Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
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. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory and field assistants working in the environmental, mining, construction materials testing and rural industry sectors. All aspects of field and laboratory work covered by this unit of competency would be supervised by a scientific officer or technical officer. Though a supervisor may not always actually be present, the worker will follow standard operating procedures that clearly describe the permitted scope of practice. This unit of competency does not include gaining clearance for animal trapping, tagging, keeping or experimentation. It does not cover animal handling techniques. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Assist with organisation of fieldwork |
1.1. Purchase supplies and equipment as specified by senior staff 1.2. Assemble supplies and equipment and check against inventory 1.3. Pack supplies and equipment appropriately for safe transport |
2. Support field operations |
2.1. Check unpacked items against inventory 2.2. Store supplies and equipment as specified 2.3. Restock supplies as necessary 2.4. Collect and/or dispose of waste in accordance with enterprise and environmental requirements |
3. Assist with field activities |
3.1. Assemble equipment and materials for fieldwork as directed 3.2. Collect samples, if required, in accordance with enterprise procedures, animal care and ethics and other legislative requirements 3.3. Store samples in accordance with special requirements for continued wellbeing, viability or integrity of sample 3.4. Perform simple field measurements as directed 3.5. Collect and maintain records of site data as directed |
4. Demonstrate basic field survival skills |
4.1. Follow specified safety procedures 4.2. Follow specified survival procedures in the event of emergencies and accidents 4.3. Wear suitable clothing as protection against solar radiation, extreme temperatures and impact injury |
5. Assist with the completion of fieldwork |
5.1. Pack supplies, equipment and samples appropriately for safe return transport 5.2. Check and clean used equipment to prevent deterioration and contamination 5.3. Check that the condition of vehicles, equipment and materials comply with environmental/quarantine requirements for preventing transfer of pests 5.4. Return supplies and equipment to storage at enterprise location 5.5. Conduct a stocktake of equipment and supplies for replenishment where required 5.6. Assist with the dispatch of collected samples for laboratory analysis, as necessary |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment. This unit of competency may be assessed with:
Resources may include:
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Method of assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment. |
This competency in practice |
Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and show its relevance in a workplace setting. Environmental (1 ) On a field trip to determine the biodiversity of an island fringing reef, a technical assistant assists with constructing a grid map of the study area. The assistant counts the number of six different species of plant in part of the grid, taking care to minimise the impact on the environment. He/she also accurately records the data on a map to show the location of each plant using a predetermined key. Environmental (2 ) A technical assistant is asked to pack and safely transport water sampling and monitoring equipment to a distant field site. Firstly, the assistant checks that all the equipment is in working order and that he/she is able to use and maintain it. Given that the technical assistant is licenced to operate a small boat and is a competent underwater diver, he/she also performs a simple underwater survey of macrophytes in a lake in the study area. The assistant follows standard safety and operating procedures and records the results on a grid map and in the daily log book. Construction materials testing A contract laboratory has assigned a team of three to conduct pavement investigations in a rural/remote region. The field assistant uses a checklist to assemble all the required equipment and supplies for a three day trip. The assistant checks the vehicle, toolkit and spares, communication equipment, GPS, water, first aid kit and personal protective equipment. He/she also checks that the generator, fuel, jackhammer,dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), sample bags, measuring devices and camera are all present and in good working order. Because the team will be working away from base for three days, the assistant knows that it is vital that all items are present and stowed safely before he/she tells the team leader that the vehicle is ready for departure. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Codes of practice |
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used |
Standards , codes , procedures and /or enterprise requirements |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
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Items of equipment |
Items of equipment may include:
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Hazards |
Hazards may include:
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Safety procedures |
Safety procedures may include:
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Occupational health and safety (OHS ) and environmental management requirements |
OHS and environmental management requirements:
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Testing |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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