This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff with a specific responsibility monitoring and coordinating river regulation operations.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Inspect and monitor system performance and usage.

1.1 Schedule routine inspections of rivers or waterways and monitor problem reporting according to organisational and statutory requirements.

1.2 Collect and report on data relating to the condition of the river system and usage according to organisational requirements.

1.3 Monitor the collection and recording of water samples according to organisational procedures and equipment used.

1.4 Monitor water quality according to organisational requirements.

2Regulate flows.

2.1 Inspect flow regulating systems and determine and apply adjustments required to meet demand.

2.2 Regulate river flows according to organisational requirements.

3Operate and coordinate processes.

3.1 Identify, address and report conditions of the river system according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Integrate processes to improve river system performance according to organisational and statutory requirements.

3.3 Receive, analyse and report flood plain data according to organisational requirements.

4Complete documentation.

4.1 Review and action investigation results according to organisational requirements.

4.2 Compile reports from river system data to meet organisational requirements.

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

Required skills:

solve operational problems

produce reports and logs

collect and analyse data

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

use marine craft

interpret plans, policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

identify control system faults

identify water quality risks and prepare protection strategies.

Required knowledge:

river flow regimes

coordination processes

environmental aspects of river systems

system processes

safety procedures

policies, standard operating procedures and legislation

communication systems

risk factors and potential hazards involved with river systems

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of river systems

pipes and fittings

pumping and valving systems

control systems

pest control specifications.

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 inspect and monitor river systems, coordinate river system operations and measure and report on river flows including:

inspecting rivers and waterways

monitoring river systems and collecting and reporting data

collecting samples

inspecting and adjusting flow regulating systems

assessing and reporting on the condition of the river system area

analysing flood plain data

monitoring and integrating river system processes

completing documentation

implementing actions resulting from investigations.

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/or 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, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting 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 if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Inspection may require:

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

visual observation

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

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment

World Health Organisation standards

relevant Australian Standards

manufacturer's standards and specifications

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Equipment used may include:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

manual chart recording systems

on- and off-road vehicles

marine craft

personal protective equipment

communication equipment.

Flow regulating systems may include:

pumping systems

valving systems

control systems.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.