Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the capture, assessment of transport and care needs, impounding, monitoring, release and reporting of animals and/or reptiles.

Application of the Unit 

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of varying size and locations. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The role of councils, as the third tier of government, in managing the application of a broad range of by-laws and regulations must be appropriately reflected.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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. Capture animals or reptiles 

1.1. Response to request for assistance is timely and efficient use of resources is observed.

1.2. Traffic control precautions are used and access to incident site is controlled to ensure safety of public.

1.3. Safe and humane methods of handling animals or reptiles are observed.

1.4. Where appropriate, animals or reptiles are disposed of in accordance with legislative and council requirements and relevant statutes.

2. Assess transport or care needs 

2.1. Transport or intermediate care is provided according to protocols or legislation.

2.2. Containment and loading are secure and safe.

2.3. Temporary holding facilities are arranged or negotiated with landowners where necessary.

3. Impound animals or reptiles 

3.1. Impounding decision is consistent with legislative and council requirements.

3.2. Ownership of animals is determined using council records or stock brands.

3.3. Advisory/penalty notices are issued according to council regulations.

4. Monitor or care for animals or reptiles 

4.1. Feeding and handling of animals during care is undertaken in accordance with pound procedures and legislative and council requirements.

4.2. Safe work practices, procedures and environmental conditions are observed during handling, monitoring and care duties.

5. Release animals or reptiles to owners /carers or return to environment 

5.1. Decision to release or restore animal to environment is in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures.

5.2. Auction of unclaimed stock is performed according to council procedures.

5.3. Recovery of costs and revenue is assessed and enforced according to relevant legislation and procedures.

6. Report on animals or reptiles that are captured , impounded or disposed of 

6.1. Reports containing accurate information drawn from council registers are forwarded to relevant officers or authorities.

Hidden text

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• computers
• video, voice recorders and radio communication
• preparing and issuing instructions and/or explanations to the public
• reporting to council.

Required Knowledge 

• animal and reptile behaviour
• predators
• dominance
• fear
• aggression
• applicable impounding techniques
• animal and reptile handling and disabling techniques
• animal and reptile dietary and impounding needs
• routine medicinal, chemical and dipping application
• animal health treatment
• humane disposal techniques
• safe and effective use of firearms
• stock brands
• identification tags
• microchip reading
• local area geography
• terrain
• urban and rural navigation
• relevant statutes
• notice-serving process
• court evidence
• traffic control licensing requirements and direction.

Hidden text

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

Impounding techniques used are appropriate to animal or reptile species and the condition of the animal or reptile.

Assessments of animal or reptile health and condition, and the appropriate disposal of animals or reptiles, are in accordance with council policies and procedures.

Traffic control is in accordance with relevant licensing requirements.

Use of firearms is in accordance with relevant licensing requirements.

Notices are served in accordance with council regulations.

Safe work practices and concern for public safety are displayed by care and control staff.

Context of assessment 

On the job or in a simulated work environment.

Written or oral testing.

Relationship to other units (prerequisite or co-requisite units )

Prerequisite units: nil.

Co-requisite units: nil.

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 

Competency in duties may be displayed with domestic animals, livestock, wildlife or reptiles.

Resource implications 

Access to a workplace or simulated environment that encompasses impounding processes, techniques and equipment.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Animals or reptiles may include :

• domestic pets
• livestock
• feral animals
• native animals
• reptiles.

Capture or control may include :

• traps
• poles and ropes
• tongs
• tranquilliser guns
• firearms
• vehicles
• loading and yarding
• health, condition and behaviour of animal or reptile from observation or reports
• supervision of, or communication to, other staff or agency personnel
• disposal of deceased animals or reptiles

Transport may include :

• dedicated or contracted transport
• appropriate for care and human safety.

Ownership issues may include :

• verification of claims to ownership by such things as tags or microchips
• recovery of costs relating to transport, sustenance and penalties.

Hidden text

Unit Sector 

Regulatory Services Units

Hidden text

Competency Field 

Co-requisite Unit /s