Unit of competency details

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the process of providing an estimate and quote on waste management services to customers. It requires the ability to identify the needs of customers. Competency also requires a knowledge of calculating labour and material costs. These work functions would be carried out under routine supervision within organisational guidelines.

Application of the Unit

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Pre-Requisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Information

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills and Knowledge

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Critical aspects of competency 

• Correct determination of waste management requirements.
• Correct determination of prices and estimates for service, disposal, labour, equipment, materials and other relevant items.
• Ensures availability of equipment/materials.
• Ensures estimations return a profit where appropriate.
• Ensures estimates allow for provision of waste management service that meets client requirements.
• Prepares an accurate quote for the client that provides full details of service provision.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria 

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

• Basic waste management services.
• Basic requirements for service.
• Quality procedures.
• Company pricing schedules.
• Duty of care in provision of services.
• Relevant industry standards.
• OHS and other relevant legislation.
• Presentation standards.
• Legislative and company pricing policy and procedures.
• Relevant industry standards and codes of conduct.
• Problem-solving strategies.
• Organisational and client confidentiality requirements.
• Recording procedures and documentation requirements and processes.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria 

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

• communication including liaison, customer service, report writing, consultation, interpersonal, listening, questioning, gaining feedback, giving information
• observation
• numerical calculations including time, measurements, quantities
• safe and efficient work practices
• personal computer operation
• safe and efficient work practices
• methodical organisation of work
• time management.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit 

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example PRMWM31B Prepare detailed tender.

Resources required to assess this unit 

The following resources should be available:

• client file and requirements for review
• service costs
• unit prices of equipment, materials, labour upon which to make estimate
• standard company quotation pro forma
• case studies
• calculator/computer
• relevant codes of practice.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing activities in this field and reviewing the provision of a quotation. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Consistency in performance 

Assessment requires that strategies meet the objectives of the client and that it complies with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it will be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of waste requirements to assess competency in the provision of a quotation.

Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.)

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.

Key competency levels 

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables may be present for this particular unit.

Assignment instructions  may include:

• client identification and information details
• communication channels
• departure, route and arrival details
• documentation requirements
• duty statements
• personal equipment such as clothing or other items to be carried and/or worn
• policies, procedures or instructions applicable to work tasks
• reporting procedures
• resource and equipment requirements
• schedules (cost/time)
• site layout including access points
• verbal or written instructions from supervisor/client
• work tasks and procedures.

Client /company  includes all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, local governments/councils, private and public companies, and residents/ratepayers.

Company /organisational requirements  are found in:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• business and performance plans
• client and company confidentiality requirements
• client service standards
• code of conduct
• code of ethics
• defined resource parameters
• duty of care
• emergency and evacuation procedures
• induction documentation
• insurance policy agreements
• legal and organisational policy and procedures including personnel practices and guidelines
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• operations manuals
• organisational goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• records and information systems and processes
• training materials
• verbal or written instructions.

Company rate schedules  include:

• labour rates
• standard disposal costs
• standard equipment costs
• standard materials costs
• standard service costs
• standard unit costs.

Contingencies  typically include:

• building progress
• cash flow
• competencies
• disputes
• insurance
• restricted site access
• time penalties
• transport
• weather and environmental conditions.

Performance of this unit  is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following:

• Australian Standards
• environmental regulations
• legislative requirements
• manufacturers' specifications
• organisational procedures
• relevant state/territory regulations.

Quotations  may also act as an invoice for the work.

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable