Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of releasing biological control agents for weed or pest animal control in an experimental or field situation and defines the standard required to: source suitable biological control agents for target plant species; identify the site and release methodology; documentation of release is kept and effected landholders informed; biological agent releases are monitored and follow up planned.

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to releasing biological agents which is likely to be under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Establish the scope of agent release

1.1. Target plant species are located and identified consistent with integrated pest management strategy where applicable.

1.2. Incidence and density of the target population are estimated and recorded according to enterprise procedures where appropriate.

1.3. Suitable biological control agents are identified and sourced consistent with enterprise procedures and/or integrate pest management strategy.

2. Identify the site and release methodology

2.1. Release site is identified in line with target species and integrated pest management strategy.

2.2. Release methodology is established and scheduled in line with established agency advice or enterprise practice.

3. Carry out on-site tasks

3.1. Permits and landholder co-operation are established to facilitate release program.

3.2. Release is carried out within enterprise or industry guidelines regarding weather or other conditions.

3.3. Release is completed as scheduled according to release methodology and details are recorded in laboratory and field records following enterprise procedure or industry standard.

4. Monitor and report on biological agent releases

4.1. Biological agent release site is monitored to evaluate effectiveness and spread to target species consistent with the integrated pest management strategy where appropriate.

4.2. Regular reports are provided to landholder and regulatory authorities.

4.3. Records are completed as required by agency requirements.

4.4. Biological agent releases are scheduled according to agent and target biology consistent with the integrated pest management strategy.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• establish the scope of agent release
• establish the scope of agent release
• work effectively in a team situation in the lab or field
• identify relevant pest species
• identify the site and release methodology
• operate relevant vehicles and plant
• carry out on-site tasks
• observe effectively and report accurately
• monitor and report on biological agent releases
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• insect, animal and/or plant identification principles
• use of identification keys
• pest physiology and growth
• relevant legislative requirements
• safe handling techniques
• environmental legislation and risks of releasing biological agents.

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:

• source suitable biological control agents for target plant species
• suitable biological control agents are sourced for target plant species
• identify the site and release methodology
• documentation of release is kept and effected landholders informed
• biological agent releases are monitored and follow up planned.

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.

Biological control agents may include:

• control agents for insects, fungi, plants, and pest animals.

Unit sector 

Pest management

Co-requisite units 

Competency field