This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff with specific responsibility for maintaining catchment and surrounding areas and contributing to catchment management and control.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Prepare for work.

1.1 Access and review catchment inspection records describing maintenance requirements for action.

1.2 Identify and apply work requirements and timelines for performing maintenance tasks of catchments and surrounding areas.

1.3 Assess site, equipment and methods to be used for hazards or risks and apply appropriate control measures using safe work procedures.

1.4 Plan maintenance work to be conducted within required timeframe, using allocated resources effectively and according to legislative and organisational requirements.

2Maintain environmental condition of waterways and surrounding areas.

2.1 Remove dead livestock or native fauna from waterways and surrounding catchments and dispose of according to organisational requirements.

2.2 Remove flood debris from waterways and surrounding areas according to organisational procedures.

2.3 Carry out fuel reduction burns according to organisational procedures.

2.4 Apply basic control measures to contain or control chemical spills or contaminated water supplies.

2.5 Identify and report potential or emerging changes to environmental conditions according to organisational requirements.

3Eradicate noxious weeds and feral pests.

3.1 Identify noxious weeds and feral pests that are contributing to degradation of catchment and surrounding areas.

3.2 Use standard organisational procedures for managing and removing noxious weeds and feral pests according to safe work practices.

3.3 Compile reports on eradication process according to organisational procedures.

4Perform minor maintenance.

4.1 Identify infrastructure requiring minor maintenance.

4.2 Apply erosion control measures for waterways and surrounding areas.

4.3 Make repairs using appropriate equipment and resources to a standard that meets organisational requirements.

4.4 Provide reports of maintenance performed according to organisational procedures.

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

Required skills:

undertake inspections of catchment and surrounds

identify and respond to maintenance problems

use communication systems

provide basic verbal or written reports

follow plans and instructions

perform work-related calculations

follow organisational procedures and standards

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

communicate with customers and other employees

use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace

work effectively as part of a team.

Required knowledge:

environmental, landscape and ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards of surface water systems

catchment emergency response procedures

catchment security procedures

operation of communication systems

customer service

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

relevant utilities and service bodies

equipment operation.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to maintain surface catchment areas including:

interpreting work requirements

monitoring and reporting environmental conditions

maintaining catchment areas and removing debris and noxious weeds and pests according to legislative and organisational requirements

performing minor maintenance tasks

compiling reports.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Performing maintenance tasks may require:

interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public

visual observation

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements

bushcraft

eradication of feral pests and noxious plants

identification of declared flora

fire suppression or fuel reduction procedures

system layout.

Equipment used may include:

personal protective equipment

electronic digital monitoring systems

recording systems

on- and off-road vehicle operation

basic hand and power tools

communication equipment, including:

two-way radio

telephone

fax

small marine craft.

Basic control measures may include:

minor earthworks, such as bunding and diversions

booms and other temporary bunding systems

aeration

eductor trucks

hay bales

geofabric and beaching.

Infrastructure that may require minor maintenance includes:

fences and gates

buildings, plant and equipment

signage

roads, tracks and paths

public facilities including:

bridges

boardwalks

display boards

campgrounds

picnic areas

toilets

fireplaces.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.