Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the implementation and monitoring of a property improvement plan and defines the standard required to: consider the environmental impacts of property improvements; plan and implement the construction of physical resources; organise and schedule the maintenance of physical resources; and analyse and assess the costs and benefits of plans and layouts in the light of all considerations Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), financial, environmental and animal welfare; prepare plans and procedures for implementation by others.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to farm supervisors who implement and monitor a property improvement plan.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Agree on the improvement to be carried out

1.1. Specific improvements for the planning period are discussed with the relevant people and agreements are made.

1.2. Plans are made, and schedules amended, to construct and maintain the improvements in line with property management plans.

1.3. Allocations are made from the available budget for the planned improvements.

2. Arrange the design and layout of the property improvements

2.1. Alternative plans and layouts are assessed and selected based on how appropriate they are for the management plan, and environmental and OHS considerations.

2.2. Plans for the improvements are drawn and dimensions are calculated for the agreed improvements.

3. Order materials for property improvements

3.1. Materials required for the construction of the improvements are calculated from the drawn plans and discussed with relevant colleagues.

3.2. Quotes are obtained from suppliers for the materials and suitable suppliers are selected.

3.3. Orders are placed with the chosen suppliers for the quantities, sizes and types of materials required.

4. Prepare sites for installation

4.1. Sites are inspected, key features noted, and suitable sites are chosen for the planned property improvements.

4.2. All relevant people, including neighbours, are informed of the proposed activities where this is appropriate and/or necessary.

4.3. Selected sites are measured and pegged according to the prepared plans.

4.4. The site is prepared to be ready for construction, and precautions are taken to ensure that potential negative environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated.

4.5. OHS hazards are identified and assessed, and responsible action taken throughout the site preparation activities.

5. Supervise installation and operation of property improvements

5.1. All materials required for each work period are obtained, organised, and on site ready for construction.

5.2. Installation of property improvements is started according to the drawn plans and the prepared schedules.

5.3. All installation works are undertaken in a manner that ensures that potential negative environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated.

5.4. OHS hazards are identified and assessed, and responsible action taken throughout the installation works.

5.5. Communication is maintained between those working at the site and others.

5.6. The installation works are regularly checked to ensure consistency with the drawn plans, and environmental and OHS requirements.

5.7. Any waste material or substances are disposed of in full consideration of environmental implications.

5.8. Where corrective action is required, it is initiated and taken.

6. Carry out and monitor planned maintenance

6.1. Planned maintenance to the improvements is carried out and monitored according to the guidelines and standards of the property.

6.2. Precautions are taken throughout the maintenance works to ensure that potential negative environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated.

6.3. OHS hazards are identified, assessed, monitored and responsible action taken throughout the maintenance works.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• plan and implement the construction of physical resources
• organise and schedule the maintenance of physical resources
• analyse and assess the costs and benefits of plans and layouts in the light of all considerations - OHS, financial, environmental and animal welfare
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• prepare written plans and procedures for implementation by others
• prepare drawn plans and sketches for implementation by, or notification of, others
• interpret, analyse and extract information from legal documents and discussions
• estimate and order the materials required for delivery at the appropriate time and place
• 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 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 

• constructing buildings, fences, and earthworks, such as stock yards, yard facilities, grain and fodder storage facilities, irrigation works, and water supply and drainage features
• requirements for grain and fodder storage
• tree planting techniques
• sustainable land and water use principles and practices applicable in the region
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the improvement works
• the whole property plan
• legislation, regulations and codes of practice relating to soil and water degradation issues, animal health and welfare, chemical use, building construction and OHS.

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:

• consider the environmental impacts of property improvements
• plan and implement the construction of physical resources
• organise and schedule the maintenance of physical resources
• analyse and assess the costs and benefits of plans and layouts in the light of all considerations - OHS, financial, environmental and animal welfare
• prepare plans and procedures for implementation by others.

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.

Physical assets in property improvement plans may include:

• buildings
• dairy sheds
• shelters
• stock yards
• stock handling structures
• fences
• water supply systems
• roads and tracks
• soil conservation works
• irrigation and drainage channels
• silage pits and/or grain and fodder storage.

Unit sector 

Agribusiness

Co-requisite units 

Competency field