Unit of competency details

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare an inventory of natural systems and their components 

1.1 Natural systems  and components are identified within community and council expectations and requirements.

1.2 The significance of natural systems is specified in accordance with scientific and cultural criteria and community expectations.

1.3 Existing data  is identified and reviewed to enable characteristics of the natural system to be specified.

1.4 Data is collected objectively and in line with best practice processes on natural systems.

1.5 A comprehensive inventory of natural systems is prepared with full and detailed descriptors.

2 Assess challenges and opportunities for the conservation and re-establishment of natural systems 

2.1 Data is assessed against objective criteria and community expectations within relevant policies and legislation.

2.2 Challenges and opportunities are identified in accordance with legislative and authority expectations so that all factors are fully assessed.

2.3 Challenges and opportunities  are prioritised based on type, level, land tenure and classification of natural systems in accordance with community expectations.

2.4 The balance between conservation and other land use options is determined in an objective manner.

3 Prioritise environmental issues 

3.1 Criteria  are established to enable environmental issues to be prioritised.

3.2 Environmental issues for action are prioritised and responsible personnel are identified.

3.3 Outcomes and monitoring and review processes for environmental issues are identified.

4 Develop strategies for the environmental management system 

4.1 Consultation with the community and relevant authorities is undertaken to determine appropriate objectives and levels of performance.

4.2 Practical and appropriate strategies to conserve and re-establish natural systems are determined.

4.3 The effectiveness of strategies is assessed through a comparison with methods in practice elsewhere and past experience in the local area.

4.4 Proven techniques for the conservation and re-establishment of natural systems are identified within accepted procedures and environmental standards.

4.5 Alternative and innovative approaches are developed where appropriate to meet local requirements.

4.6 Strategies are presented to relevant personnel for endorsement and forwarded to relevant personnel for implementation.

5 Monitor and review the effectiveness of strategies to conserve and re-establish natural systems 

5.1 Regular data is collected and analysed to provide accurate measures of performance.

5.2 Comparisons are made with strategy objectives to assess effectiveness.

5.3 Changes to implemented strategy are made as required in a timely manner to ensure outcomes are achieved.

5.4 Information obtained during monitoring and review is used to develop new strategies that are based on accumulated knowledge and experience.

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

Required Skills 

• collecting and collating quantitative and qualitative data
• analytical
• Internet use
• monitoring procedures
• planning, implementation and review processes
• consulting, internal and external to organisation
• evaluating
• presenting
• verbal and written reporting

Required Knowledge 

• conservation
• environmental issues
• environmental planning and management
• re-establishment of environments
• community needs and expectations
• council structure and services
• relevant legislation
• community information
• relevant council policies and procedures
• native title

Overview of assessment requirements 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered 

The demonstrated ability to:

• prepare an inventory of natural systems
• collect data to evaluate challenges and opportunities for natural systems against objective criteria and community expectations within council policy and legislation
• prioritise environmental issues in accordance with council policy and community expectations
• assess strategies for conservation and natural systems in the local context
• monitor and review strategies to assess their effectiveness in conserving and re-establishing natural systems

Context of assessment 

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria applicable to the workplace environment, within the scope of the Range Statement.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
• written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
• completion of workplace documentation
• third-party reports from experienced practitioners
• completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.

Resource implications 

Access to work or simulated case study that includes such resources as:

• existing data and research on natural systems from wide range of sources
• a source for new data collection
• real or simulated stakeholders for consultation process

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Natural systems  may include:

• flora
• fauna
• species
• communities
• habitats
• regeneration
• revegetation
• fire management
• degradation factors

Data  may include:

• universities
• consultants
• reports
• conservation and natural resources
• land conservation councils
• port authorities
• state and federal bodies
• state environmental protection authorities
• interest groups
• referral bodies
• council planning schemes
• environmentalists
• state of the environment reports

Challenges and opportunities  may include:

• political emphasis
• economic rationalisation
• community attitude
• interest groups
• non-native species invasion
• native title considerations

Criteria to prioritise  may include:

• scientific data
• seriousness of likelihood that action will make a difference
• cost effectiveness
• community expectations
• legislation
• time frames
• budget constraints