Elements and Performance Criteria

Alternative model characteristics include
consultative, regional, undertaken by external consultants and unilateral.

Constraints include
budgets, knowledge, resources and time.

Criteria to prioritise issues may include
budget constraints, community preferences, environmental (including energy efficiency issues) impact/benefit, legislative provisions, resources and timeframes.

Data includes but is not limited to
existing reports/programs, questionnaires, references, stakeholder input and surveys.

Human resources include
community experts, consultants, government agencies, internal staff, project officers and volunteers.

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.

Relevant legislation and codes cover
state and federal industry codes of conduct, occupational health and safety legislation, Australian Standards and environmental protection legislation.

Stakeholders include but are not limited to
business
community
council
funding bodies
government
industry
interest groups
land management agencies
local authorities
statutory authorities.

Critical aspects of competency
Ability to identify environmental management objectives.
Relevant stakeholders consulted in development of strategy.
Relevant environmental assets clearly identified.
Ability to prioritise environmental issues by level of importance and impact.

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.
Features of an environmental management strategy.
Management strategy options.
Waste minimisation hierarchy.
Environmental issues.
Environmental planning/management.
Community needs and expectations.
Resource availability.
OHS hierarchy of control.
Relevant environmental protection legislation.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

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

research
analysis
communication skills (including liaising with stakeholders, asking questions, providing information, explaining strategy)
strategic planning and strategy development
reading and interpreting data and information
prioritising
evaluation
budgeting.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

environmental protection legislation
company policy and procedure
range of stakeholders.

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 the field and reviewing the development of an environmental management strategy. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that strategies meet the objectives of clients and comply 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 assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different client needs to assess competency in the development of an environmental management strategy.
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 audit, 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.

Communicating ideas and information
Discuss all aspects of environmental management strategies with colleagues, clients and relevant personnel. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather, analyse and organise information from a number of sources (including relevant legislation and company requirements). Determine priorities utilising existing practices and recommend action. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Plan and organise activities in accordance with environmental management strategies. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Work cooperatively with colleagues or in project teams to determine and implement appropriate environmental management strategies. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Prepare accurate budget/s. (1)

Solving problems
Identify and solve risk elements in environmental management strategies. (2)

Using technology
Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. (1)