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Evidence Guide: MSS025015A - Plan and conduct environmental project work

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS025015A - Plan and conduct environmental project work

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Scope project with supervisor

  1. Clarify project aim, objectives and timeframe
  2. Identify intended outcomes, key stakeholders, drivers and likely constraints
  3. Identify key activities, milestones and resources required to achieve deliverables on time
  4. Agree on performance indicators to monitor project progress and acceptance criteria for deliverables
Clarify project aim, objectives and timeframe

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify intended outcomes, key stakeholders, drivers and likely constraints

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify key activities, milestones and resources required to achieve deliverables on time

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agree on performance indicators to monitor project progress and acceptance criteria for deliverables

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare project plan in consultation with supervisor

  1. Identify relevant legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements
  2. Locate and review background information to inform the development of project methodology
  3. Analyse risks for all aspects of project work
  4. Consider a range of strategies for conducting the project, including alternative measurement methods
  5. Outline feasible and measurable project objectives, selected methodology, outputs and the roles and responsibilities of participants
  6. Consider integration and sequencing of tasks as part of optimising work breakdown structure
  7. Present draft project plan and work schedule to supervisor for review and approval
Identify relevant legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate and review background information to inform the development of project methodology

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse risks for all aspects of project work

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider a range of strategies for conducting the project, including alternative measurement methods

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outline feasible and measurable project objectives, selected methodology, outputs and the roles and responsibilities of participants

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider integration and sequencing of tasks as part of optimising work breakdown structure

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present draft project plan and work schedule to supervisor for review and approval

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review project methodology

  1. Conduct trials to refine methodology and/or provide proof of concept, as necessary
  2. Troubleshoot equipment and methodology problems and develop/test solutions in consultation with supervisor, as necessary
  3. Modify draft project plan, as necessary
  4. Document all accepted/rejected ideas and/or prototypes from trials
Conduct trials to refine methodology and/or provide proof of concept, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Troubleshoot equipment and methodology problems and develop/test solutions in consultation with supervisor, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modify draft project plan, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Document all accepted/rejected ideas and/or prototypes from trials

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Execute project plan and analyse outcomes

  1. Communicate plan to other participants, as necessary
  2. Safely operate measurement equipment/instruments in accordance with manufacturer requirements, test methods and enterprise procedures
  3. Obtain data using specified methods and in accordance with safety and legislative/regulatory/enterprise requirements
  4. Record and store data in agreed formats
  5. Recognise anomalous results and investigate causes
  6. Evaluate data using specified quality criteria and reference materials
  7. Use appropriate mathematical/statistical/graphical methods and software to analyse and present results
  8. Report results using the appropriate accuracy, precision and units
Communicate plan to other participants, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safely operate measurement equipment/instruments in accordance with manufacturer requirements, test methods and enterprise procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain data using specified methods and in accordance with safety and legislative/regulatory/enterprise requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record and store data in agreed formats

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognise anomalous results and investigate causes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate data using specified quality criteria and reference materials

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use appropriate mathematical/statistical/graphical methods and software to analyse and present results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report results using the appropriate accuracy, precision and units

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report project progress and outcomes

  1. Provide progress reports/project outputs on time and at the required quality standard
  2. Evaluate the project process and outputs in comparison with the project objectives and performance criteria
  3. Identify any issues and opportunities for improvement
  4. Prepare project reports containing the required information and using the agreed style, voice and format
  5. Complete and store all project documentation
  6. Present final report of project process and outcomes to supervisor
Provide progress reports/project outputs on time and at the required quality standard

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluate the project process and outputs in comparison with the project objectives and performance criteria

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify any issues and opportunities for improvement

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare project reports containing the required information and using the agreed style, voice and format

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complete and store all project documentation

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present final report of project process and outcomes to supervisor

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills in this unit of competency in new and different situations and context. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

researching background information for the project to inform selection of sampling/test/measurement methods and project methodology

complying with relevant legislative/regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

analysing project requirements and conducting trials to develop a feasible, cost-effective and efficient plan

using available project management procedures and tools to develop plans and monitor/report progress

seeking advice/assistance when difficulties are beyond scope of responsibility or technical competence

working safely

providing quality deliverables on time

evaluating project process and outputs.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

environmental monitoring units, such as the MSS024000A and MSS025000A series units of competency.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

site/project history

legislative/regulatory requirements

specified sampling and testing methods/procedures

relevant enterprise project management procedures, tools and software

physical resources required for work activities, such as map, laptop computer, digital/video camera, sampling and monitoring, survey and testing equipment and instruments.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of project plans/trials, records, outcomes and reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from managers and project team members about the candidate’s ability to plan and conduct environmental project work effectively

questioning/interview to assess the candidate’s understanding of project management principles and their ability to plan and conduct projects and deal with unforseen challenges

observation of the candidate’s interactions with project team members

presentation of project plan, objectives, process and outputs, and lessons learned to an appropriate audience.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

