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 are features?
Food and water sources, physical cover such as warren, surface logs, refuse and vegetation clumps.

What approaches may be used to clear features?
Modifications using machinery and equipment, installation of exclusion fencing or other structures, and chemical treatment.

What are the relevant federal, state legislation and local regulations that may be included?
Environmental protection, pest animals, use of firearms (including licensing requirements and exemptions), humane treatment of animals, activities in nature reserves and heritage areas, chemicals, poisons and veterinary substances, 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 might be included as resources?
Human, financial, physical (traps, firearms, ammunition, poisons, fencing materials, veterinary products), land, air and water transport facilities and plant (excavators, front-end loaders).

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in clearing features which harbour pest animals requires evidence that techniques are relevant to pest, work is carried out to enterprise and industry standards and that native animal habitats and flora are not damaged during the work. The skills and knowledge required to clear features that harbour pest animals must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different pest species, sites and techniques.
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:

Legislation & regulations relating to environmental protection.
Legislation & regulations relating to pest animals.
Legislation & regulations relating to activities in nature reserves and heritage areas.
OHS regulations.
Common law principles relating to property, stock, duty of care and due diligence.
Risks to land users' posed by pest animals including exotic diseases and zoonoses.
Pest life cycles and behaviours.
Harbours used by pest animals.
Harbours used by non-target species.

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:

Communicate with work colleagues.
Use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
Record and report task completion and, where necessary, observations of property status.
Prepare for the clearing job.
Destroy habitats that harbour pest animals.
Clean and store equipment and materials.

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
Clarify requirements and expectations for the job and liaise with work colleagues. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Inspect areas to be cleared and distinguish between features that harbour pest animals and features that provide protection for non-target species. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organise own work activities. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Collaborate with work colleagues during work activities. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Perform mathematical operations - estimation of task duration. (2)

Solving problems
Consider problems that arise during the job and determine contingency activities. (1)

Using technology
Apply modern clearing techniques and utilise equipment and materials. (2)