Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to provide field support services. It requires the ability to work with others on site to perform key organisational requirements within a spatial information services framework, working from site drawings and specifications. Functions would be carried out under supervision, often in a team environment, and within organisational guidelines.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency supports the application of communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and the use of technology. The skills and knowledge acquired upon completion of this unit would support the needs of employees in the spatial information services industry sector in positions such as field coordination and data collection.

While no licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply holistically to this unit at the time of publication, relevant federal, and state or territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice impact upon this unit (see unit performance criteria and range statement).

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Plan and prepare for support task .

1.1 Requirements of the job are clarified with relevant personnel  according to organisational guidelines .

1.2 Tools, equipment and supplies  appropriate to the environment are selected and prepared according to specifications .

1.3 Safety requirements for the protection of site personnel, the public and the environment are determined.

1.4 Plans are examined to determine the location of services.

1.5 Personal protective equipment  is used according to OHS  guidelines.

1.6 Skills and knowledge are updated to accommodate changes in field support services.

2 Execute support tasks .

2.1 Barricades, protective works and signs are erected, when required according to organisational guidelines.

2.2 Surface positions are determined and marked according to accepted standards  using information available from site drawings and references, and relevant personnel.

2.3 Support tasks  are carried out under direction and according to specifications.

2.4 Skills and knowledge are updated to accommodate changes in equipment and operating procedures.

3 Finalise the task .

3.1 Site is restored as near as practicable to original condition.

3.2 Tools and equipment are cleaned and stored in a secure location.

3.3 Repair work is organised for unsafe or faulty tools and equipment.

3.4 All required spatial business documentation  is completed accurately and promptly according to organisational guidelines.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills :

• ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• ability to select and use tools appropriately
• communication skills to:

• discuss vocational issues effectively with colleagues
• impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means

• computer skills
• first aid (basic)
• interpersonal skills e.g. cooperation and flexibility
• literacy skills to:

• assess and use workplace information
• interpret and understand legal, financial and procedural requirements
• process workplace documentation
• read and record data

• numeracy skills to:

• accurately record and collate
• undertake basic computations

• organisational skills to prioritise daily activities
• spatial skills to apply understanding of height, depth, breadth, dimension and position to actual operational activity and virtual representation
• technological skills (basic)
• time management skills.

Required knowledge and understanding :

• industry ethics and practices
• legislation as it applies to the spatial information services industry sector (basic)
• OHS requirements
• safe work practices
• spatial data measuring and recording
• work allocation procedures.

Overview of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example units CPPSIS3007A Select, operate and maintain equipment and supplies, and CPPSIS3008A Transfer personnel and loads.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• carrying out task instructions
• demonstrating critical aspects of working safely
• managing basic risk
• providing support in determining and marking positions
• understanding the nature of spatial projects.

Specific resources for assessment 

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
• assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements
• registered training provider of assessment services
• relevant guidelines, regulations and codes of practice
• suitable venue and equipment.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Context of assessment 

Holistic: based on the performance criteria, evidence guide, range statement, and required skills and knowledge.

Method of assessment 

Demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).

Demonstrated competency in a range of situations, that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing induction information. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment requires that the clients' objectives and industry expectations are met. If the clients' objectives are narrowly defined or not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of spatial information services requirements to assess competency.

Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge (in assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning or written assessment, questions are to be identical).

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

All practical demonstration must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each State or Territory.

Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (recognition of current competencies [RCC] or recognition of prior learning [RPL]), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Assessment processes will be appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• colleagues
• staff or employee representatives
• supervisors or line managers
• suppliers
• users.

Organisational guidelines  may include:

• code of ethics
• company guidelines
• legislation relevant to the work or service function, including equal employment opportunity (EEO)
• manuals
• OHS policies and procedures
• personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles and responsibilities.

Equipment and supplies  may include:

• data recording equipment
• measuring instruments
• personal computer-based digitising boards
• tools
• vehicles.

Specifications  may include:

• budget
• data capture methods
• personnel required
• project deliverables
• resources needed
• timelines.

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• breathing apparatus
• gloves
• helmets
• overalls
• masks and respirators
• safety boots
• safety glasses
• safety vests
• sun protection equipment.

OHS  may include:

• Australian standards
• development of site safety plan
• identification of potential hazards
• inspection of work sites
• training staff in OHS requirements
• use of equipment and signage.

Accepted standards  may include:

• Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recommendations
• state, territory and federal legislative requirements
• manufacturer instructions and specifications
• OHS standards
• organisational guidelines
• relevant industry codes of practice.

Support tasks  may include:

• equipment maintenance
• identifying, determining and marking positions
• obtaining supplies
• recording data
• driving.

Spatial business documentation  may include:

• databases
• detailed technical description of the spatial data and its qualifiers
• emails and faxes
• quotations and estimates
• standard letters
• tax invoices
• statements.

Unit sector 

Spatial information services