Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit specifies the outcomes required to plan and monitor the nutrition of a stand of trees over time

General workplace legislative and regulatory requirements apply to this unit; however there are no specific licensing or certification requirements at the time of publication

This unit replaces FPIFGM5203A Coordinate stand nutrition

Application of the unit 

This unit involves coordination of stand nutrition in a forest environment

The skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance are to be used within the scope of the person's job and authority

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

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

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan stand nutrition

1.1. Applicable Occupational Health and Safety  (OHS ), environmental, legislative  and organisational  requirements relevant to coordinating stand nutrition  are identified and followed

1.2. Site environmental requirements  are identified and complied with

1.3. Relevant information  is obtained, analysed and assessed for impacts on stand nutrition planning

1.4. Method (s ) of ensuring adequate and appropriate level of stand nutrition is/are selected

1.5. Measurable performance indicators, specifications and targets are determined and documented

1.6. Required approvals  are identified, sought and obtained from relevant authorities

1.7. Stand nutrition plan  and its performance indicators are clearly documented and communicated to appropriate personnel 

2. Implement and monitor stand nutrition

2.1. Resources required for fertiliser application are coordinated and scheduled and required documentation  is clearly and accurately completed

2.2. Schedule for the site is organised and liaison with relevant individuals /bodies /groups  is conducted as required using appropriate interpersonal techniques

2.3. Stand nutrition plan is implemented, monitored and issues are identified and addressed

2.4. Systematic checks  are carried out to ensure compliance requirements relevant to stand nutrition activities are adhered to

2.5. Communication  with others is established and maintained in line with OHS and organisational requirements

2.6. Adjustments to the stand nutrition plan are made as required and communicated to appropriate personnel

2.7. Potential and existing risks and hazards  in the work area are identified and controlled

2.8. Limitations  are identified and assistance sought as required in line with workplace procedures

3. Monitor tending operation

3.1. Data/documentation from stand nutrition is assessed and evaluated to confirm techniques, methodologies and budgets are in line with the plan

3.2. Issues and impediments to stand nutrition activities and program costs are identified and documented

3.3. A cost/benefit analysis is prepared and recommendations made based on the analysis of data and identified issues

3.4. Report  is prepared in the appropriate style and format and processed in line with workplace procedures

3.5. Results of stand nutrition are clearly communicated and/or disseminated to appropriate personnel

3.6. Workplace records and documentation are completed and maintained  in line with workplace procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• Technical skills sufficient to interpret and act on written information including maps, plans, reports and aerial photography and to recognise common diseases, pests, and nutrition deficiencies
• Communication skills sufficient to use appropriate consultative, communication and interpersonal techniques with colleagues and others including landholders and internal/external bodies and groups and to supervise operational staff and/or contractors to achieve specific organisation outcomes
• Literacy skills sufficient to accurately complete data and write reports and submissions in appropriate style and format and to accurately record and maintain information
• Numeracy skills sufficient to provide and interpret data, costings and calculations relating to time, financial information, weights, volumes and lengths
• Problem solving skills sufficient to issues and limitations to stand activities and demonstrate appropriate response procedures and to assess and extract critical information from various sources (legislation, manufacturer's recommendations, standards, codes of practice)
• Planning and organisational skills sufficient to coordinate and schedule operations and to identify and acquire relevant approvals

Required knowledge 

• Applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to the full range of processes for coordinating stand nutrition
• Environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material
• Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for processes for coordinating stand nutrition
• Fertiliser technology and options
• Nutrition requirements of target species
• Biology of target species
• Hydrology and hydrological principles
• Botany, including plant identification and classification skills
• Ecology and ecological interactions
• Soil types and structure
• Established communication channels and protocols
• Problem identification and resolution strategies and common fault finding techniques
• Types of tools and equipment and procedures for their use, operation and maintenance relevant to coordinating stand nutrition
• Appropriate mathematical procedures for estimating and measuring, including calculating time to complete tasks
• Procedures for recording and reporting workplace information

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can coordinate stand nutrition

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 and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:

• following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice, including OHS, environmental and organisational policies and procedures, relevant to coordinating stand nutrition
• following organisational policies and procedures relevant to coordinating stand nutrition
• effective communication and interpersonal techniques with colleagues and others
• determining measurable performance indicators, specifications and targets and developing a stand nutrition plan within specified budgetary guidelines
• coordinating and scheduling of resources and managing the work of others to achieve specific outcomes
• monitoring the provision of stand nutrition and ensuring relevant legal, OHS and environmental requirements are complied with
• documenting results from stand nutrition operation and reporting preparation for dissemination to relevant personnel

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
• Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
• Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
• The following resources should be made available:

• workplace location or simulated workplace
• materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
• specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment 

• Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
• Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
• Assessment methods applicable to this unit may include direct observation of tasks with questioning of required knowledge and the completion of projects, assignments or written tests
• Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required knowledge
• Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
• Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
• Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
• Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
• Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
• Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

OHS requirements :

are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:

• personal protective equipment and clothing
• safety equipment
• first aid equipment
• fire fighting equipment
• hazard and risk control
• fatigue management
• elimination of hazardous materials and substances
• safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire
• manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying

Legislative requirements :

are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:

• award and enterprise agreements
• industrial relations
• Australian Standards
• confidentiality and privacy
• OHS
• the environment
• equal opportunity
• anti-discrimination
• relevant industry codes of practice
• duty of care
• heritage and traditional land owner issues

Organisational requirements  may include:

• legal
• organisational and site guidelines
• policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
• quality assurance
• procedural manuals
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
• ethical standards
• recording and reporting requirements
• equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
• environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
• access and equity principles and practices

Stand nutrition  may be:

• used to improve the marketability of the stand

Environmental requirements  may relate to:

• hygiene of the area
• relevant national, State and local legislation and/or regulations

Information  may include:

• aerial photo interpretation
• ground surveys

Method (s ) may include:

• pruning using mechanical or hand tools
• the use of chemicals or biological agents

Approvals  may be:

• required where the use of chemicals or biological agents is intended

Plan  may detail:

• organisational terminology
• guidelines
• budgets
• policies and timelines
• internal memos
• resources (people, materials, equipment)

Appropriate personnel  may include:

• operational personnel
• clients
• colleagues
• sub-contractors
• line management
• relevant external authorities and agencies

Documentation  may include:

• maps
• plans
• reports
• forms

Individuals /bodies /groups  may include:

• neighbouring landholders

Checks  may ensure that:

• relevant organisational OHS procedures, practices, policies and precautions are observed and followed
• site environmental requirements comply with relevant national, State and local legislation and/or regulations
• performance indicators, targets and specifications are met
• the quantity, cost and provenances collected accord with plan specifications
• required organisational documentation is completed clearly and accurately

Communication  may include:

• verbal and non-verbal language
• constructive feedback
• active listening
• questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
• use of positive, confident and cooperative language
• use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences
• control of tone of voice and body language

Hazards  may include:

• the use of chemicals and/or biological agents
• infrastructure in the vicinity of stand, such as powerlines

Limitations  may relate to:

• job role and responsibilities
• own competency level
• industry requirements
• own understanding of risk identification processes
• own interpretation of legislation, regulations and procedures

Report  may document:

• difficulties or issues faced
• recommendations for future work
• results
• costs
• data analysis

Maintenance  may include:

• collation (of information or documentation)
• interpreting information in a way relevant to workplace requirements
• organising and maintaining accurate records
• utilising a full range of information media (written/printed, oral, electronic, visual display units/personal computers)

Competency field 

Forest Growing and Management