FWPFGM4207
Conduct a forest site assessment


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to plan, implement and review a forest site assessment. The unit includes the assessment of soils, terrain, slope, rainfall and environmental aspects of the forest area.

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.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


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. Plan assessment

1.1 Determine required frequency and size of sample areas of assessment for particular forest area, from inventory programs, budgets and organisational guidelines.

1.2 Research methods to assess forest site for the location.

1.3 Select method to assess forest site with reference to location, topography, and the forest management plan.

1.4 Review site environmental protection measures that apply to the site.

1.5 Document plan to assess forest site.

2. Implement plan to assess forest site

2.1 Negotiate schedule for the assessment with other forest personnel.

2.2 Coordinate people, materials and equipment for the assessment.

2.3 Obtain permits or licences required for the assessment.

2.4 Direct personnel in data collection on forest site.

2.5 Ensure compliance with quality, WHS and other organisational procedures throughout the assessment.

2.6 Communicate regularly with operational staff and contractors to ensure smooth operation and progress.

2.7 Review data for accuracy, translate and report.

3. Review assessment

3.1 Assessment procedures are reviewed for potential improvements

3.2 Assessment method is reviewed and diagnosed for potential improvements.

3.3 Assessment outcomes are reported to the 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. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to assessing a forest site

accurately and safely calculate and analyse data on the soils, terrain, slope, rainfall, environmental specifications of a forest site in a sample area.

coordinate people, resources and equipment for the efficient assessment of a forest site

identify and report methods of improvement for the assessment of a forest site

record and report on the outcomes of the assessment of a forest site.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

organisational policies and procedures for conducting a forest site assessment

environmental protection measures relevant to conducting a forest site assessment including:

ground growth

canopy

general forest lean

wind speed and direction

fallen trees

density of trees

ground slope

soil and water protection

ground hazards and obstacles

environmental risks and hazards associated with assessing a forest site

site factors and how they affect different species

topography including

soils

terrain

slope

rainfall

environmental specifications

techniques and methods for assessing a forest site

types of tools and equipment for conducting a forest site assessment, and procedures for their safe use and maintenance.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment conditions

The following resources must be made available:

a suitable forest area on which conduct a site assessment

plant tools and equipment suitable to conduct a forest site assessment

organisational policies and procedures relevant to conducting a forest site assessment

PPE suitable to conduct a forest site 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

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

determine appropriate sample area for assessment

Oral communication skills to:

direct the work of others

Planning and organising skills to:

schedule time and sequence tasks, resources and equipment for assessment of environmental aspects of the forest area.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Forest Growing and Management