Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL973005A Assist with fieldwork

Application

This unit of competency describes the ability to perform tasks associated with the organisation of fieldwork and field surveys. It also covers basic field survival skills and collection of samples in the field. This unit of competency does not include gaining clearance for animal trapping, tagging, keeping or experimentation. It does not cover animal handling techniques.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory and field assistants working in the environmental, mining, construction materials testing and rural industry sectors.

Personnel covered by this unit of competency are supervised by scientific or technical officers. Though a supervisor may not always actually be present, the individual will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the permitted scope of practice.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Testing

Unit Sector

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

Unit Mapping Information

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL973005A Assist with fieldwork

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL973005A Assist with fieldwork

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

• performing tasks associated with the organisation and conduct of fieldwork and/or field surveys on at least two (2) occasions
• performing all field activities according to workplace procedures, legislative and environmental requirements, industry guidelines and codes of practice
• organising, packing/unpacking and stowing materials and equipment with close attention to detail
• collecting samples in the field
• performing simple field measurements
• storing and maintaining samples in accordance with special requirements for continued wellbeing, viability and integrity of the sample
• cleaning equipment and collecting and disposing of wastes in accordance with safety and environmental requirements
• maintaining accurate and complete data records and checklists
• using basic field survival strategies
• working safely and in accordance with environmental requirements.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

• terms used to describe the relevant industry sector's field equipment, materials, samples and specimens
• workplace procedures relating to collection, maintenance and storage of samples and field testing relevant to job role
• specific legislation and codes of practice related to sample and animal collection (if relevant in the industry sector)
• safety and survival procedures and environmental management requirements relevant to fieldwork conducted as part of job role
• operating procedures for vehicles and equipment used in fieldwork conducted as part of job role, such as use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), generators and communication gear
• procedures for controlling fieldwork hazards relevant to job role, such as:

• solar radiation, dust and noise
• personnel getting lost
• incidents or emergencies, such as snake or animal bites
• severe weather conditions
• manual handling of heavy objects
• vehicle and boat handling in rough/remote conditions
• moving machinery and hand tools
• driving vehicles in rough terrain and over long distances during day or night.

Assessment Conditions

• Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
• This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
• Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
• This unit of competency may be assessed with:

• MSL913001 Communicate with other people
• MSL913002 Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

• Holistic assessment methods include:

• feedback from supervisors and team members about the candidate’s performance in the field
• review of the candidate’s responses to scenarios associated with organisation of fieldwork, fieldwork operations and basic field survival strategies
• review of the candidate’s responses during simulated accident and emergency situations requiring use of communication procedures and basic field survival strategies
• observation of candidate preparing for and/or conducting fieldwork
• oral/written questions about workplace procedures for the efficient organisation and safe conduct of fieldwork.

• Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

• equipment required for field activities, such as vehicles, navigation and communication equipment, survey equipment, sampling equipment, containers and animal cages, field test kits and instruments, safety equipment and consumables
• work program, workplace procedures, codes of practice and field protocols and manuals.

• Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
• The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
• Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

• relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
• relevant workplace experience.

• Currency can be demonstrated through:

• performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
• having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa