Application
This unit describes the skills required to inspect and monitor catchment areas, monitor flows and coordinate catchment processes. The ability to collect data and samples, monitor and adjust regulatory systems, identify and investigate catchment problems and produce technical reports is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as field staff with a specific responsibility for inspecting, monitoring and reporting catchment operations.
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. The level of responsibility may vary according to the size and complexity of the catchment area.
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. Inspect and monitor catchment operations | 1.1 Identify and apply work requirements for undertaking inspections of catchments and surrounding areas. 1.2 Schedule routine inspections of catchment areas to identify water quality risks. 1.3 Inspect and monitor designated locations according to agreed schedule and procedures. 1.4 Inspect flow regulating systems and determine required adjustments to meet demand. 1.5 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment. |
2. Operate and report catchment conditions | 2.1 Measure and record catchment inflows and outflows or extractions. 2.2 Collect and record water samples according to sampling requirements. 2.3 Identify organisation standards for the condition and maintenance of catchment environment. 2.4 Identify and report changes to environmental conditions. 2.5 Identify and report flows into, and conditions of, catchment areas. |
3. Assist in investigating hazards, risks and catchment security | 3.1 Identify and report activities within catchment that pose a hazard or risk to the public, water quality or the environment. 3.2 Identify and report activities of external parties within the catchment and surrounding area that breach organisational guidelines. 3.3 Check and confirm public complaints and report to relevant personnel. |
4. Complete documentation | 4.1 Collect and analyse catchment data. 4.2 Review and action investigation results. 4.3 Compile reports from catchment inspections. |
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.
using safety equipment and personal protective equipment
using pest eradication equipment
calculating flow and capacity
coordinating safety surveillance
identifying control system faults
inspecting and monitoring catchment areas
monitoring flows
coordinating catchment processes
inspecting catchment areas and identifying water quality risks
monitoring catchment and collecting and reporting catchment data
collecting samples
inspecting and adjusting flow regulating systems
identifying and reporting on flows into the catchment area
assessing and reporting on the condition of the catchment area
identifying and addressing risks and hazards
monitoring and integrating catchments processes
completing documentation
implementing actions resulting from investigations
monitoring and/or reporting illegal activities
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 catchments
coordination processes
by-laws and legislation
catchment layout and processes
environmental aspects of catchment areas
policies and standard operating procedures
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
hazardous substances handling
communication systems
risk factors and potential hazards involved with catchment area processes, equipment operation, capacity and limitations
effects of weather and conditions on operation of catchment areas
pest control specifications
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