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 Prepare for work .

1.1 Access and review catchment inspection records describing maintenance requirements for action.

1.2 Identify and apply work requirements and timelines for performing maintenance tasks  of catchments and surrounding areas.

1.3 Assess site, equipment  and methods to be used for hazards or risks and apply appropriate control measures using safe work procedures.

1.4 Plan maintenance work to be conducted within required timeframe, using allocated resources effectively and according to legislative and organisational requirements.

2 Maintain environmental condition of waterways and surrounding areas .

2.1 Remove dead livestock or native fauna from waterways and surrounding catchments and dispose of according to organisational requirements.

2.2 Remove flood debris from waterways and surrounding areas according to organisational procedures.

2.3 Carry out fuel reduction burns according to organisational procedures.

2.4 Apply basic control measures  to contain or control chemical spills or contaminated water supplies.

2.5 Identify and report potential or emerging changes to environmental conditions according to organisational requirements.

3 Eradicate noxious weeds and feral pests .

3.1 Identify noxious weeds and feral pests that are contributing to degradation of catchment and surrounding areas.

3.2 Use standard organisational procedures for managing and removing noxious weeds and feral pests according to safe work practices.

3.3 Compile reports on eradication process according to organisational procedures.

4 Perform minor maintenance .

4.1 Identify infrastructure  requiring minor maintenance.

4.2 Apply erosion control measures for waterways and surrounding areas.

4.3 Make repairs using appropriate equipment and resources to a standard that meets organisational requirements.

4.4 Provide reports of maintenance performed according to organisational procedures.

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 maintenance problems
• use communication systems
• provide basic verbal or written reports
• follow plans and instructions
• perform work-related calculations
• follow organisational procedures and standards
• use safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• communicate with customers and other employees
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• work effectively as part of a team

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 site or plant
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• equipment operation

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 maintain surface catchment areas including:

• interpreting work requirements
• monitoring and reporting environmental conditions
• maintaining catchment areas and removing debris and noxious weeds and pests according to legislative and organisational requirements
• performing minor maintenance tasks
• compiling reports

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.

Performing maintenance tasks  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 pests and noxious plants
• identification of declared flora
• fire suppression or fuel reduction procedures
• system layout

Equipment  used may include:

• personal protective equipment
• electronic digital monitoring systems
• recording systems
• on- and off-road vehicle operation
• basic hand and power tools
• communication equipment, including:

• two-way radio
• telephone
• fax

• small marine craft

Basic control measures  may include:

• minor earthworks, such as bunding and diversions
• booms and other temporary bunding systems
• aeration
• eductor trucks
• hay bales
• geofabric and beaching

Infrastructure  that may require minor maintenance includes:

• fences and gates
• buildings, plant and equipment
• signage
• roads, tracks and paths
• public facilities including:

• bridges
• boardwalks
• display boards
• campgrounds
• picnic areas
• toilets
• fireplaces