Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of planning and implementing a strategy for the control of vertebrate pests in a rural environment and defines the standard required to: use and handle hazardous substances; carry out inspections to assess infestations; identify species and nature of vertebrate pest; calculate vertebrate pest numbers and estimate resources and materials appropriate to implement control program; determine and implement control methods with due care and humane treatment; and dispose of carcasses according to established industry standards.

Application of the unit 

This unit involves applying well-developed skills with some discretion and judgement under routine supervision. It requires taking responsibility for own work output.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess requirements for pest control

1.1. Vertebrate pest control requirements are assessed and clarified according to enterprise objectives.

1.2. Inspections are carried out to ascertain type and severity of pest infestations.

1.3. Control agents and methods of application to prevent, control or manage vertebrate pests are determined.

1.4. Control program is developed for implementation according to enterprise requirements.

2. Prepare to implement control program

2.1. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

2.2. Equipment and materials required to support the implementation of control program are arranged.

2.3. Relevant licences and permits are obtained according to legislative requirements.

2.4. Safe working practices are observed and followed according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

3. Control vertebrate pests

3.1. Control program is implemented according to OHS, legislative and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Safeguards are employed to ensure that targeted pests are controlled and all other species remain unharmed.

3.3. Integrated health management is considered and implemented as required.

3.4. Environmental impacts are assessed and controlled according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

4. Complete control program

4.1. Carcasses and control agents are disposed of according to environmental and industry codes of practice.

4.2. Control program and outcomes are reviewed and evaluated for future best practice and planning management.

4.3. Equipment and work areas are cleaned and returned to operating order according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

4.4. Relevant information is documented and maintained to industry standards and enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• use a first aid kit
• select and use agricultural chemicals safely
• communicate effectively in verbal and written form with enterprise personnel and suppliers
• read and interpret chemical labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety signage or decals
• calculate vertebrate pest numbers and estimate resources and materials appropriate to implement control program
• 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 

• legislative and industry requirements for the disposal of vertebrate pests and control agents
• types of vertebrate pests
• control methods and techniques
• safety signage
• sustainable livestock management
• relevant provisions of Native Vegetation Acts with particular attention to potential soil degradation and destruction of flora and fauna
• relevant provisions of OHS and animal welfare legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures.

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:

• use and handle hazardous substances
• carry out inspections to assess infestations
• identify species and nature of vertebrate pest
• calculate vertebrate pest numbers and estimate resources and materials appropriate to implement control program
• determine control methods with due care and humane treatment
• dispose of carcasses according to established industry standards.

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.

Vertebrate pests may include:

• animal species, such as wild birds
• rats and mice
• feral cats
• feral pigs
• foxes
• those identified in biosecurity codes of practice.

Unit sector 

Vertebrate pests

Co-requisite units 

Competency field