Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to select suitable tree stock and plant trees mechanically. Work is completed in a forest environment setting.
The unit applies to Forestry worker, Arboriculture worker, Farm forestry worker, Nursery worker
Plantation establishment worker, Plantation forest officer, Silviculturist
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 planting operations | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.3 Obtain and prepare planting stock in line with work order |
2. Prepare for planting | 2.1 Assess plant site for suitability and prepare in line with work order. 2.2 Select stock quantity from tree stock in line with production target and stock quality. 2.3 Select work methods and patterns to suit tree type, plant site and type of equipment. 2.4 Identify and resolve site or equipment hazards in line with organisational safety procedures. |
3. Plant forest trees | 3.1 Check planting machine operational effectiveness prior to planting and report faults if identified. 3.2 Use planting machine to plant tree stock in line with production target, manufacturer’s instructions and organisational safety and risk minimisation procedures. 3.3 Identify and dispose of unsuitable tree stock in line with environmental protection practices. 3.4 Maintain and store equipment and remaining tree stock in line with organisational procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
follow work order to plant trees mechanically, according to specific work order requirements
assess the site and plant tree stock mechanically by:
checking for appropriate atmosphere, moisture content and seasonal suitability for planting
ensuring appropriate spacing and growth suitability for each tree
handling tree stock minimally
use the following tools and equipment safely and efficiently when handling tree stock:
planting machine
tube planter
planting frame
harness
auger
identify and resolve the following problems when planting tree stock:
site or equipment issues:
equipment faults and malfunctions
environmental safety hazards
unsuitable planting stock affected by:
pests
disease
nutritional deficiencies.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
typical hazards present in forest planting situations:
slope
water
rock
undergrowth
slash
depressions and holes
falling or fallen branches
typical stock defects and visual characteristics:
pests
diseases
nutritional deficiencies
factors to consider for planting trees and how these affect quality and characteristics of grown trees:
planting depth
spacing and row positioning of seedlings
root placement
purpose, features, operation and maintenance of tree planting machines
organisational procedures specific to planting trees mechanically
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock-out, risk control and use of personal protective equipment
communication reporting lines.
environmental protection practices for forest settings:
cleaning plant, tools and equipment
disposing of and recycling waste
returning the environment to its original or near to original condition on completion of activity
safe manual handling techniques for operating in forest settings, specifically those for:
shifting
lifting
carrying tree stock
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
planting machine
tube planter
planting frames
harnesses
augers
personal protective equipment suitable for planting trees
commercial quantities of tree stock for planting
work order with specific instructions for types and quantities of trees to be planted
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
organisational procedures for planting trees mechanically.
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. | |
Numeracy skills to: | complete routine calculations involving depth, width and spacing in to plant trees. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify contents of work orders. |
Reading skills to: | interpret: workplace health and safety and other organisational procedures work orders manufacturers’ instructions. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management