PSPSCI201A - Contribute to the provision of scientific technical support

PSPSCI201A
Contribute to the provision of scientific technical support

This unit covers the provision of technical support in a scientific/research environment, working under direct guidance and contributing to routine technical duties such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks. It includes confirming and preparing for technical tasks, contributing to the collection of information and recording data.In practice, the contribution of technical support overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as acting ethically, communicating, delivering client service, accessing and using resources, handling information, working safely.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Not applicable.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Confirm and prepare for technical tasks	1.1 Technical tasks are clarified and confirmed with other staff members in accordance with organisational requirements. 1.2 Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are confirmed in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 1.3 Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements relating to the work are investigated and confirmed. 1.4 Resources and equipment are obtained and prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements .
2. Contribute to the collection of information	2.1 Technical tasks are carried out under supervision in accordance with organisational requirements. 2.2 Information is collected in accordance with set processes and timelines. 2.3 Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 2.4 Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements.
3. Record data	3.1 Data is recorded in accordance with organisational and task requirements. 3.2 Data records are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

working with mathematical data

observing and reporting

using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

reading formal documents such as legislation and workplace instructions and applying them in the workplace

using technology for word processing and data management

operating machinery and experimental equipment

applying occupational health and safety and environmental requirements related to working in a scientific/technological research environment

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the provision of scientific technical support

basic experimental procedures and scientific methods

the scientific/technological area (broad understanding)

organisational code of practice

standard operating procedures and/or work instructions

working with others in a scientific/technical environment

occupational health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together	Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to: PSPGOV201B Work in a public sector environment PSPGOV202B Use routine workplace communication techniques PSPGOV203B Deliver a service to clients PSPGOV204B Access and use resources PSPGOV206B Handle workplace information PSPOHS201B Follow workplace safety procedures
Overview of evidence requirements	In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms: the knowledge requirements of this unit the skill requirements of this unit application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework) contribution to routine scientific technical duties in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment	These resources include: legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols operating procedures/work instructions industry standards scientific/technological equipment and machinery related to the research environment personal protective equipment case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when contributing to the provision of scientific technical support
Where and how to assess evidence	Valid assessment of this unit requires: a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when contributing to the provision of scientific technical support, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine contribution to routine scientific technical duties in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions over time) Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as: people with disabilities people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women young people older people people in rural and remote locations Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of: case studies demonstration observation portfolios projects questioning scenarios simulation or role plays authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment	Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

Range Statement

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Technical tasks may include:	surveys sampling experiments trials tests assays surveillance collecting specimens inspections identification of plants or animals identification of pests operation, calibration and maintenance of experimental equipment diagnostic processes producing specimen images
Other staff members may include:	supervisors project managers line managers laboratory managers
Processes may include:	experimental processes observation field trials
Resources may include:	design specifications technical manuals componentry radioactive samples specimens plants seeds chemicals personal protective equipment
Equipment may include:	prototypes test rigs tools diagnostic instruments laboratory equipment experimental equipment farm equipment
Other legislative requirements may include:	quarantine or protection requirements copyright and intellectual property legislation Australian standards

Sectors

Not applicable.

Competency Field

Government Science & Technology.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.