Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

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 MSS025013, 'Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for 'Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands' 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

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

1.1

Clarify the scope and objectives of assigned activities, constraints and wetland components involved and any conservation measures or management plans in place.

1.2

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

1.3

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

1.4

Confirm assessment indices and data collection plan details for target wetland.

1.5

Clarify the use of survey proformas, data collection forms and/or field identification guides, as necessary.

2

Source and assess available wetland data

2.1

Locate and obtain existing wetland data and review its relevance and accuracy.

2.2

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

2.3

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.4

Use available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and any environmental issues relevant to the study.

2.5

Identify any significant information gaps.

3

Plan and organise assigned field activities

3.1

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

3.2

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

3.3

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

3.4

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

3.5

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

3.6

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

4

Conduct wetland survey and monitoring activities

4.1

Observe and record wetland characteristics and evidence of disturbance using survey proformas, field identification guides and digital photography, as appropriate.

4.2

Collect reliable point positional data and attribute environmental data/samples for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

4.3

Verify any existing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of wetland location/type.

4.4

Collect representative water, soil and/or (micro)biological samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

4.5

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

4.6

Ensure that monitoring data/samples are collected at the same locations and during similar seasonal/climatic conditions.

5

Finalise field work

5.1

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

5.2

Ensure all samples and data are labelled and stored safely to ensure integrity and traceability.

5.3

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.

5.4

Clean and test equipment before storage.

6

Contribute to assessment of wetland condition

6.1

Review field observations, measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

6.2

Use given formulae and tables to assign scores, parameter values, index values and health index/rating, where appropriate.

6.3

Analyse data relating to wetland characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

6.4

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices.

6.5

Report findings using a format and style that suits their intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

6.6

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

7

Maintain a safe work environment

7.1

Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

7.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

7.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.


Qualifications and Skillsets

MSS025013 appears in the following qualifications:

  • MSS40211 - Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
  • MSS50211 - Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology
  • MSS70211 - Vocational Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management
  • MSS40216 - Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
  • MSS50216 - Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology
  • MSS80216 - Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management