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 Interpret delivery requirements .

1.1 Plan deliveries according to customer orders and schedules .

1.2 Monitor system flow rates or sources  to ensure orders can be met.

2 Operate irrigation or stock and domestic supply systems .

2.1 Identify and apply organisational requirements, plans, orders and schedules for the operation of irrigation or stock and domestic supply system.

2.2 Operate irrigation or stock and domestic supply system according to organisational procedures and legislative requirements , using safe work methods and appropriate equipment .

2.3 Monitor deliveries, record adjustments and irregularities, and communicate as required.

3 Record and report work activities .

3.1 Identify actual and potential problems that may reduce service standards and communicate to relevant personnel.

3.2 Record and report workplace activities according to legislative and organisational requirements.

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

Required skills :

• identify and respond to operational problems
• produce basic reports and logs
• operate communications equipment
• give and receives instructions
• follow plans, charts and instructions
• use safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• communicate with customers and other employees
• work effectively as part of a team
• perform work-related calculations
• operate irrigation or stock and domestic supply system
• check channel flow and water deliveries
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• identify control system faults

Required knowledge :

• impact of the principles of hydraulics on the operation of flows
• layout of drainage or irrigation system
• lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• communication systems
• service requirements specified in customers' contracts
• risk factors and potential hazards involved with water system
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• effects of weather and conditions on operation of system, site and plant
• flow measurement procedures
• control systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to operate and check irrigation, stock and domestic supply systems to ensure the delivery of water including:

• interpreting irrigation or drainage requirements
• operating, adjusting and monitoring irrigation or drainage system in a given area
• ensuring that water is delivered to schedule
• identifying and reporting problems and irregularities
• completing relevant records and reports

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any 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.

Orders and schedules  for water delivery may require:

• interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public
• meeting customers' contracts or supply orders and requests
• visual and electronic observation
• implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements

Flow rates or sources  may include delivery by:

• irrigation channel
• pipeline
• water tanker

Organisational procedures and legislative requirements  may include:

• relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
• codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
• documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
• relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements

Equipment  used may include:

• personal protective equipment
• hard copy chart recording systems
• mechanical flow usage meters
• basic hand and power tools
• on- and off-road vehicles
• communication equipment
• bar pulling equipment
• computerised equipment