Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to collect data and samples from specified areas for the purposes of assessment. Data and samples can be for a diverse range of items including foliage, wood, soil, seeds, pollen, weeds and insects. The unit includes interpreting maps and plans, marking the sample area, measuring aspects of the sample area, and recording the results in a format suitable for further analysis. Work is completed in a forest environment.
The unit applies to Forestry worker, Arboriculture worker, Farm forestry worker, Nursery worker
Plantation establishment worker, Plantation forest officer, Silviculturist
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states & territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction
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 sampling | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Identify purpose and requirements for sampling from work order. 1.3 Identify sample area from map, plan or work order and interpret relationship of sample area to whole area. 1.4 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. |
2. Collect data or samples | 2.1 Mark boundaries and corners for sample area using appropriate techniques. 2.2 Re-mark unclear or obliterated markings in line with organisational procedures. 2.3 Take measurements using appropriate equipment in line with organisational procedures. 2.4 Collect and label samples in line with work order. |
3. Complete records | 3.1 Record collected data or samples in line with organisational procedures. 3.2 Check results and rectify omissions and errors. 3.3 Submit samples and records for assessment 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.
Complete data and sample collection jobs in line with an individual work order prescribing different sampling areas, purpose for collection and type of data and samples to be collected
across the above jobs, collect data for and samples of one or more of the following materials:
foliage
wood
soil
seeds
pollen
weeds
insects
for each of the above jobs, record results of data and sample collection in a format suitable for analysis.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
common purposes for collecting data or samples:
calculating volume of timber and residue
inventory control
stock count
assisting with trials
environmental assessment
conducting pest and disease surveys
documenting site factors
methods used to identify boundaries and corners and for marking areas:
pegging
placing flags
placing balloons
spraying
types of samples commonly collected and techniques to collect and label:
foliage
wood
soil
seeds
pollen
weeds
insects
typical stock defects and visual characteristicsfrom the effects of:
pests
diseases
nutritional deficiencies
typical hazards present in forest environments, and methods of minimising risks and moving through the environment safely:
slope
water
rock
undergrowth
slash
depressions and holes
falling or fallen branches
format, content and use of documents used to record data and sample collection and methods used to record information for analysis
purpose, features and safe operation of data and sample collection equipment:
measuring tape
callipers
measuring poles
paint
purpose-specific balloons
flags
pegs
mallet
pruning shears
organisational procedures specific to collecting data and samples:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on use of personal protective equipment
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting data and sample collection.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
measuring tools and instruments:
measuring tape
callipers
measuring pole
marking tools and instruments:
paint
purpose-specific balloons
flags
pegs
mallet
pruning shears
sample collection container and labels
personal protective equipment suitable for collecting data and samples
work order with specific instructions for collecting data and samples
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
maps for the area subject to data and sample collection
documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proformas documents for recording data and sample collection
organisational procedures for collecting data and samples.
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: | interpret numerical data and symbols on maps complete sometimes complex calculations and record numerical data involving areas, ratios, percentages, volumes, lengths and diameters |
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 site plans and maps. |
Writing skills to: | accurately label samples and complete basic routine records for data and samples. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence the stages of preparation and sampling work using work order to guide activities. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management