Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify trees and their environmental and social benefits to clients and community.

The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and for solving problems.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Arboriculture (ARB)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has correctly identified at least 80 botanically different trees relevant to the individual's work environment, including the following for each tree:

• identified and recorded key characteristics of tree morphology
• inspected tree for health and assessed effect on characteristics indicative to identification
• used reference materials to compare characteristics with taxonomic classification
• compiled identification data and recorded the identification process according to workplace procedures
• examined tree as habitat for local biota
• identified, evaluated and documented the environmental and social benefits of tree
• recorded and reported outcomes of identification and social and environmental benefits to client and stakeholders according to workplace procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• methods of identifying trees
• morphological and sensory characteristics in botanical terms, including:

• leaf arrangement, shape, colour and size
• tree shape and structure branchlets, branches and bark
• flower, inflorescence and bud characteristics
• fruit type and characteristics
• smell, taste and touch

• local environment of trees and the characteristics of endemic environment that represent tree's ideal growth conditions
• general health and structural condition of trees and their indicative features for identification, including signs and symptoms of diseases, pests or deficiencies and growth form of trees
• collecting and recording of information and data relevant to tree identification
• botanical samples for tree identification, including:

• photographs and images
• fresh or dried botanical specimens

• plant taxonomic classification to the level of genus and species
• plant taxonomic features of tree families common to the local area
• research and reference materials used in the identification of tree species, including:

• field guides
• basic taxonomic keys
• journals and botanical references

• benefits and value of trees, including:

• cultural or social
• economic
• conservation or environmental
• aesthetic

• documenting and reporting procedures for identification and value of trees to key stakeholders, clients and community
• communications strategies for informing client and organisations of tree identification and value
• trees as a biological habitat for plants animals, insects, fungi and vegetation, including:

• food source and supply
• microclimate
• hollows and nesting sites
• modifier of the soil environment.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• 80 botanically different trees stipulated in the performance evidence

• resources, equipment and materials:

• live tree specimens
• tools and equipment necessary for tree observations
• botanical reference materials, tree databases and taxonomic keys
• camera or image capture devices

• specifications:

• workplace procedures, processes and documents for recording data and preparing reports related to tree identification
• workplace instructions, specifications or client briefs related to tree identification

• relationships:

• client and stakeholders.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:

• vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed
• current industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72