protocols
procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
forest operation site
workplace requirements and site standards for applying biodiversity protection principles.
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Oral communication skills to: | work effectively with others to maintain sound ecological and biodiversity protection work practices. |
Reading skills to: | interpret regulatory requirements and workplace documentation. |
Planning and organising skills to: | identify work requirements in line with site conditions analyse data and requirements to plan effective operations. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management
Harvesting and Haulage