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. Identify declared and noxious plants

1.1. Patrolling of council area adequately addresses geographic, land use, seasonal, campaign/ program and budget variables.

1.2. Plants are accurately identified according to generic and subspecies.

1.3. Specialist assistance is sought to establish treatment protocols where applicable.

2. Respond to notification or discovery of infestations and outbreaks

2.1. Land owners and users and other stakeholders or action groups are notified of infestation or outbreak.

2.2. Existing agreements for response are examined and discussed for adequacy.

2.3. Specific response is determined through consultation and stakeholder education wherever possible.

2.4. Land owner/user non-compliance with existing agreement is reported in accordance with council requirements.

3. Implement treatment, eradication or reduction strategy

3.1. Method of treatment is established in accordance with council requirements.

3.2. Best practice for treatment is implemented, including training for handling and applying chemicals or other agents to council and legislative requirements.

3.3. Landowner, employee or contractor undertakes the treatment or strategy.

4. Undertake follow up or programmed review action

4.1. Inspection establishes whether outbreak or infestation is eradicated or contained within currently accepted parameters.

4.2. Further action is incorporated into programmed or agreed activity schedule.

4.3. Reporting to stakeholder groups and government funding bodies is undertaken in accordance with program guidelines.

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

Required Skills

communicating

negotiating

mediating

addressing groups

operating equipment and vehicles

using hoses and booms in control treatments

using knapsacks in control treatments

operating tractor/slasher

operating excavator

agricultural chemical distribution accreditation.

Required Knowledge

types of plants and weeds, their control treatments and mechanisms, seasonality, reproduction, predators and biological control, chemicals, and mechanical removal or destruction

environmental legislation and practices

strategies and forms of agreement involving council, landowners, contractors and government agencies

vehicular access on land and water

capacity and efficiency

aerial survey.

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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

Comprehensive and adequate inspections are undertaken.

Strategies emphasise consultation and voluntary compliance where applicable and notices are issued to enforce requirements, legislation or agreements.

Methods of treatment are practical, cost effective, collaborative, responsible, sustainable and supported by success of treatment shown in follow-up.

Council and legislative guidelines are followed and updated to reflect changes in needs and best practice, in particular relating to environmental and sustainability practices.

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated work 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 will need to be collected over time across a range of variables.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated situation with:

declared plants or weeds

appropriate equipment

forms of agreement to act.

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.

Means of identification may include:

inspection by vehicle, motorcycle, boat, aircraft or on foot

routine or programmed response to complaint or enquiry

joint research or investigation with specialist advisers.

Plants and location may include:

land based

aquatic

tidal

declared

exotic

under investigation.

Response methods may include:

mechanical:

slashing

aqua harvesting

tillage, ripping or grading

excavation

chemical spraying from booms, remote hoses, quad bike mounted and knapsacks

biological, including moths, weevils and rust

disposal, including removal from habitat

prevention strategies:

boundary buffering

seasonal or weather-based review.

Review strategies may include:

updating current practices.

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Unit Sector

Health and Environment

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This unit contains employability skills.