Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What types of pests may be relevant to this competency standard?
Weeds and vertebrate pests.

What are the relevant Federal or State legislation and local regulations which may apply to this standard?
Environmental protection, vertebrate pests, noxious weeds, use of firearms (including licensing requirements and exemptions), humane treatment of animals, activities in nature reserves and heritage areas, poisons and veterinary substances, farm chemicals, identification and reporting of suspected outbreaks of exotic disease, OHS regulations and common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.

What forms of land value may be relevant?
Economic and environmental value.

Which measures of potential or actual impact may be relevant to this competency standard?
Biological values, agricultural values, environmental values, recreational and social values and public health values.

What methods and techniques for determining vertebrate pest population distribution may be relevant to this competency standard?
Animal counts (including spotlight and aerial counts, faecal counts, warren, burrow, den and nest counts), tracking pads and feeding stations.

Which vertebrate pests may be relevant to this standard?
Kangaroo, wallaby, emu, wombat, possum, fruit bat, cockatoo/parrot, waterfowl, seagull, starlings, pigeon and other birds, goat, horse, deer, pig, camel, cat, cattle, dog, water buffalo, donkey, rabbit, red fox, brown hare, cane toads, European carp, house mouse, black rat and brown rat.

Which land uses may be relevant?
Local agricultural production, local forestry industry, local nature and wildlife reserves, local heritage areas and local recreation areas.

Who might other stakeholders be?
Land managers in the region, local recreational land users, regional land management bodies, local regulatory authorities and landcare committees.

How might supporting and validating data be obtained?
By direct observation, GIS, satellite information and air-flown MSS.

What types of weeds might be relevant to this competency standard?
Economic and aesthetic weeds, both terrestrial and aquatic.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in developing monitoring procedures for the local pest management strategy requires evidence that a procedure has been developed and is relevant to local area pest management strategy, and meets industry standards in format, content and presentation. The skills and knowledge required to develop monitoring procedures for the local pest management strategy must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different pests, areas or monitoring requirements.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard 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:

Pest biology.
Land management processes.
Production processes.
Relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
Environmental protection legislation.
Monitoring procedures.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

Analyse local problems.
Plan strategically for local context.
Report on and document analytical and strategic activities.
Communicate with local land users.
Develop data recording documents for monitoring the pest strategy.
Prepare monitoring schedules.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which 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. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Establishing and maintaining consultation and liaison processes with local land users and stakeholders. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collecting and analysing pest management data relating to pest distribution. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Planning and monitoring activities. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Working with local landholders. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Collating and determining significance of data. (3)

Solving problems
Analysing pest data and defining the scope of the problem. (2)

Using technology
Collating data, documenting findings and developing report. (2)