Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of implementing a landscape maintenance program of newly constructed or established landscapes and defines the standard required to: determine the scope, frequency and standards required for a range of routine landscape maintenance activities from an existing landscape maintenance program; implement landscape maintenance activities; evaluate landscape maintenance works; record the results of the maintenance e works.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to implementing a landscape maintenance program on newly constructed or established landscapes and is carried out under limited supervision from others, with checking only related to overall progress. The work requires the application of extensive horticultural knowledge and a broad range of horticultural skills. Landscape maintenance is normally done within routines, methods and procedures where some discretion and judgement is required in the selection of equipment, work organisation, services, actions, and achieving outcomes within time constraints.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Interpret a landscape maintenance program

1.1. Scope of maintenance works is determined according to the landscape maintenance program.

1.2. Frequency of maintenance works is determined and implemented according to the landscape maintenance program.

1.3. Landscape maintenance standards are established in line with the landscape maintenance program.

1.4. Maintenance tasks are planned and prepared.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, associated risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2. Monitor and maintain landscape areas

2.1. A site inspection checklist is prepared or used according to the landscape maintenance program.

2.2. Remedial action, repairs, renovations, treatments and replacements are identified to restore site to full effectiveness.

2.3. Maintenance tasks are implemented.

2.4. Items which are beyond the scope of the maintenance program are reported to the nominated person.

2.5. Items requiring further action are recorded.

2.6. Results of maintenance works are evaluated and recorded.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• determine maintenance requirements
• implement maintenance operations
• treat diseased plants
• repair and renovate landscape structures and features
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• a detailed knowledge of what is included (and what is excluded) from the landscape maintenance program or contract
• actions permitted in the event of variations to maintenance programs/contracts
• appropriate horticultural practices for heritage and cultural areas
• principles and applications of an integrated pest management program
• characteristics of a range of plants
• optimal growing conditions for a range of plants
• common problems occurring in a range of plants.

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:

• determine the scope, frequency and standards required for a range of routine landscape maintenance activities from an existing landscape maintenance program
• implement landscape maintenance activities
• evaluate landscape maintenance works
• record the results of the maintenance e works.

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.

Programs may include:

• care of plants
• repairs and maintenance of landscape features and amenities.

Unit sector 

Parks and gardens

Co-requisite units 

Competency field