Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Inspect and monitor catchment and surrounding areas .

1.1 Identify and apply work requirements for undertaking inspections of catchments and surrounding areas .

1.2 Inspect and monitor designated locations according to agreed schedule and procedures.

1.3 Provide reports identifying maintenance tasks required to ensure that facilities meet required standards to relevant personnel using standard organisational procedures.

2 Report catchment conditions .

2.1 Measure and record catchment inflows and outflows or extractions.

2.2 Identify organisation standards for the condition and maintenance of catchment environment.

2.3 Identify and report changes to environmental conditions .

3 Assist in investigating hazards , risks and catchment security .

3.1 Identify and report activities within catchment that pose a hazard or risk to the public, water quality or the environment according to organisational guidelines.

3.2 Identify and report activities of external parties within the catchment and surrounding area that breach organisational guidelines.

3.3 Check and confirm public complaints and report to relevant personnel.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills :

• undertake inspections of catchment and surrounds
• identify and respond to operational problems
• use communication systems
• provide basic verbal or written reports
• follow plans and instructions
• follow procedures and standards
• use safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• communicate with customers and other employees
• work effectively as part of a team
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• follow organisational reporting procedures

Required knowledge :

• environmental, landscape and ground structure of work area
• risk factors and potential hazards of surface water systems
• catchment emergency response procedures
• catchment security procedures
• operation of communication systems
• customer service
• effects of weather and conditions on operation of catchment area
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• equipment operation
• Water Act and statutory legislation governing typical or routine catchment activities

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to inspect and report on surface catchment areas and associated rivers, lakes, water bodies, dams, water storages and groundwater areas to identify potential risks to water quality, the environment and the public including:

• interpreting work requirements and inspecting specific catchment locations
• monitoring and reporting environmental conditions
• investigating breaches and complaints
• compiling reports
• contributing to catchment security procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Inspections of catchments and surrounding areas  may require:

• interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public
• visual observation
• implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements
• bushcraft
• eradication of feral animals and noxious plants
• identification of declared flora
• fire suppression procedures
• knowledge of system layout
• use of gauging stations, telemarkers or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems

Changes to environmental conditions  may include:

• weed infestations
• erosion or bank stability
• blue green algae outbreaks
• dead stock
• storm debris affecting waterways