Application
This unit describes the skills required to operate and maintain automated and manual fishways by regulating flows into fishway channels, including handling and disposing of fish.
This unit applies to field staff with the responsibility for operating fishways in remote locations.
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.
Those undertaking this unit will work independently under indirect supervision while performing routine tasks in a 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. Plan and prepare work | 1.1 Determine and apply the operational rules for the fishways from design reports. 1.2 Perform site check to establish upstream flows coming into the weir. 1.3 Plan gate opening and gate operations. 1.4 Develop plans for the maintenance of the fishways. |
2. Operate the fishways | 2.1 Regulate weir and fishway gates to maintain fish attraction flows. 2.2 Identify, sort and record fish species and numbers. 2.3 Collect samples and test for temperature, DO, pH and conductivity. 2.4 Release native fish into weir pool and dispose of noxious fish. |
3. Maintain the fishways | 3.1 Inspect the fishway channel, gates, baffles and cage to identify maintenance needs. 3.2 Test equipment and schedule maintenance tasks. |
4. Finalise work | 4.1 Monitor and record water flow. 4.2 Collect fishway data from inspections and monitoring points. 4.3 Compile reports from the fishway 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.
interpreting policies, procedures and standards
identifying and investigating operational problems coordinating the operation of the fishway gates
handling and disposing of fish
identifying fish species and their behaviour
collecting samples
collecting data
producing plans
operating fishing handling equipment
maintaining the fishway channel including relevant:
removing debris
painting metal work
repairing concrete
repairing lift equipment
lubricating gate slides
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.
fish species and their behaviour
basic fish biology
fishway passage requirements
operating rules for fishways
fishway hydraulics
fish handling
blackwater events
sampling and testing requirements
maintenance requirements of fishway channel
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