Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What may be regarded as a tour or presentation?
Tours and presentations may include guided tours and presentations for individuals or small and large groups including members of the public, school groups and specific tourist groups.

What materials and equipment may be included?
Materials and equipment may include display items on touch tables, marketing materials, electronic audiovisual equipment, maps of the facility, two-way radios, torches, toys and enticement food.

What specific group needs may be relevant?
Group needs may depend on audience characteristics (e.g. age, gender, overseas visitors, disabilities or familiarity with the topic), nature of the occasion, style of the venue and whether the session involves interaction with animals.

What public speaking and presentation skills may be relevant?
Public speaking and presentation skills may include voice control, listening techniques, eye contact, body language, dress, humour and ability to relate to the particular audience.

How are animals treated humanely?
Humane treatment of animals may include using correct handling procedures, minimising stress, dispensing treats and limiting time involvement in presentations.

What OHS requirements may have to be considered?
Animal care for captive animals has a range of associated risks from bites, envenomation, kicks or scratches. All duties should reflect an awareness of and respect for these risks.
Safe work practices are used in packaging and handling loads, including animals. Appropriate safe handling techniques are used to reduce muscle load on exertion.
Some captive animal facilities may expose personnel to risks such as zoonoses, release of infective agents (both animal and human) and chemical spillage.
Procedures to reduce the spread of disease may include incident reporting, cleaning, the removal of waste and spillage, the containment or elimination of risk, the use of personal protective equipment and clothing and seeking advice from supervisors.

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:

present guided tours or presentations within a captive animal facility for a range of audiences with different information needs
communicate effectively with a wide range of people
listen and respond to enquiries from members of the public
follow OHS and emergency procedures as required.

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:

captive animal facility's institutional structure and function
relevant policies and procedures, including OHS
working knowledge of species' natural history
basic ecology
basic animal adaptation and behaviour
broad basic knowledge of animals at the captive animal facility and their habitats
public speaking techniques
two-way radio procedures
subject matter for the tour.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

effective presentation and public speaking skills
ability to use presentation equipment effectively
ability to use a two-way radio
ability to treat animals humanely and safely
literacy skills to read and follow institutional policies and procedures, including OHS; follow sequenced written instructions; and select and follow procedures for a range of tasks
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the institution, including questioning techniques, active listening and consulting with supervisors
numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations
interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds
problem-solving skills to engage an audience in a limited period of time.

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 / or resources normally used in the workplace
materials and equipment necessary to conduct a tour or make a presentation
if used in demonstrations, animals for members of the public to handle.

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 captive animal workplace or in 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
RUV2101A Work in the animal care industry

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 conducting tours or making presentations. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By researching information and organising it into coherent tours or presentations. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By organising tours or presentations around the needs of specific groups. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By working with other guides or staff on agreed tasks. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By timing the tour or presentation accurately and counting the number of people in a group. (1)

Solving problems
By presenting information creatively to ensure a successful tour or presentation. (2)

Using technology
By using a two-way radio to communicate with other staff. (1)