Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to assess the presence and level of pests and diseases within a forest area. The unit includes the assessment of animal populations, weeds, diseases and pests.
The unit applies to job roles including Arboriculture Supervisor, Farm Forestry Supervisor, Forestry Supervisor, Forestry Operations Supervisor, Harvesting Supervisor, Harvesting Team Leader, Propagation and Stand Health Supervisor and Tree Farm Supervisor.
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 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 assessment | 1.1 Determine frequency of assessment for particular forest area, and calculate size of sample area from inventory programs, budgets and organisational guidelines. 1.2 Research pests and diseases for the area. 1.3 Select methods of pest and disease measurement according to the forest management plan. 1.4 Locate and adhere to site environmental protection measures. |
2. Implement pests and diseases assessment | 2.1 Select method of assessment with regard to the forest type, and local, environmental and organisational guidelines. 2.2 Coordinate people, materials and equipment for the assessment. 2.3 Organise schedule for the site assessment in conjunction with other relevant forest operations personnel 2.4 Obtain permits or licences required for the assessment. 2.5 Direct personnel to undertake the assessment and collect the data on pests and diseases 2.6 Communicate regularly with contractors and operational staff to ensure smooth operation and progress. 2.7 Review and report on data retrieved from the assessment. |
3. Monitor and review assessment | 3.1 Check compliance with environmental protection measures, relevant legislation and regulations. 3.2 Monitor operational staff and contractors during the assessment phase and address problems or issues promptly. 3.3 Monitor and review operational activities for potential improvements. 3.4 Review assessment method for potential improvements. 3.5 Record and report on assessment results according to 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 organisational policies and procedures relevant to conducting a pests and diseases assessment
identify the physical, biological, and environmental indicators of the presence of pests and diseases found in a forest
accurately and safely measure the numbers of pests in a sample area
coordinate people, resources and equipment for an efficient assessment for pests and diseases
identify methods of improvement for an assessment of pests and diseases
accurately interpret data on pests and diseases
record and report on the outcomes of an assessment of pests and diseases.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for conducting pest and disease assessment
environmental protection requirements in relation to conducting a pests and diseases assessment
organisational policies and procedures for conducting pest and disease assessment
types of pests and diseases including:
Fauna, including avian fauna, rodents, feral cats and wild dogs, and insects
Flora including weeds and creeping plants and diseases that affect plants
methods and techniques to assess animal populations, diseases, pests and weeds
methods for measuring and collecting data on pests and diseases
safe use and application of tools and equipment used to conduct a pest and disease assessment
procedures to obtain a permit or licence to conduct an assessment
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
organisational policies and procedures relevant to conducting a pest and disease assessment
PPE suitable to conduct a pest and disease assessment
tools and equipment to conduct a pest and disease assessment
forest site suitable to conduct a pest and disease assessment
relevant contractors and operational staff for the purposes of communication
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
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management