Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to capture, transport, handle and grade crocodiles from the wild or an enclosure. It does not cover collection, transport, processing and incubation of eggs and care of hatchlings.
The unit applies to individuals who work, in a team environment and under close supervision, with crocodiles in workplaces that use the culture for meat, skins and other products, and holding for display purposes.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity and environmental regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace. Licences or permits may be required for the use of firearms or restricted drugs on crocodiles or if operating vehicles.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this 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. |
1. Prepare for working with crocodiles | 1.1 Receive and confirm information from supervisor and other handlers about crocodile behaviour in the wild or in captivity and dangers of working with crocodiles 1.2 Receive and confirm work instructions from supervisor, including undertaking activities to reduce stress and injury to the animal, other crocodiles, handlers and environment 1.3 Collect, check and repair holding and transport equipment, including personal protective equipment, according to workplace procedures |
2. Capture crocodiles from wild or enclosures | 2.1 Confirm with supervisor the crocodiles to be captured and tasks of team members 2.2 Assist in administering sedatives or electrical stunning to immobilise crocodile according to workplace procedures 2.3 Capture crocodile according to supervisor instructions and safe work practices |
3. Restrain and transport crocodiles | 3.1 Restrain crocodile and prepare for transport to post-harvest facilities or relocation sites according to workplace transport and biosecurity procedures 3.2 Place in transport container appropriate to the size of crocodile, mode of transport and length of journey 3.3 Monitor condition of crocodile and report any abnormal behaviour or conditions to supervisor 3.4 Maintain transport environment to protect welfare of the crocodile 3.5 Release crocodile into holding or culture structure according to workplace procedures |
4. House and maintain crocodiles | 4.1 Maintain holding or culture environment to protect welfare of crocodiles 4.2 Feed crocodiles according to workplace feeding schedule 4.3 Observe and report abnormal behaviour or other indications of health problems to supervisor 4.4 Treat sick or unhealthy crocodiles under supervision 4.5 Remove dead crocodiles as soon as detected, and dispose of according to workplace procedures and environmental requirements |
5. Complete post-task activities | 5.1 Clean work area and dispose of waste according to workplace procedures 5.2 Check and store tools and equipment, reporting any identified repair requirements to supervisor 5.3 Record relevant data and observations, and report any abnormal records to supervisor |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interprets text in workplace procedures, instructions and harvest schedule |
Writing | Fills out workplace records legibly and accurately |
Numeracy | Counts crocodiles and containers Estimates length of crocodiles and containers |
Oral communication | Asks questions to clarify job requirements Describes abnormal crocodile behaviour or conditions using correct terminology |
Interact with others | Shares information and cooperates with co-workers Follows accepted practices and protocols for reporting issues and seeking guidance from supervisors |
Get the work done | Seeks guidance when plans are interrupted, circumstances change, or resources are not available |
Sectors
Aquaculture (AQU)