Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to use appropriate survey equipment to collect survey data at monitoring sites and to process and manage the data for hydrographic purposes.
This unit applies to hydrographers employed by the water industry and 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 autonomously, supervising staff, 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 and assess survey requirements | 1.1 Identify the survey objectives and any required standard processes and software. 1.2 Identify the location and value of survey reference marks from maps and plans. 1.3 Choose and justify appropriate survey techniques for specific hydraulic conditions and hydrographic purposes. 1.4 Identify and evaluate the source of levelling errors and misclosures. 1.5 Plan and manage the logistics and personnel to ensure effective outcomes and resource management. 1.6 Apply correct care procedure for storage, transport and use of survey equipment. 1.7 Assess and address WHS issues that may be encountered during the surveying exercise, taking appropriate risk management strategies. 1.8 Apply for and confirm authorisations for entry to property. |
2. Operate survey equipment | 2.1 Select, set up and prepare survey equipment for use and check level of accuracy. 2.2 Use mathematical techniques to check for correct operation. 2.3 Use suitable survey equipment. |
3. Select and survey monitoring sites | 3.1 Identify required survey reference benchmarks. 3.2 Establish cease-to-flow level of controlling feature. 3.3 Identify and assess high-flow cross-section and sectional control by survey. 3.4 Survey sections of channels to determine the profile of the channel in the gauging station reach. 3.5 Identify and assess monitoring site survey reference points. 3.6 Establish benchmark and survey to Australian Height Datum. 3.7 Use different surveying techniques. |
4. Document survey and data results | 4.1 Verify results in corporate database. 4.2 Document and store results. 4.3 Produce a plot or plan of survey results. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.
locating features on maps and plans, finding survey reference marks and plotting locations
preparing, setting up and operating surveying equipment
preparing and loading surveying equipment for transportation
maintaining surveying equipment
preparing and holding staves
measuring horizontal distance by stadia
identifying physically survey reference mark
applying sightings and standard error checks
gathering and interpreting complex documentation
applying documentation to the development and maintenance of rating curves
analysing and verifying data using standard procedures, softwares and databases
preparing clear and accurate reports
capturing, storing and archiving data
identifying, reporting and providing solutions to a range of flow conditions
using a GPS
applying appropriate datum and projections
carrying out collimation test to check accuracy
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.
mathematical and other scientific techniques relevant to the analysis of hydrographic data
interaction of physico-chemical parameters of the process being monitored and the impact on data being recorded
sensor and/or system characteristics and signal processing and/or algorithms, specifically with chemical sensors
computer software relevant to the analysis and archiving of hydrographic data
water sampling and testing procedures
procedures for use of remote contact communication systems
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