Develop a water quality monitoring program

Formats and tools

Unit Description
Reconstruct the unit from the xml and display it as an HTML page.
Assessment Tool
an assessor resource that builds a framework for writing an assessment tool
Assessment Template
generate a spreadsheet for marking this unit in a classroom environment. Put student names in the top row and check them off as they demonstrate competenece for each of the unit's elements and performance criteria.
Assessment Matrix
a slightly different format than the assessment template. A spreadsheet with unit names, elements and performance criteria in separate columns. Put assessment names in column headings to track which performance criteria each one covers. Good for ensuring that you've covered every one of the performance criteria with your assessment instrument (all assessement tools together).
Wiki Markup
mark up the unit in a wiki markup codes, ready to copy and paste into a wiki page. The output will work in most wikis but is designed to work particularly well as a Wikiversity learning project.
Evidence Guide
create an evidence guide for workplace assessment and RPL applicants
Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners. A template for developing assessments for a unit, which will help you to create valid, fair and reliable assessments for the unit, ready to give to trainers and students
Observation Checklist
create an observation checklist for workplace assessment and RPL applicants. This is similar to the evidence guide above, but a little shorter and friendlier on your printer. You will also need to create a seperate Assessor Marking Guide for guidelines on gathering evidence and a list of key points for each activity observed using the unit's range statement, required skills and evidence required (see the unit's html page for details)

Self Assessment Survey
A form for students to assess thier current skill levels against each of the unit's performance criteria. Cut and paste into a web document or print and distribute in hard copy.
Moodle Outcomes
Create a csv file of the unit's performance criteria to import into a moodle course as outcomes, ready to associate with each of your assignments. Here's a quick 'how to' for importing these into moodle 2.x
Registered Training Organisations
Trying to find someone to train or assess you? This link lists all the RTOs that are currently registered to deliver AHCNRM502A, ' Develop a water quality monitoring program'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for ' Develop a water quality monitoring program' on fishpond.com.au. This online store has a huge range of books, pretty reasonable prices, free delivery in Australia *and* they give a small commission to ntisthis.com for every purchase, so go nuts :)


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine water quality monitoring program requirements

1.1. Survey client to identify scope, objectives and constraints of project and intended use of the data.

1.2. Research, collate and evaluate background information relevant to survey type and site.

1.3. Determine water quality indicators to be measured, frequency and volume of sampling required to meet scope, objectives and constraints of project.

1.4. Determine that procedures required for data collection and processing and reporting format are consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints of program and legislative requirements.

1.5. Seek estimates of costs involved and/or sources of funds for the program as required by the client and according to enterprise policies and procedures.

1.6. Provide a survey strategy to client that reflects project requirements, scope, objectives and constraints for discussion and approval.

2. Undertake a site analysis

2.1. Identify and record physical and biological features at the site of the monitoring program.

2.2. Identify and record resource management factors that are contributing to water quality.

2.3. Survey biota as required to meet the scope and objectives of the program.

2.4. Identify and assess OH&S hazards and risks associated with conducting the sampling program.

2.5. Identify and evaluate sampling points for safety, accessibility and opportunities for repeatable data collection.

3. Plan monitoring program

3.1. Evaluate information gathered to select suitable monitoring sites for repeatable monitoring and to obtain representative samples.

3.2. Source and cost laboratory and field equipment, tools, machinery and other material required for the monitoring program, assess for suitability/reliability and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and enterprise personnel.

3.3. Confirm surveyor access to site with land manager for the duration of the monitoring program.

3.4. Determine and document OH&S controls and emergency procedures required for the program to be presented to appropriate personnel according to enterprise policies and guidelines.

3.5. Document methods of data collection, monitoring and field techniques for field operators according to enterprise policies and guidelines.

3.6. Present to appropriate personnel and the client for briefing and acceptance, survey schedules and procedures developed in accordance with enterprise guidelines and relevant legislation.

4. Monitor water quality

4.1. Carry out surveying tasks out in line with monitoring plan and enterprise/agency guidelines/protocols and in accordance with OH&S guidelines.

4.2. Store and transport and treat samples with regard to temperature, maximum holding periods and other variables and according to enterprise/agencies guidelines and policies.

4.3. Monitor surveying process for accuracy, compliance with the survey plans and procedures, OH&S policies and regulatory requirements.

4.4. Assess and evaluate for errors and inconsistencies, implementing contingency plans when problems arise with the monitoring plans and procedures.

5. Evaluate program

5.1. Analyse data collected according to industry policies and guidelines and scientific standards.

5.2. Outcomes, conclusions and/or trends from the monitoring program are drawn from relevant information including industry standards for interpretation of water quality data and are based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments.

5.3. Advice is sought from client as to satisfaction with monitoring program in terms of the process and outcomes.

5.4. Provide report on outcomes to client with recommendations for changes and improvements any further monitoring activities.


Qualifications and Skillsets

AHCNRM502A appears in the following qualifications:

  • AHC51110 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management