Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of conducting a range of pest control activities from the air and defines the required to: discuss arrangements with ground crew and pilot safely handle and use weapons while on an aircraft; carry out shooting or baiting of nominated pests according to directions, if applicable; maintain a high degree of accuracy and accountability in actions.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to working independently within own area of responsibility.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Apply air safety procedures

1.1. Location and boundaries for the activities are confirmed with the pilot.

1.2. Time and duration of the flight are checked and relevant personnel notified.

1.3. Flight plans and search and rescue operations are confirmed with the pilot and ground crew.

1.4. On board emergency equipment is checked with pilot.

1.5. Emergency landing procedures are checked with the pilot.

1.6. Landing site requirements are checked.

1.7. Intent to approach or leave the aircraft is confirmed with the pilot.

1.8. Aircraft is approached in the recommended safe manner.

2. Conduct activities from aircraft

2.1. Equipment is stowed safely on the aircraft.

2.2. Harnesses and helmet are worn as required during pest control activities.

2.3. Route and location of activities are accurately plotted on property, local or regional map

2.4. Vertebrate pest animals are shot according to legislative requirements and enterprise procedures if applicable

2.5. Baits are distributed according to legislative requirements and enterprise procedures if applicable

2.6. Observation and recording of pest numbers is carried out if applicable

2.7. Activities are documented and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• apply air safety principles
• read maps and plot locations
• use weapons in an aircraft
• shoot pest animals humanely
• 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 

• relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental and animal welfare legislation
• legislation dealing with pest control
• pest behaviour and physiology
• air safety principals and emergency procedures appropriate to the firearms and/or bait handling
• common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence
• risks to land users posed by pests
• emergency procedures appropriate to the firearms and/or bait handling.

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:

• discuss arrangements with ground crew and pilot
• safely handle and use weapons while on an aircraft
• carry out shooting or baiting of nominated pests according to directions, if applicable
• maintain a high degree of accuracy and accountability in actions.

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:

• goats
• horses
• pigs
• camels
• cattle
• water buffaloes
• donkeys.

Unit sector 

Vertebrate pests

Co-requisite units 

Competency field