Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit of competency may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What may housing requirements include?
Housing requirements may include fencing, netting, gates, security measures, brooders, heating, perches, food and water dispensers, hollow logs, branches and environmental enrichment.

Which husbandry practices may be used?
Husbandry practices may include disease control, environmental control and the appropriate delivery and placement of food and water.

What are examples of relevant OHS requirements?
Safe work requirements may include the use of relevant personal protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles and glasses, protective masks and animal handling gauntlets; hazard identification and risk minimisation; appropriate procedures for the handling, use, storage, transport and disposal of chemicals; and appropriate procedures for the handling and disposal of biological wastes.

Which maintenance activities may be carried out?
Maintenance activities may include sweeping, hosing, washing, disinfecting, repairing fixtures and fittings, checking and reporting utilities and replacing consumables.

Which PPE may be required?
Personal protective clothing and equipment will be determined by the activity being undertaken and may include work boots, gloves, overalls, sun hats, sunscreen lotion, safety harnesses, hearing or eye protection and respirators or face masks.

Which tools, equipment and materials may be required?
Tools and equipment may include surveying and levelling equipment such as levels; pegs; notebook, pencil and calculator; and tools such as rakes, shovels, spades, hammers, rollers, wheelbarrows, hoses and hose fittings.

Which pests may be encountered?
Pests may include rats, mice, cockroaches, spiders, predators, parasites, ants and flying insects.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

manage aviaries and bird rooms
provide appropriate husbandry for birds
maintain enclosures
identify pests and apply pest-control techniques
detect notifiable diseases
maintain accurate records.

What specific knowledge is 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 of competency are listed below and include:

avian biology
species compatibility
animal welfare and ethics requirements
housing requirements
avian pests and diseases.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

ability to employ security processes
ability to prepare and maintain housing
ability to operate cleaning and maintenance equipment
ability to use pest control equipment
ability to identify diseases in birds and pests
literacy skills to read, select and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and infection control procedures; and record details and information accurately and legibly
interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening and asking for clarification
numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
a broad range of bird species
various types of housing
capturing and handling equipment.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a workplace or a situation that reproduces normal work conditions. There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency

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 unit of competency. 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
By discussing maintenance activities with maintenance personnel, contractors or consultants. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By assessing different layouts, fixtures and fitting options when considering housing needs. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By planning for and implementing the maintenance of aviaries and bird rooms. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By working with others to implement the maintenance plan. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By calculating heating requirements relevant to species, plants and physical locations. (2)

Solving problems
By recognising and implementing corrective action as required. (3)

Using technology
By using organisational systems to develop maintenance plans. (2)