Application
This unit describes the skills required to provide technical support in a scientific and/or research environment. It includes planning and organising technical duties, collecting and recording information, and compiling and reporting data.
This unit applies to those working in technical support in a scientific and research environment.
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 would work under 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 organise technical duties | 1.1 Confirm outputs for defined area of responsibility and identify technical duties and responsibilities. 1.2 Determine processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements. 1.3 Determine risk management practices, work health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements. 1.4 Obtain and prepare resources and equipment. |
2. Collect and record information | 2.1 Carry out technical duties under general direction. 2.2 Collect and record information in accordance with planned processes and timelines. 2.3 Use and maintain resources and equipment. 2.4 Follow risk management practices, work health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements. |
3. Compile and report data | 3.1 Compile data and maintain records. 3.2 Manipulate data and deal with irregularities in accordance with task requirements. 3.3 Prepare reports in accordance with task requirements. |
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.
analysing mathematical data
observing and reporting
using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes
reading formal documents and applying them in the workplace
writing technical reports requiring precision of expression
operating machinery and experimental equipment
applying work health and safety and environmental requirements related to working in a scientific and/or technological research environment
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.
experimental procedures and scientific methods
analytical techniques
simple statistical analysis
the scientific/technological area
work health and safety, environmental protections, public sector legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research and/or technical environment
standard operating procedures and/or work instructions
technical support work relevant to specialist area
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Government Science and Technology