Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers supporting natural area conservation and defines the standard required to: prepare tools and equipment; assist others with conservation works; remove and stockpile waste materials and clean up site, tools and equipment.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the provision of support to others undertaking conservation works in areas such as parks, natural areas, agricultural lands or areas undergoing rehabilitation.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for conservation work

1.1. The required materials, tools and equipment are identified according to lists provided and/or supervisor's instructions.

1.2. Checks are conducted on all materials, tools and equipment with insufficient or faulty items reported to the supervisor.

1.3. Techniques used when loading and unloading materials demonstrate correct manual handling and minimise damage to the load and the vehicle.

1.4. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and checked prior to use

1.5. Conservation support is provided according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and according to workplace information.

1.6. OHS hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

2. Undertake conservation work as directed

2.1. Instructions and directions provided by supervisor are followed and clarification sought when necessary.

2.2. Conservation work is undertaken in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner according to work site guidelines.

2.3. Interactions with other staff and clients are carried out in a positive and professional manner.

2.4. Policy and procedures in relation to workplace handling and disposal of materials is observed.

2.5. Problems or difficulties in completing work to required standards or timelines are reported to supervisor.

3. Store and stockpile materials

3.1. Plant debris and waste material produced during conservation activities are stored in a designated area according to supervisor's instructions.

3.2. Plant debris and waste materials are prepared and processed in an appropriate and safe manner according to supervisor's instructions.

3.3. Surplus materials are stockpiled for removal according to supervisor's instructions.

3.4. A clean and safe work site is maintained while completing conservation activities.

4. Clean up on completion of conservation work

4.1. Plants and materials are stored in a designated area according to supervisor's instructions.

4.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and supervisor's instructions.

4.3. Work outcomes are reported to the supervisor.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• follow safe work practices
• participate in teams and contribute to team objectives
• understand instructions
• read labels, site plan measurements and OHS symbols
• use literacy skills to read and follow a range of basic instructions
• use oral communication skills/language competence to communicate effectively with others
• use numeracy skills to complete basic calculations
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds.

Required knowledge 

• tools and equipment used in conservation work
• revegetation techniques including planting, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration and protection of remnant vegetation
• maintenance tasks for conservation areas
• common bushland weeds
• personal protective equipment
• team work and following instructions
• techniques for cleaning a site and disposing of debris
• OHS and environmental protection legislation and enterprise procedures.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• prepare tools and equipment
• assist others with conservation works
• remove and stockpile waste materials
• clean up site, tools and equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Revegetation activities may include:

• assisting with planting programs
• direct seeding operations
• assisted natural regeneration
• assisting with natural regeneration
• protection of remnant vegetation
• removal of weeds by hand
• cleaning up of on-site debris
• release of animals
• collecting plants or seeds for propagation.

Maintenance of conservation areas may include:

• weed and disease control
• mulching
• pruning
• fertilising
• pruning
• watering
• securing plants (e.g. staking, tying)
• repair of installation of guards and protective fencing.

Unit sector 

Natural area restoration

Co-requisite units 

Competency field