NWPIRR032
Monitor and control rural water distribution operations


Application

This unit describes the skills required to monitor, control and coordinate rural water flow, scheduling and delivery and to report on rural water distribution, including irrigation, domestic and stock supply systems. The ability to identify faults, gather data, interpret technical information and operate technical equipment is essential to performance.

This unit applies to those working as field staff with a responsibility for monitoring and operating rural water distribution systems.

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 related to WHS.

Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks ensuring minimum damage to the environment, in a familiar context.

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. Monitor water delivery system

1.1 Perform routine inspections of channel flow rates, regulations and delivery according to demand and organisational and statutory requirements.

1.2 Gather and record system performance data.

1.3 Identify and correct system faults according to plans and service standards.

1.4 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

2. Control processes

2.1 Determine and apply system adjustments required to meet demands.

2.2 Initiate and coordinate system adjustments required for delivery or channel flow rates.

2.3 Integrate processes to improve the delivery network performance.

3. Analyse data and compile reports

3.1 Conduct analysis of actual performance against planned system performance using system data and records.

3.2 Compile reports from system performance data.

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 one occasion.

solving operational problems

calculating water flows

laying and joining pipes

installing associated fittings and components

interpreting and following plans, instructions and standard operating procedures

using safety equipment and personal protective equipment

using tools and machinery

identifying hazards

monitoring, controlling and coordinating rural water flow, scheduling and delivery

conducting system inspections

gathering and recording system performance data

identifying and correcting system faults

adjusting system to meet demand

integrating processes

analysing system performance

completing required documentation


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.

inspection of rural distribution systems

coordination processes

system layout and processes

environmental aspects of rural distribution systems

policies and standard operating procedures

relevant utilities and service bodies

risk factors and potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of rural water distribution systems

pipes and fittings

pumping and valving systems

gravity and control 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

Irrigation