PSPSCI008
Provide high-level scientific technical support


Application

This unit describes the skills required to provide high-level technical support with responsibility in a defined technical area for experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical functions. It includes determining and organising high-level technical duties, obtaining and recording information, and assessing and reporting data.

This unit applies to those working as high-level technical support in a defined technical area.

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 autonomously, with supervisory responsiblities, while performing complex 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. Determine and organise high-level technical duties

1.1 Confirm outputs for defined technical area and determine technical duties and responsibilities.

1.2 Determine processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements and organise technical duties.

1.3 Determine risk management strategies, work health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements and explain to junior staff as necessary.

1.4 Organise resources and equipment and supervise their preparation.

2. Obtain and record information

2.1 Carry out technical and supervisory duties.

2.2 Provide technical leadership and influence individuals to meet required outputs.

2.3 Carry out and/or supervise the collection and recording of information in accordance with planned processes and timelines.

2.4 Monitor information and deal with contingencies.

2.5 Use and maintain resources and equipment.

3. Assess and report data

3.1 Monitor data input and records maintenance.

3.2 Manipulate data, assess results and deal with irregularities.

3.3 Prepare and present reports.

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 technical leadership to influence others to meet required outputs

using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

reading formal documents including legislation and instructions and applying them in the workplace

analysing mathematical data and problem solving

writing technical reports requiring precision of expression

operating machinery and experimental equipment


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

statistical analysis

broad understanding of the scientific area

work health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technical environment

standard operating procedures and/or work instructions

leadership of others in a scientific and/or technical environment

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