The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

develop a valid and appropriate water quality management program

develop realistic management strategies based on analysis of data

presents accurate data in the required format

recognise obvious trends in data

recognise the difference between routine and non-routine water quality parameters

respond to non-routine water quality emergencies.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

interaction between stock, water chemistry and husbandry practices

monitoring equipment operation, calibration and limitations

water chemistry and interaction between parameters.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Resources may include:

data sets and records

computer and relevant software

relevant enterprise procedures

measurement equipment and rearing units.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

case studies of non-routine situations to assess the candidate's data analysis and management strategies

feedback from supervisors and peers

observation of the candidate as they measure non-routine parameters and manipulate water chemistry

questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures and trends in data

review of records transcribed, maintained or stored by the candidate

review of work procedures, data sheets, calculations, graphs and tables prepared by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

Required skills

analysing and interpreting graphs and trends in data

developing measuring methods in response to potential problematic water quality factors

scientific skills to manipulate water chemistry

unit conversion

using computer software for analysing data and presenting information.

Literacy skills used for:

analysing and reporting on data

writing procedures.

Numeracyskills used for:

applying mathematical concepts, such as decimals, ratios, proportions and percentages

calculating perimeters, areas, volumes and angles

calculating scientific quantities, such as concentration

using significant figures, rounding off, estimation and approximation.

Required knowledge

interaction between stock, water chemistry and husbandry practices

monitoring equipment options, operation, calibration and limitations

procedures for collecting, storing, retrieving and communicating data

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

relevant scientific and technical terminology, such as precision, accuracy, units, significant and standard deviation

water chemistry and interaction between parameters.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions, and other compliance requirements, including international treaties and agreements

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods

land, buildings and vehicles:

buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions

poaching, trespass and theft

road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment

soil and water management

use of chemicals and biological agents

use of firearms and powerheads

use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage

water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control

product quality assurance:

correct naming and labelling (e.g. country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)

correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements

third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

ESD principles may include:

controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification

managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter

managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements

preventing genetically modified and live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment

protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities

reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

protective eyewear, glasses and face mask

protective hair, beard and boot covers

protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)

waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).

Routine water quality and environmental parameters may include:

alkalinity

ammonia

dissolved oxygen

hardness

nitrate

nitrite

pH

salinity and conductivity

temperature

turbidity (e.g. secchi disc and transparency).

Monitoring method may include:

observations

surveys

tests and measurements.

Data collection may include:

computer software

data loggers

data sheets.

Manipulation may include:

adding chemicals (e.g. lime, copper sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, salt and magnesium sulphate)

changing husbandry practices (e.g. feed composition, handling techniques stocking densities, aeration and filtration - biological and mechanical).

Non-routine parameters may include:

bacterial levels, such as E. coli and faecal coliforms

biological oxygen demand (BOD)

carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide gas

changes in native land-based and/or aquatic life around the farm, including macro-invertebrates and macrophytes

clay content of soil and types of sediments

contaminants/chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals

dissolved or suspended solids or wastes

ozone

phosphorus (total and orthophosphate)

presence of severe weather conditions (e.g. king tides, extreme temperatures and fluctuations)

redox potential

soil or sediment pH

toxic micro-algae.

Measurement methods (non-routine parameters) may include:

external laboratory tests

meters

spectroscopy

test kits (e.g. colorimetric and titration).

Data may be presented in the form of:

charts

graphs

tables

Data could also take the form of semi-quantitative observations and be expressed on a scale (for example, 1 to 4 or + to ++++).

Analysed may include:

calculations including

percentage content, such as protein and phosphate

concentration, such as mg/L, ppm

conversions between SI units

industry specific ratios, such as feed conversion ratio (FCR) and NPK

percentages, fractions and decimals

ratios, such as mass to mass, mass to volume and volume to volume percentages

significance

variables, such as flow rates

volumes (L, ML, tonne) of rearing and holding facilities

comparison with/between:

feed types

industry standards

rearing units

scientific standards and literature

sites

stockings.

Features and trends in data may include:

increasing/decreasing data and rate of change

maximum and minimum values

outliers, and data beyond control limits or normal range

spread of data.

Husbandry practices which impact adversely on water quality may include:

cleaning practices

disease management practices

feed types and schedule

filtration systems

holding and rearing facilities

stocking densities.

Management strategies may include:

modifying:

cleaning and quarantine procedures

equipment

fallow period

feed type

monitoring program

stocking rate

water treatment.