This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.

Prerequisite Unit/s

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify environmental assets and existing activities

1.1. Relevant organisational records and data are identified and analysed to establish existing environmental assets and activities.

1.2. Site inspections are conducted and inspection reports are prepared.

1.3. Review of assets and activities is documented and presented in a format appropriate to the purpose of the review.

2. Identify environmental challenges and opportunities

2.1. Scope, objectives and strategies of the council's environmental management system are clearly defined.

2.2. Existing assets and activities are evaluated against the scope, objectives and desired outcomes of the environmental management system.

2.3. Consultation processes with clients, staff and stakeholders are undertaken.

2.4. The environmental management system is assessed against objective criteria and community expectations within relevant policy and legislation.

2.5. Challenges and opportunities for improvement in environmental outcomes are identified.

3. Prioritise environmental issues

3.1. Criteria are established to enable environmental issues to be prioritised.

3.2. Environmental issues are prioritised against the criteria.

3.3. A range of environmental strategies and actions are developed including mechanisms for implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

3.4. Strategies and actions are incorporated into the environmental management system.

3.5. All stakeholders are informed of strategies and actions, expected outcomes, issues, expected costs and time lines.

3.6. Where necessary the selected strategies and actions are marketed to stakeholders.

Hidden text

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

Required Skills

collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data

consultation with stakeholders

presentation

negotiation

planning, implementation and review processes

evaluation

verbal and written reporting.

Required Knowledge

environmental issues

environmental management and planning

stakeholders' needs and expectations

council structure, policies and services

relevant legislation

resource availability.

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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

The demonstrated ability to:

identify environmental assets and existing assets in an accurate and comprehensive manner and document data analysis in an appropriate format

analyse the existing environmental management system and consult with stakeholders to identify environmental challenges and opportunities

prepare documented criteria for the prioritisation of issues.

Context of assessment

The demonstrated ability to:

identify environmental assets and existing assets in an accurate and comprehensive manner and document data analysis in an appropriate format

analyse the existing environmental management system and consult with stakeholders to identify environmental challenges and opportunities

prepare documented criteria for the prioritisation of issues.

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

To enable holistic assessment this unit may be assessed with other units that form part of the job role.

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

completion of 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 should be collected over a set period of time that is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of situations.

Resource implications

The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace.

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.

Data may include:

surveys

questionnaires

references

stakeholder input

existing reports and programs.

Environmental management system may include:

environmental load reduction and waste minimisation

tenders for the provision of goods and services that specify environmentally preferred selection criteria

protection of land, water and habitat

environmentally sustainable work practices

continuous improvement policies.

Stakeholders may include:

council

community

government

government agencies

local authorities

interest groups

industry

businesses.

Challenges and opportunities may include:

measuring, monitoring and recording environmental performance, and continually setting targets for measurable improvements

all aspects of environmental performance including energy use, waste minimisation, recycling and transport use.

Environmental issues may include:

preventing and minimising the generation of pollution

continuous improvement

substituting materials

changing processes.

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Unit Sector

Land Management

Hidden text

This unit contains employability skills.