Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to maintain surface catchment areas and associated rivers, lakes, water bodies, dams, water storages and groundwater areas in a manner that meets organisational standards and contributes to the maintenance of water quality, and the protection of the environment and the public. The ability to maintain environmental conditions, undertake maintenance and report outcomes is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as field staff with specific responsibility for maintaining catchment and surrounding areas and contributing to catchment management and control.
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, catchment security and catchment emergency response.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or in a team, while performing routine tasks in range of familiar contexts.
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. Prepare 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 risks and apply appropriate control measures. 1.4 Plan maintenance work to be conducted within required timeframe, using allocated resources. |
2. Maintain environmental condition of waterways and surrounding areas | 2.1 Remove and dispose of dead livestock or native fauna from waterways and surrounding catchments. 2.2 Remove flood debris from waterways and surrounding areas. 2.3 Carry out fuel reduction burns. 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. |
3. Eradicate 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 Remove noxious weeds and feral pests. 3.3 Compile reports on eradication process. |
4. Perform 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 Record and report maintenance performed. |
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.
undertaking inspections of catchment and surrounds
identifying and responding to maintenance problems
maintaining surface catchment areas
interpreting work requirements
monitoring and reporting environmental conditions
maintaining catchment areas and removing debris and noxious weeds and pests
performing minor maintenance tasks
compiling reports
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.
environmental, landscape and ground structure of work area
risk factors and potential hazards of surface water systems
catchment emergency response and catchment security procedures
effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant
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
Source