Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:26 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Recognise common geological landforms and samples

Recognise common geological landforms and samples

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS024020
State Code
OAF14
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/10/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/02/2019
Field of Education
010703 - Geology
Original Release Date
19/02/2019
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to recognise common geological landforms and relate these to basic geological processes and other ecosystem components. Personnel are also expected to obtain near surface samples of common rocks, minerals and soils and identify them using classification tables and charts.This unit applies to environmental technicians working in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental services; environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; groundwater and clean water; solid and hazardous waste management; management of contaminated sites; site remediation or rehabilitation; geotechnical services and civil engineering; natural resource management.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for field work
  • 1.1 Review job request to identify the equipment involved, samples to be collected and test methods
  • 1.2 Identify hazards and read workplace safe work procedures associated with the site, samples, test methods and equipment used
  • 1.3 Confirm site location, access, timing and any client requirements
  • 1.4 Assemble all required equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose
  • 1.5 Stow equipment and materials to ensure their safe transport
  • 1.6 Arrange transport to site
  • 1.7 Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to others
2 Recognise geological structures and processes
  • 2.1 Recognise common landforms and relate these to geological processes
  • 2.2 Read and interpret simple geological maps, diagrams and aerial photos
  • 2.3 Apply principles of geological processes and the geological timescale to explain the formation and occurrence of common rocks, minerals, soils and aquifers
3 Identify common rocks and minerals
  • 3.1 Sort handheld specimens of common sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks by observing their textural, structural and mineralogical properties
  • 3.2 Identify handheld specimens of common rocks and minerals by comparing their physical properties with classification charts and tables
4 Identify common soil types and their properties
  • 4.1 Obtain soil samples using specified sampling equipment and methods
  • 4.2 Examine soil colour, texture and properties of soil components to classify common soils
  • 4.3 Identify and describe simple soil profiles at field sites
  • 4.4 Recognise influences of rock type, drainage, age and climate on development of soil profiles
  • 4.5 Recognise common forms of soil degradation
5 Relate local geology to flora and fauna and land use
  • 5.1 Apply the basic relationships between parent material, climate, topography, soils and living ecosystem components to interpret sites
  • 5.2 Recognise how local geology can influence the revegetation or rehabilitation of sites
6 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 6.1 Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • 6.2 Minimise environmental impacts of sampling and/or testing and generation of waste
  • 6.3 Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental and quarantine requirements and workplace procedures
7 Report data and finalise documentation
  • 7.1 Report field data in the required formats and expected timeframe
  • 7.2 Complete all required documentation
  • 7.3 Maintain the security and confidentiality of data and documentation in accordance with workplace requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAK88 MSS024008 Recognise common geological landforms and samples Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OER03 MSS024032 Document simple geological information for a site Unit of competency