Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to effectively use leg hold traps to capture predator species, to release the animal unharmed as part of research programs or to humanely euthanise in accordance with pest management programs. It primarily deals with the use of leg hold or foothold traps to capture predator pest species, including dogs, foxes and cats. Animals may be native animals, domestic animals, animals determined to be pests or feral animals. Trapping techniques call for the use of a variety of equipment and may include the use of lures or attractants baits.

Trapping must be carried out in accordance with an approved pest management plan or research project plan.

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

Some forms of traps are strictly regulated in some states and territories in Australia. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant state or territory authority.

Where feral animals are trapped, they may need to be euthanised with a firearm. Firearms licensing conditions apply to this unit, in particular the use of Cat A, B or C firearms. Specific approval should be sought through the relevant state or territory firearms licensing agency.

Appropriate firearms licences and training are also required for those involved in training and assessment of this unit.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Pest Management (PMG)

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 deployed leg hold traps on at least two occasions for the capture of predatory pest animals.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

• trapped, handled and released or euthanised animals humanely according to trapping objectives and animal welfare regulations and guidelines
• identified target and non-target animals in the field
• checked vehicles, equipment and materials for serviceability, and cleaned equipment before starting and on completion of trapping activity
• selected and prepared the trapping site and restored it on completion of trapping activity
• positioned, set, calibrated and checked trapping equipment according to trapping objectives and procedures
• prepared and applied lures or attractants to traps
• identified signs of target animals using scent stations, and identifiable tracks, scats and/ or other traces
• summarised and presented trapping results according to workplace reporting procedures
• maintained accurate records according to workplace procedures including:

• types of trap sets and lures
• target species captured
• non-target species captured

• recorded location of traps and lures using at least one of the following methods:

• Global Positioning System (GPS) device
• software application
• maps or charts.

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:

• basic requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant codes of practice and standard operating procedures, including animal ethics
• purpose of the animal capture
• selecting trapping location and equipment, including:

• target animal's range
• movement patterns and behaviour

• factors affecting choices around equipment and resources and timing of trapping activities, including:

• the reproductive cycle of the target animal
• food preferences, both general and local, of target animals
• biology of non-target animals that may be impacted by trapping program in the area
• permissions and permits that may be required
• suitable traps for the target animal
• precautions that need to be taken to minimise trapping non-target animals

• capture and humane killing methods for target animals
• principles relating to property, stock and duty of care
• how to camouflage traps
• how to safely set off traps to render them inactive
• workplace health and safety procedures that relate to trapping animals
• recording and reporting requirements
• decoys and lures types, purpose and safe use
• toxins used in trapping, including:

• types
• preparation
• use
• state or territory legislation on the use and storage of toxins

• applicable legislation on the capture and handling of pest animals
• suitable personal protective equipment
• transportation methods for captured animals.

Assessment Conditions

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

• physical conditions:

• skills must be demonstrated in the field where predatory pest animals are to be found, or in an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

• resources, equipment and materials:

• leg hold and foothold traps and lures that comply with Commonwealth and state/territory legislation
• personal protective equipment

• specifications:

• workplace policies and procedures for using trapping techniques
• manufacturer operating instructions for traps
• safety data sheets for chemical lures and baits
• workplace instructions and trapping objectives
• legislation and codes of practice for humane traps, trapping and handling of animals

• timeframes:

• checking traps according to timeframes recommended in legislation and animal welfare regulations.

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

In addition, the following specific assessor requirements apply to this unit:

• assessors must have appropriate firearms licence where required by trapping techniques.

Links

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