This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance within councils of varying size and locations. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The role of council staff, elected members and management in protecting and managing the natural and built environment must be appropriately reflected.

Prerequisite Unit/s

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Locate breeding and harbourage sites of nominated vectors

1.1. Response to reports from public, agency staff or council departments is within service and indicative health guidelines.

1.2. Access to property is in accordance with council/health program protocols and effectively communicated to landowners and tenants.

1.3. Breeding sites or potential breeding sites for insects are identified, including use of sampling and trapping techniques.

1.4. Harbourages or potential harbourages for vermin are identified.

2. Assist in the control and reduction of nominated vectors

2.1. Insects and vermin are treated according to council/health program guidelines.

2.2. Appropriate protocols are followed by staff and contractors to ensure workplace and public safety.

2.3. Activity is programmed effectively to ensure response that is appropriate to season, weather or invasion.

3. Issue notices to properties in breach of vector or vermin legislation

3.1. Notices are issued in accordance with council and program regulations.

3.2. Voluntary compliance principles are observed.

4. Conduct follow up inspections of vector breeding and harbourage sites

4.1. Inspections are conducted at intervals appropriate to season or cycle to achieve optimum compliance.

4.2. Breaches and ineffective reduction are addressed.

4.3. Hazard reduction and cost recovery action is in accordance with council regulations.

5. Provide general advice to the public in relation to vector control

5.1. Community education programs are programmed to achieve maximum impact and budgetary effectiveness.

5.2. Enquiries are responded to promptly and new issues for inclusion in program are identified.

6. Provide reports on activity

6.1. Data is supplied to assist in program reporting to council/health program funding authorities.

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This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

observation and survey

written and verbal communication

basic computer skills including word processing, scheduling, spreadsheets, databases, global positioning systems and council mapping system

school and public presentations

operating four-wheel drive manual vehicle, quad bike, hand-held and motorised spray units, mister and two-way radio.

Required Knowledge

legislation and local laws

environmental and sustainability practices

mosquito/mosquito larvae and fly identification and breeding sites, nominated vector identification and evidence of infestation and potential harbourage areas, local weather patterns and rainfall

application of treatments (e.g. ratio mixing of chemicals)

occupational health and safety

chemical safety.

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Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Effective response to complaints, reports and location of vectors.

Identification and treatment of outbreaks or threats, including advice to landowners and follow up to assess effectiveness of control measures.

Application of council policy, including cost recovery

Environmental impact of control measures

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units)

Prerequisite units: nil.

Co-requisite units: nil.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completing workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence may need to be collected against all elements over time or against a range of variables.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated situation with access to:

vectors and harbourage sites

control measures and equipment

legislation and procedures.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Vectors may include:

insects, particularly mosquitoes, midges and flies

exotic and agricultural such as fruit flies or imported species

vermin, including rodents, spiders, cockroaches, ants and termite infestation.

Breeding and harbourage sites may include:

overgrown, littered or polluted allotments and drains

waterways, tidal flats and low-lying land

domestic sites, gutters, stormwater drainage and gardens

commercial sites, storage, building sites and under buildings

agricultural and vulnerable plants or species

public land, sports fields and recreation areas.

Control and reduction may include:

trapping, analysis and identification

habitat destruction, vegetation control, drainage maintenance, sediment reduction and weed clearance

pest eradication, misting and spraying, life cycle and reproduction measures.

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Unit Sector

Health and Environment

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This unit contains employability skills.