Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What range of animals may be relevant to this standard?
Animals may be native or introduced species and can include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods and microfauna. Animals will comprise those commonly encountered within the industry workplace.

How will animals be named?
Common names will be used in recognition of animals. However, in some situations scientific names may be required.
In Indigenous communities, language names can be used in lieu of common names.

What resources may be used to recognise animals?
Resources may include field guides, enterprise or public library, business and research organisation websites, suppliers and contractors, enterprise supervisor and team colleague experience, and experts in the local area or industry sector. It may also include personal or enterprise reference collection.

What equipment may be used to recognise animals?
Equipment may include cameras, video recorders, binoculars, field guides, protective gloves and clothing, boats, wetsuits and skin-diving gear, and animal trapping and catching paraphernalia.

What processes may be available for aid in the recognition of animals?
Processes may include literature searches, internet browsing, personal consultation with experts, specimen collections, field guides, workplace notes, and use of simple keys.

What identifiable animal characteristics may be useful when identifying animals?
Animal characteristics may include the shape, size colour, texture, hair, movement, habitat and behaviour.

What documentation is involved in identifying animals?
Documentation may include a written description of the animal species including common and scientific names, visible characteristics, details of occurrence, photographs and reports according to the requirements of the enterprise or industry sector.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in recognising animals requires evidence that a person can identify and utilise available resources and equipment to identify animals accurately. The skills and knowledge required to recognise animals must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different animals, workplace settings and environments.
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 competency standard are listed below:

Animal identification techniques and nomenclature.
Animal behaviour.
Animal habitats.
Animal tracks and traces.
Techniques for observing, collecting/catching and reporting animals.
Enterprise procedures for obtaining and supplying advice and information about animals.
Enterprise expectations about the range and number of animals to be recognised.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

Recognise animals specific to the enterprise and describe their features and main occurrence within the enterprise.
Use simple keys.
Communicate with customers and clients, interpret questions effectively, and provide limited advice and information about the animals specific to the enterprise.

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
There is essential 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
Ideas and information relating to animal recognition should be discussed with other members of the work team and the supervisor. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on specific animals should be discussed with the work team and supervisor. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Equipment, materials and work procedures for animal recognition will need to be planned in advance of activities commencing. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Animal recognition activities may involve working with other members of a team, or work alone with advice and help sought where necessary. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Counting and estimating numbers of animals will require mathematical application. (1)

Solving problems
Problems relating to the difficulty of identifying certain features of an animal or using a taxonomic key may arise. (1)

Using technology
Technology may be applied in the identification and electronic recording of animals, research procedures, and telecommunication used for the provision of information about animals to clients and customers. (1)