Required skills include:

interpreting relevant legislative/regulatory/enterprise requirements, equipment manuals, test and sampling methods

using enterprise tools to recognise and assess risks associated with project activities

preparing project plans and work schedules

setting up, operating and maintaining equipment/instruments

applying safe work procedures and equipment to avoid hazards and control risks

processing data using relevant mathematical/statistical/graphical methods

evaluating results and drawing logical conclusions about quality and compliance with legislative/regulatory requirements

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

presenting measurement results in specified formats

critically evaluating project process, measurement methodology, and outputs against performance criteria

preparing oral/written reports and project presentations using enterprise guidelines

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

relevant environmental and measurement terms, concepts and principles

relevant legislative/regulatory/enterprise requirements

enterprise and/or regulator sampling, monitoring and testing procedures that apply to assigned project activities

project management principles

enterprise project planning, management and reporting requirements

enterprise procedures for identifying/assessing and controlling hazards/risks associated with project activities

relevant health and safety requirements and enterprise safe work procedures

Range Statement

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Australian Heritage Council Act 2003

Native Title Act 1993

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

cultural/heritage protection

vegetation management

nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection

water and water management

soil conservation

pollution and contaminated sites

fisheries, forestry and mining operations

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set

AS 5667 Set:1998 Water quality sampling

state and territory regulator sampling and testing manuals and guidelines (e.g. Environmental Protection Authority (EPA))

Australian Dangerous Goods Code ADG7

occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice

enterprise environmental management plans and procedures for specific sites and/or activities (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining)

Background information

Background information may include:

site or project history

client history

records of consultations with stakeholders

emergency plans and safety procedures

site access protocols and permits

maps (road and topographical)

existing databases (e.g. vegetation, topography, soils and regional ecosystem maps)

legislative/regulatory requirements

enterprise environmental management plans for site

enterprise, regulatory or standard methods/procedures for environmental sampling, monitoring or in-field testing

manufacturer information or manuals for environmental equipment

relevant case studies and good practice models

Environmental project work

Environmental project work will be consistent with the roles and responsibilities of an environmental officer and may include collecting and presenting data related to:

outdoor air quality

water quality

noise

surface water, environmental flows, groundwater and catchment studies

hydrological surveys

occupational hygiene (e.g. air quality, noise and radiation)

ecology studies

soil surveys

geotechnical surveys

contaminated site management (with appropriate risk analysis and supervision)

land management

coastal management

wetland management

stormwater management

energy technologies and services

waste management

Environmental measurements

Environmental measurements could involve real or simulated work activities and may include:

in-field sampling and testing

conducting flora and/or fauna surveys

conducting soil surveys and soil profiling at a site

commissioning or modifying field equipment or instruments

establishing or modifying environmental monitoring stations

growth of species of environmental interest under controlled conditions

remediation trials

laboratory testing of environmental samples

Project plan

Project plan may include:

scope

objectives

work breakdown structure

sampling/testing/monitoring/survey methods

available resources (e.g. equipment and personnel)

specific roles and responsibilities of participants

budget and cost estimates

data quality requirements and assurance procedures

risk analysis and control measures

safety requirements and related work procedures

stakeholders and consultation procedures

milestones

output/project deliverables and their acceptance criteria

project management procedures covering planning, risk analysis, communications and reporting

project management software and tools, such as Gantt and program and evaluation review technique (PERT) charts, critical path method, and records of costs and inputs

Risks and hazards

Risks and hazards may include:

exposure to solar radiation, dust and noise

exposure to severe weather conditions

personnel getting lost

manual handling of heavy objects

injuries caused by power tools, generators and moving machinery

vehicle and boat handling in rough/remote conditions

presence of hazardous materials on site and/or exposure to harmful radiation, contamination and microorganisms

accidents, emergencies and incidents, such as snake, insect or animal bites

Safety procedures and control measures

Safety procedures and control measures may include:

use of personal protective equipment, such as sunscreen, hats, safety glasses, gloves, coveralls and safety boots

‘stay with vehicle’ and other survival techniques

regular communication schedule

global positioning system (GPS), maps and aerial photos

handling, storage and disposal of all hazardous materials/waste in accordance with MSDS, labels, enterprise procedures, codes and regulations

use of specified safe work procedures for tasks

Mathematical/statistical/graphical methods and software

Mathematical/statistical/graphical methods and software may include:

determination of linear, logarithmic, exponential and power relationships

regression lines and correlation coefficients

uncertainty calculations

frequency and probability plots

parametric statistical tools, such as t-test, z-test, binomial and analysis of variance (ANOVA)

non-parametric statistical tools, such as Chi-square test

spreadsheets and databases

Project documentation

Project documentation may include:

sampling, monitoring, survey or in-field test data and results

records of equipment use

records of time spent and approved expenditure

emails and correspondence

records of consultations

progress reports

final reports/briefings

OHS and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health