NWPHYD012
Establish monitoring sites


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills required to establish monitoring sites to organisational standards. The ability to interpret and apply technical specifications and to establish sites to support the collection of data is central to successful performance.

This unit applies to hydrographers employed by the water industry and to water operators involved in the monitoring of all the elements of the water cycle and their impact on the related environment.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to WHS, Bureau of Meteorology, World Meteorological Organisation and Australian Standards.

Those undertaking this unit would work in small teams, mostly under supervision, while performing complex tasks in a broad range of contexts, that could be unpredictable, including remote, confined spaces, near water and/or at heights.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Plan the establishment of monitoring sites and facilities

1.1 Identify monitoring requirements based on business objectives of the site or facility.

1.2 Identify and confirm the establishment requirements and standard procedures for the site or facility.

1.3 Consult with stakeholders.

1.4 Conduct site investigations and surveys to select sites and equipment fit for purpose.

1.5 Prepare project and risk management plans and designs for the establishment of the site or facility and secure authorisation.

2. Establish the site and facilities

2.1 Conduct a site specific risk assessment.

2.2 Identify, assemble and check the equipment required for the task prior to use.

2.3 Establish the site or facility according to the project plan.

2.4 Establish and register sites and ancillary infrastructure.

2.5 Complete records of the establishment process.

3. Support data collection

3.1 Determine and apply instrument and site maintenance schedules.

3.2 Determine and apply testing schedules.

3.3 Put in place processes to monitor instrument performance and take corrective action as required.

3.4 Maintain test records.

3.5 Compile and store reports and documentation.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in doing at least two installations on at least two types of monitoring sites. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least oneoccasion.

applying construction and mechanical skills to the effective establishment of monitoring sites and facilities

using work practices to minimise environmental impact of the establishment process

using hand and power tools and other relevant equipment

conducting inspections

producing and compiling reports and documents

reading and interpreting plans, specifications, maps and job instructions

communicating with employees and customers

using communication systems

giving and receiving instructions

applying skills specific to the industry and for working safely in remote locations including:

remote area survival

water safety

high-voltage work

hazardous environments

confined spaces

gathering, interpreting and applying construction and technical documentation relating to the establishment of monitoring sites and facilities

adhering to organisational and industry standards for testing and monitoring instruments

working safely using safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identifying, reporting and solving potential or actual problems with scope of job function.


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

mathematics and hydrology principles relevant to the role

operating parameters, processes and capacity limitations of monitoring sites and facilities

risk factors and potential hazards involved in establishing sites and facilities

WHS procedures

standards relevant to the installation tasks including construction standards and codes


Assessment Conditions

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.


Competency Field

Hydrography