Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers supervising on-site implementation of conservation earthworks and defines the standard required to: implement measures that will achieve the optimum efficiency of the earthmoving operation; put into practice measures that construct structurally sound earthworks; control construction to achieve specifications; instigate measures that finish earthworks to specifications.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to soil conservation officers and expert plant operators who supervising on-site implementation of conservation earthworks.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan efficient implementation of works

1.1. Plans and specifications are reviewed and related to the works site.

1.2. Economics of operation are maximised through the deployment of trained personnel and equipment selection.

1.3. Work sequences are planned and recorded in line with proposed work schedule.

1.4. Materials are ordered to complete proposed works in line with construction schedule.

1.5. Compliance with established regulatory planning and environmental legislation is maintained.

2. Direct implementation of planned works

2.1. Equipment and personnel deployment ensures structurally sound works in line with earthworks planned.

2.2. Job specifications and regulatory requirements are achieved in accordance with the plan or necessary modification.

2.3. Modified techniques are adopted to minimise the effect of site limitation in achieving job requirements.

2.4. Safe machine operations are monitored to ensure they meet relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

3. Monitor job specification

3.1. Progressive job checking results in achieving job specifications, contracts and targets.

3.2. Instructions to plant operators ensure high finishing standards to earthworks.

3.3. Modifications are made to job specifications in consultation with the landholder or works supervisor.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe systems of work
• plan efficient implementation of works
• protect natural areas from damage
• direct the implementation of planned works
• monitor job specifications
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• erosion and sediment control standards and principles
• natural areas topsoil protection and rehabilitation principles
• appropriate supervision techniques
• erosion control and design principles
• sediment control principles
• earthmoving principles
• principles for machine operation
• engagement of subcontractors/equipment, skills and expected outcomes
• work sequence knowledge
• equipment most suitable to the constructing of erosion and sediment control works
• quality assurance systems, processes and practices
• staff deployment, supervision and training
• OHS and environmental legislation, codes of practice and enterprise requirements.

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:

• implement measures that will achieve the optimum efficiency of the earthmoving operation.
• put into practice measures that construct structurally sound earthworks.
• control construction to achieve specifications
• instigate measures that finish earthworks to specifications.

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.

Types of project may include:

• earthworks required as part of erosion control projects
• farm dam construction
• access track construction.

Unit sector 

Soil and water conservation

Co-requisite units 

Competency field