NWPSOU013
Monitor and coordinate catchment operations


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 monitoring and coordinating 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 Schedule routine inspections of catchment areas to identify water quality risks.

1.2 Collect, analyse and report catchment data.

1.3 Collect and record water samples.

1.4 Monitor and report on activities within the catchment area.

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

2. Monitor inflows and outflows

2.1 Inspect flow regulating systems and determine required adjustments to meet demand.

2.2 Identify and report flows into, and conditions of, catchment areas.

3. Operate and coordinate catchment processes

3.1 Identify, address and, if appropriate, report problems within catchment areas.

3.2 Monitor and coordinate processes to maintain the parameters of operation.

3.3 Integrate processes to improve source performance.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Review and action investigation results.

4.2 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


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

system layout and processes

environmental aspects of catchment areas

policies and standard operating procedures

a general understanding of water and wastewater treatment and the effect of floods on these systems

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

pumping and valving systems

control systems

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